Assessing fetal response to maternal speech using a noninvasive functional brain imaging technique

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.11.002
• Publication Date: 2011-11-24T05:28:19Z
• Authors: Renaud Jardri; Véronique Houffli...; Pierre Delion; Jean‐Pierre Pruvo; Pierre Thomas; Delphine Pins
• Keywords: Human brain

Abstract Evidence for cortical sensory activation in the human fetus at beginning of third trimester pregnancy was provided a recent imaging study. Although hearing is functional before birth, it not clear whether recognition mother's voice learned utero or rapidly following delivery. We developed an original fMRI procedure that allows specific exploration fetal brain response to auditory stimuli. This provides first vivo evidence development maternal between 33 and 34 weeks gestation. methodology could have crucial implications study cognition.