Fetal sensory competencies

A growing body of evidence is available about the functioning of fetal sensory systems during gestation. This article aims at reviewing data concerning (i) the presence of potential sensory stimulation in the fetal milieu, (ii) the sequential functional development of the sensory systems and (iii) p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 1996-09, Vol.68 (1-2), p.1-23
Main Authors: Lecanuet, Jean-Pierre, Schaal, Benoist
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Audition
Behavioral states
Biological and medical sciences
Computer Science
Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology
Female
Fetal learning
Fetus
Fetus - physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gestational Age
Gustation
Hearing
Heart Rate, Fetal
Humans
Life Sciences
Olfaction
Organogenesis. Physiological fonctions
Physical Stimulation
Physiological fonctions
Pregnancy
Sense Organs - embryology
Sense Organs - physiology
Sensory functioning
Smell
Somesthetic system
Taste
Vestibular system
Vision
Vision, Ocular
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Summary:A growing body of evidence is available about the functioning of fetal sensory systems during gestation. This article aims at reviewing data concerning (i) the presence of potential sensory stimulation in the fetal milieu, (ii) the sequential functional development of the sensory systems and (iii) physiological and behavioral responses of fetuses to various types of stimulation. Human data are compared with data collected in other mammalian species. Most studies have investigated auditory and chemosensory (olfactory and gustatory) responsiveness of the fetus in the second half of gestation. They demonstrate that (i) motor and heart rate responsiveness depends on gestational age and characteristics of stimulation; (ii) fetal sensory experience has short- and long-term effects at morphological, functional and behavioral levels (for example transnatal learning). The clinical consequences of the fetal sensory functioning are developed.
ISSN:0301-2115
1872-7654
2590-1613
DOI:10.1016/0301-2115(96)02509-2