Fetal vibroacoustic stimulation for facilitation of tests of fetal well-being

Abstract

Background: Acoustic stimulation of the fetus has been suggested to improve the efficiency of antepartum fetal heart rate testing.

Objectives: To assess the merits or adverse effects of the use of fetal vibroacoustic stimulation in conjunction with tests of fetal well-being.

Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (July 2003). We updated this search on 1 October 2009 and added the results to the awaiting classification section.

Selection criteria: All published and unpublished randomized controlled trials assessing the merits of the use of fetal vibroacoustic stimulation in conjunction with tests of fetal well-being.

Data collection and analysis: Both reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Authors of published and unpublished trials were contacted for further information.

Main results: A total of nine trials with a total of 4838 participants were included. Fetal vibroacoustic stimulation reduced the incidence of non-reactive antenatal cardiotocography test (seven trials; relative risk (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) random 0.52 to 0.74) and reduced the overall mean cardiotocography testing time (three trials; weighted mean difference (WMD) -9.94 minutes, 95% CI -9.37 minutes to -10.50 minutes). Vibroacoustic stimulation compared with mock stimulation evoked significantly more fetal movements when used in conjunction with fetal heart rate testing (one trial, RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.30).

Authors’ conclusions: Vibroacoustic stimulation offers benefits by decreasing the incidence of non-reactive cardiotocography and reducing the testing time. Further randomized trials should be encouraged to determine not only the optimum intensity, frequency, duration and position of the vibroacoustic stimulation, but also to evaluate the efficacy, predictive reliability, safety and perinatal outcome of these stimuli with cardiotocography and other tests of fetal well-being.

Tan, K. & Smyth, R. (2010). Fetal vibroacoustic stimulation for facilitation of tests of fetal wellbeing. Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002963.