[Fetal behavior in multiple pregnancy: methodologic, clinical and scientific aspects].

In multiple pregnancy, an intense supervision of the fetal condition is indicated during pregnancy and delivery. With the aid of a recently developed actocardiograph originally described by Maeda, it is possible to monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal movements (FM) of twins simultaneously on one tracing by 2 external Doppler transducers. Additional methods (stimulation, real-time and Doppler ultrasound) were tested in combination with the equipment. In addition, FHR tracings of triplets were registered during delivery simultaneously with FM and contractions. First patterns of "twin behaviour" are described. It may be concluded that this way of recording is of definite practical and potential scientific value.