title: Fetal habituation correlates with functional brain development.
abstract: In this study, we divided 26 fetuses at 32-37 weeks of gestation into three groups using combined criteria of gestational age and behavioral indicators. We investigated fetal habituation to vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS). Fetuses showed habituation from at least 32 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, fetuses less developed from behavioral standpoint took significantly more trials to achieve habituation than developed fetuses even in the same gestational age. Taken together with these data, it was proved that there was a relationship between aspects of behavioral development and habituation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. kfuku@med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Seiichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morokuma
authors.forename: Kotaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fukushima
authors.forename: Nobuyuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tomonaga
authors.forename: Shoji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Satoh
authors.forename: Hitoo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakano
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development*; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D013216:Reflex, Startle / Q000502:physiology*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal