Vibroacoustic stimulation in normal term human pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) on fetal heart rate (FHR) in term human fetuses by computerized carditocography system.


METHODS
FHR was analyzed 20 min before and 30 min after vibroacoustic stimulation using the Oxford Sonicaid System 8002 for computerized FHR measurement. Recordings were made in 31 uncomplicated pregnancies at 36-42 weeks' gestation.


RESULTS
Vibroacustic stimulation of the fetus evoked a significant increase in all the parameters evaluated (number of fetal movements, of accelerations above 10 and 15 bpm, in high- and low-variability episodes, and in short-term variations). Concerning the effect of behavioural states on the response to VAS, some changes (FHR, high-variability episodes) occurred independently of behavioural states, while other parameters (accelerations >10 and 15 bpm: short-term variation) underwent statistically significant changes only for behavioural states 1F and 2F.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study supports the hypothesis of a significant fetal response in normal term pregnancy, as clearly shown by computerized cardiotocography. The immediate response occurred independently of behavioural states, although some differences were present (mainly for F1 and F2 states) if the evaluation was extended in time.
D'Elia
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini n. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. delia@unina.it
Pighetti
M
M
Vanacore
F
F
Fabbrocini
G
G
Arpaia
L
L
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement / Q000502:physiology; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014732:Vibration