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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:18
Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
Recorded maternal voice for preterm neonates undergoing heel lance
C Celeste Johnston1, Francoise Filion, Anne Monique Nuyt
1McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. celeste.johnston@mcgill.ca
Summary
A recorded maternal voice did not significantly reduce pain in preterm infants during procedures. The loud recording may have been aversive, potentially causing distress and lower oxygen saturation in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pain management in neonates
Background:
- Maternal skin-to-skin contact is effective for procedural pain in neonates.
- Maternal presence is not always feasible during painful procedures.
- Auditory development suggests maternal voice may substitute for presence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a recorded maternal voice in reducing procedural pain in preterm infants (32-36 weeks gestational age).
Main Methods:
- A crossover design study with 20 preterm infants (32-36 weeks GA).
- Infants received a recorded maternal voice or control during painful procedures.
- The Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) was used to measure pain response.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in PIPP scores between voice and control conditions.
- Lower oxygen saturation observed in the voice condition post-procedure.
- Higher heart rate and lower oxygen saturation noted in the second condition, irrespective of voice or control.
Conclusions:
- Recorded maternal voice alone is insufficient to alleviate pain in preterm infants.
- The high volume of the recording may have been aversive, potentially causing distress.
- Preterm infants may exhibit anticipatory physiological responses to painful experiences.
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