[Does fetal reaction to vibro-acoustic stimulation depend on its activity state?].

The value of vibro-acoustic stimulation of the fetus in predicting fetal well-being remains controversial. This prospective randomised study comprised of 25 women with pregnancies ranging between 37 and 41 weeks. The fetal response in each case was investigated before and after a real and a sham stimulation. Each real stimulation led to immediate fetal movements (p less than 0.0001). The fetal reaction was independent of the preexisting behavioral state; vibro-acoustic stimulation can induce a change in the behavioral state. Fetal bradycardia following vibro-acoustic stimulation was not observed.