Acta Psychologica Sinica

Abstract

Objective: To explore the characteristic fetal movement and FHR response elicited by acoustic stimulation and whether acoustic stimulation can induce fetal sensation. Methods: Ninety-four pregnant women were recruited from Woman’s hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University. All fetuses were at term. Stimuli-evoked fetal movements and FHR responses to acoustic stimulation with five different intensities at 95, 100, 105, 110, 115dB were observed. Results: The percentage of fetal movement evoked by 95dB airborne sound was 15% and was not significantly different from that of the controls. These percentages of fetal movement evoked by 100, 105, 110, 115dB airborne sound were 89%, 83%, 83%, 95% respectively and were significantly higher than those in controls. The percentage of FHR deceleration evoked by 95dB airborne sound was 60% and significantly higher than that of control. These percentages of FHR acceleration evoked by 100, 105, 110 and 115dB airborne sound were 72%, 78%, 89% and 95% respectively and significantly higher than these of controls. These peak FHR amplitudes evoked by 95, 100, 105, 110 and 115dB airborne sound were –4.5bpm, 12bpm, 17bpm, 14bpm and 20.5bpm respectively. Conclusion: A subtle FHR deceleration and no fetal movement are evoked by 95dB airborne sound. FHR acceleration and fetal movement are evoked by 100–115dB airborne sound. It is suggested that 95dB airborne sound may induce fetal orientation reflex and 100–115dB may induce fetal defence reflex. These unconditional reflex of infant root from prenatal period.

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