Resonance of the Pregnant Sheep Uterus

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Abstract
Low frequency mechanical vibrations introduced on the skin are known to pass through tissues with relative ease. How these vibrations affect the foetus in utero is a question of current concern since more and more women of reproductive age are in the workplace. In the present study we mechanically vibrated the abdomen of four term pregnant sheep, antepartum and immediately postpartum, at frequencies between 2–1000 Hz and at a constant dynamic force of 0.5 newtons. Sound pressure levels (SPL) were measured intraabdominally with a miniature hydrophone fixed loosely to one side of the foetal head. Thereafter, ewes and foetuses were sacrificed, foetuses were delivered and the hydrophone replaced in the abdominal cavity in its former position. SPL showed a peak amplitude between 6 and 18 Hz in both the antepartum and postpartum conditions (p <0.01) suggesting a resonance phenomenon of the abdomen in this frequency range.

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