Using fetal acoustic stimulation to shorten the biophysical profile.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether fetal acoustic stimulation can decrease the time required to achieve a reassuring biophysical profile.


METHODS
Patients scheduled for a biophysical profile were prospectively assigned to study and control groups. The study group received 3 seconds of acoustic stimulation if fetal breathing, tone, or movement were not present during the first 5 minutes of the study. The biophysical profile was completed in the standard fashion, for both groups.


RESULTS
A total of 870 patients were enrolled (458 control, 412 with stimulation). The fetal acoustic stimulation group had decreased testing time (3 minutes) and fewer non-reassuring tests (5%). The fetal acoustic stimulation group had fewer studies without breathing, potentially reducing the need for further testing or intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal acoustic stimulation can be used to decrease the biophysical profile testing time and to reduce the number of non-reassuring tests.
Pinette
Michael G
MG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 887 Congress Street, Suite 200, Portland, Maine 04102, USA.
Blackstone
Jacquelyn
J
Wax
Joseph R
JR
Cartin
Angelina
A
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D011247:Pregnancy; D012119:Respiration