Maturation of human fetal responses to vibroacoustic stimulation

Maturation of human fetal response to vibroacoustic stimulation was examined in 60 fetuses from 23 to 36 weeks gestational age. Subjects received vibroacoustic or no-stimulus control trials (randomly assigned) while fetal heart rate (FHR) was recorded and movement was observed on real-time ultrasound scan. Initially, at 26-28 weeks, a small FHR deceleration response occurred; subsequently, FHR acceleration responses occurred. From 29 weeks, 83%-100% of subjects responded with an FHR acceleration > or = 10 BPM on the first vibrator trial and accelerations were observed on 83%-92% of all vibrator trials. From 26 to 36 weeks the percentage of fetuses responding with movement on the first vibrator trial increased from 58% to 100%; on all vibrator trials responses increased from 53% to 94%. It was concluded that maturation of human fetal response to vibroacoustic stimulation begins at about 26 weeks gestation, increases steadily over a 6-week period, and reaches maturity at about 32 weeks.