Testing fetal abilities: A commentary on studies testing prenatal reactions to light stimulation

Abstract

In utero conditions on fetal neurodevelopment are of current concern. One aspect relates to the question of the effects of maternal mental health and maturity of the fetus on prenatal neurodevelopment. In this feasibility study, we examined the as yet unresolved question of when humans become experts in face processing, with some research claiming that fetuses preferentially engage with specific face-like top-heavy stimuli from 32-34 weeks gestational age, while others refute this result. In contrast to other studies, we controlled for fetal maturity via femur length and gestational age, as well as maternal mental health factors, as these are known to influence fetal neurodevelopment as expressed in their prenatal movement profile. In the current feasibility study of fetuses at 33 weeks gestation, both maternal mental health and fetal growth factors had a significant effect on fetal reactivity to face-like compared to non-face-like control light stimuli, calling into question previous results.