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Published on: May 5, 2018
Vibroacoustic stimulation is not associated with sudden fetal catecholamine release
N M Fisk1, P K Nicolaidis, S Arulkumaran
1Fetal Medicine Unit, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, U.K.
Early Human Development
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) does not cause a significant release of stress hormones in fetuses. This study suggests VAS is not harmful due to sudden catecholamine release, supporting its safe use in pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Fetal physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) can alter fetal heart rate, movement, and behavior.
- The safety of VAS, particularly concerning fetal stress responses, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) is associated with catecholamine release in fetuses.
- To assess the sympathoadrenal response to VAS in late-term fetuses.
Main Methods:
- Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were measured in 13 fetuses (28-40 weeks gestation).
- Measurements were taken immediately before and 60-75 seconds after VAS.
- Fetal well-being was ensured through normoxaemia and appropriate growth parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in fetal plasma noradrenaline levels post-VAS (median change = +0.06 ng/ml, P = 0.26).
- Similarly, fetal plasma adrenaline levels showed no significant change after VAS (median change = +0.03 ng/ml, P = 0.4).
Conclusions:
- The fetal response to VAS does not involve significant sympathoadrenal activation.
- These findings do not support the hypothesis that VAS may be detrimental to the fetus through sudden catecholamine release.
