Fetal facial expression in response to intravaginal music emission.
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ABSTRACT: This study compared fetal response to musical stimuli applied intravaginally (intravaginal music [IVM]) with application via emitters placed on the mother's abdomen (abdominal music [ABM]). Responses were quantified by recording facial movements identified on 3D/4D ultrasound. One hundred and six normal pregnancies between 14 and 39 weeks of gestation were randomized to 3D/4D ultrasound with: (a) ABM with standard headphones (flute monody at 98.6?dB); (b) IVM with a specially designed device emitting the same monody at 53.7?dB; or (c) intravaginal vibration (IVV; 125?Hz) at 68?dB with the same device. Facial movements were quantified at baseline, during stimulation, and for 5 minutes after stimulation was discontinued. In fetuses at a gestational age of >16 weeks, IVM-elicited mouthing (MT) and tongue expulsion (TE) in 86.7% and 46.6% of fetuses, respectively, with significant differences when compared with ABM and IVV (p?=?0.002 and p?=?0.004, respectively). There were no changes from baseline in ABM and IVV. TE occurred ?5 times in 5 minutes in 13.3% with IVM. IVM was related with higher occurrence of MT (odds ratio?=?10.980; 95% confidence interval?=?3.105-47.546) and TE (odds ratio?=?10.943; 95% confidence interval?=?2.568-77.037). The frequency of TE with IVM increased significantly with gestational age (p?=?0.024). Fetuses at 16-39 weeks of gestation respond to intravaginally emitted music with repetitive MT and TE movements not observed with ABM or IVV. Our findings suggest that neural pathways participating in the auditory-motor system are developed as early as gestational week 16. These findings might contribute to diagnostic methods for prenatal hearing screening, and research into fetal neurological stimulation.
SUBMITTER: Lopez-Teijon M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4616906 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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