The extent to which fetal gastro-intestinal movements occur normally in intrauterine life is unknown. However, we are led to believe that they are present because meconium passed at birth contains vernix caseosum derived from the amniotic fluid which the human fetus swallows in large amounts by the sixth month.1, 2 Carlson and Ginsburg3 recorded vigorous and frequent hunger contractions in puppies delivered 8-10 days prematurely and direct observations of “spontaneous” fetal intestinal movements have been made by Yanase,4 and others.5-9 Asphyxial conditions prevailed in the latter instances except when viable fetuses near term were used.We have observed directly and recorded in motion pictures intestinal activities in fetal cats and in kittens one and 2 days after birth. Fetuses were delivered by Caesarian section performed on animals previously decerebrated under ether by tying internal carotid and basilar arteries. This made it possible to dispense with anesthesia. Fetuses were first examined with the p...