A new method for the measurement of pre-ejection period in the human fetus.

The pre-ejection period (PEP) of the cardiac cycle was measured in the human fetus using pulse Doppler in association with transabdominal ECG. The technique permitted the exact localization of the aortic valve, a good recording of its opening and the exact measurement of PEP. Between 32 and 42 weeks of pregnancy there is a strong correlation between PEP and gestational age. This new method seems to be an easy and reliable tool for measuring the PEP during intrauterine life.