Fetal facial expression in response to intravaginal music emission

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.

The Human Fetus Preferentially Engages with Face-like Visual Stimuli

“…With advances in 4D ultrasound technology, detailed assessment of fetal behavior [4] is now possible. Furthermore, modeling of intrauterine conditions has indicated a substantially greater luminance within the uterus than previously thought [5].…”

The role of 4D US in evaluation of fetal movements and facial expressions and their relationship with fetal neurobehaviour

“…The increased frequencies of tongue expulsion with advancing gestation observed in this study could indicate the developing of the auditory system with its neural pathways starting at 16 weeks of gestation [48].…”

Music in Obstetrics: An Intervention Option to Reduce Tension, Pain and Stress

“…Lopez-Teijon et al [35] assessed whether the way that the music intervention was offered to the pregnant women has an effect on the behaviour of the foetus. They divided the pregnant women, who were at least in their 16th week of pregnancy, into the groups "Intravaginal Music", "Abdominal Music" and "Intravaginal Vibration".…”