3D imaging of fetal head molding and brain shape changes during labor

To demonstrate and describe fetal head molding and brain shape changes during delivery, we used three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D finite element mesh reconstructions to compare the fetal head between prelabor and the second stage of labor. This study demonstrates the value of 3D MRI study with 3D finite element mesh reconstruction during the second stage of labor to reveal how the fetal brain is impacted by the molding of the cranial bones. With this in mind, we performed sequential Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaging and 3D reconstruction of the fetal skull and brain in a series of normal pregnancies with planned vaginal deliveries before the onset of labor and then during the second stage of labor.

Source: journals.plos.org