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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Published on: August 5, 2017

Aspects of fetal learning and memory.

Chantal E H Dirix¹, Jan G Nijhuis, Henk W Jongsma

¹Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht 6202 AZ, The Netherlands.

Child Development

|July 28, 2009

Summary

Fetuses demonstrate learning and short-term memory from 30 weeks gestational age. Even 34-week-old fetuses can recall information four weeks later, indicating robust fetal memory development.

Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Neuroscience
Prenatal Development

Background:

Assessing fetal cognitive abilities provides insights into early brain development.
Understanding fetal learning and memory can inform prenatal education and care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate fetal learning and memory capabilities in fetuses aged 30-38 weeks gestational age.
To determine the gestational age independence of fetal learning and short-term memory.
To assess the capacity for long-term memory recall in fetuses.

Main Methods:

Habituation tests using repeated vibroacoustic stimulation were administered to 93 pregnant women's fetuses.
Short-term memory was assessed by repeating habituation tests after a 10-minute interval.

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A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

Published on: August 18, 2014

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

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Published on: August 5, 2017

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm

Published on: April 28, 2016

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

Published on: August 18, 2014

Long-term memory was evaluated by replicating measurements at 38 weeks gestational age for fetuses aged 30-36 weeks.

Main Results:

Fetal learning was observed to be independent of gestational age within the studied period.
Fetuses showed short-term memory (10-minute recall) from 30 weeks gestational age onwards, also independent of fetal age.
Fetuses aged 34 weeks demonstrated the ability to retain and retrieve information four weeks later.

Conclusions:

Fetal learning and memory are present from at least 30 weeks gestational age.
Short-term and long-term memory capabilities in fetuses appear to be independent of gestational age.
This study provides evidence for significant prenatal cognitive development and memory retention.