Womb Recordings and Respiratory Control Maturation in Neonates

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how early sound exposure affects brain development in preterm infants, focusing on the areas that control breathing. The study looks specifically at how womb-like sounds might help stabilize breathing patterns, reduce episodes of apnea, bradycardia, and low oxygen levels, and improve heart rate during a crucial stage of brain growth around 33-34 weeks gestation. Preterm infants born between 29 and 33 weeks gestational age, and who have reached 34 weeks corrected age without needing more than 1.5 liters per minute of respiratory support, will participate. They will be randomly assigned to hear alternating 6-hour blocks of either ambient noise or commercially available womb sound recordings over a 24-hour period, totaling 12 hours of each sound type. These womb recordings mimic the sounds experienced in the womb, including maternal heartbeats and other fetal sounds. During the 24-hour study period, researchers will monitor breathing and heart function, tracking events like pauses in breathing, heart rate changes, and body movement. This will help measure the immediate effects of the sound exposure on respiratory control. The study will continue until November 2026, with participants monitored closely during the intervention.

The Effect of Womb Recordings on Maturation of Respiratory Control in Preterm Infants