[Comparison of fetal respiratory movement and the non-stress test with the condition of the fetus in and following labor].

Fetal breathing movements and nonstress test were examined in 104 non-selected pregnant women between weeks 38-42 of gestation. A significant relationship existed between either the presence or absence of fetal breathing movements and results of the nonstress test as judged by the one-, and five minute Apgar score or the incidence of fetal distress in labour. Significantly more information can be gained about the status of the fetus by combination of the methods than by employing any of the two alone.