Abstract

In three studies, human fetal sensory sensitivity was examined using three different vibroacoustic transducers including an artificial larynx (AL), a plastic-(M1) and a rubber-headed (M2) body massager. Forty-four term fetuses received blocks of stimulus/control trials intermixed and randomly presented. AL and M1 provoked generalized activation and elicited fetal heart rate accelerations (averaging 26 and 22 BPM, respectively) on the first stimulus trial. The magnitude of the FHR response elicited by AL was sustained over three trials while that to M1 declined. Contrary to expectations, M2 failed to elicit heart rate accelerations and body movements. However, lowering the power of M2 resulted in a small decrease in both heart rate and movement. Thus, vibroacoustic transducers may elicit either generalized activition or quieting in the term fetus. The direction of the response appears to depend upon subtle differences in stimulus intensity and spectral characteristics.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.