Fetal breathing: a review.

The history, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical application of fetal breathing are reviewed. Early optimism that measurements of fetal breathing would aid in perinatal management decisions has remained unfulfilled. Problems to be overcome include standardization of technique and measurement parameters and allowance for physiologic variations. Recent research developments indicate that the likely role of fetal breathing in perinatal medicine will be in conjunction with other established tests of fetal health.