Fetal heart and vibroacoustic stimulation the first Saudi experience

ABSTRACT

The response of the term fetuses to the external sound stimulation had been already documented in the literature. This showed increase in the fetal heart rate [FHR] reactivity and Fetal Body Movements. However, the effect of this external sound stimulation on premature fetuses has not been fully documented. The aim of this study is to define the FHR changes after external vibration acoustic stimulus in a group of preterm healthy fetuses at 32 - 34 weeks. There was an immediate increase in the basal FHR in premature fetus at 32-34 weeks and significant increase in the mean duration of FHR acceleration. There was no significant change in the number of acceleration or fetal heart variability in these fetuses and no increase in the gross body fetal movements after vibroacoustic stimulation