The effect of antenatal steroid treatment on fetal autonomic heart rate regulation revealed by fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG).

Background: Steroid administration to accelerate fetal lung maturation reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality in the case of preterm delivery. Behavioral observations suggest effects on fetal cardiovascular regulation.

Aim: We hypothesize that beat to beat heart rate variability (fHRV) derived from fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) will reveal a direct, acute steroidal effect on fetal autonomic heart rate regulation.

Indices of fetal development derived from heart rate patterns.

Background: The fetal precursors of mental and cardiovascular disease caused by adverse prenatal environmental influences and manifesting in later age are an important issue of developmental medicine. However the number of measurable functional parameters of a fetus is limited. Evaluation of key parameters involving fetal autonomic control could permit an earlier detection of developmental problems and improved therapeutic strategies.