A prospective study of the development of laterality: neonatal laterality in relation to perinatal factors and maternal behavior.
As part of an investigation of the development of laterality, 150 neonates were tested for bilateral asymmetries in behavior. Palmar and plantar grasping, and head-turning preference were measured, and observations were made of the way mothers held their babies and laid them in their cribs. Overall, right head-turning predominated. However, the side on which the baby had been lain pre-test markedly affected head-turning behavior: 120 of 147 babies turned predominantly to the right after lying on the right, whereas only 75 did so after lying on their left side (p < .001). There was no predominant asymmetry in the population in palmar or plantar grasping. These findings are explored in relation to perinatal factors and maternal behavior.
Thompson
A M
AM
Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manchester.
Smart
J L
JL
D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009949:Orientation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012016:Reference Values