Fetal movement in response to vibroacoustic stimulation: a review.

Fetal movement in response to vibroacoustic stimulation (VAST) depends on functional maturation of the fetal central nervous system and related to changes in fetal behavior. Researchers have associated the presence of fetal movement with fetal well-being. Use of the maternal perception of sound-provoked fetal movement as a test for predicting fetal health is questionable and may suggest further research. All studies show that there is a clear association between this test and favorable neonatal outcomes. This test is inexpensive and easily obtainable. However, because the test has not been studied on large numbers of patients and maternal reporting at times is biased, its adaptation for clinical use should cautiously wait for clear theoretical advantages.