Computerized cardiotocography following vibroacoustic stimulation of premature fetuses.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) on the fetal heart rates (FHRs) in a group of premature fetuses.

STUDY DESIGN

The FHRs were analyzed using the Oxford Sonicaid Computer System 8000, 30 min preceding and then 3 times following VAS.

RESULTS

The changes of the mean FHR after VAS in the premature group and the control group of term fetuses occurred in the first 10 min after VAS. The greatest increase in the number of accelerations occurred in both groups during the 11-20 min following VAS. The long-term variability increased significantly in all 3 study periods in premature fetuses and only in the periods of 0-10 and 11-20 min in the control group. The increase in short-term variability was similar in both groups and it was greatest in the period of 11-20 min.

CONCLUSION

Most of the heart rate changes of premature fetuses occur between 11 and 20 min following VAS.