Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are typically born prematurely. If the fetus remained in utero for the duration of pregnancy, weight gain would have increased during the last few weeks. During this time of increased weight gain, the fetus can hear mom’s biological sounds. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston recently published a study on the impact of biological maternal sounds (BMS) on VLBW infant weight gain.

Researchers collected information at a 1 to 1 ratio, active group versus control group. All patients were born VLBW. The patients in the active group listened to BMS. Neither the active nor control groups gained weight at a progressive rate when on a no-food-by-mouth order. Weight gain was significantly faster in the BMS group during active feeding periods.

Conclusion: VLBW infants may gain weight faster when given the opportunity to listen to BMS. Researchers note additional studies need to be completed to verify and possibly expand the results.

Source: Zimmerman E, Keunen K, Norton M, Lahav A. Weight Gain Velocity in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: Effects of Exposure to Biological Maternal Sounds. Am J Perinatol. 2013 Feb 4.