Change in T2* Measurements of Placenta and Fetal Organs During Braxton Hicks Contractions

Turk EA, Stout JN, Feldman HA, Gagoski B, Zhou C, Tamen R, Manhard MK, Adalsteinsson E, Roberts DJ, Golland P, Grant E, Barth WH. Change in T2* Measurements of Placenta and Fetal Organs During Braxton Hicks Contractions. Placenta. 2022;128:69–71.

Abstract

Maternal-placental perfusion can be temporarily compromised by Braxton Hicks (BH) uterine contractions. Although prior studies have employed T2* changes to investigate the effect of BH contractions on placental oxygen, the effect of these contractions on the fetus has not been fully characterized. We investigated the effect of BH contractions on quantitative fetal organ T2* across gestation together with the birth information. We observed a slight but significant decrease in fetal brain and liver T2* during contractions.
Last updated on 02/24/2023