Using fetal acoustic stimulation to shorten the biophysical profile

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether fetal acoustic stimulation can decrease the time required to achieve a reassuring biophysical profile.

Methods: Patients scheduled for a biophysical profile were prospectively assigned to study and control groups. The study group received 3 seconds of acoustic stimulation if fetal breathing, tone, or movement were not present during the first 5 minutes of the study. The biophysical profile was completed in the standard fashion, for both groups.

Results: A total of 870 patients were enrolled (458 control, 412 with stimulation). The fetal acoustic stimulation group had decreased testing time (3 minutes) and fewer non-reassuring tests (5%). The fetal acoustic stimulation group had fewer studies without breathing, potentially reducing the need for further testing or intervention.

Conclusions: Fetal acoustic stimulation can be used to decrease the biophysical profile testing time and to reduce the number of non-reassuring tests.