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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Fetuses Form Memories: Study

At 30 weeks, have 10-minute memory

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(Newser) – Fetuses can form memories, an important indicator of nervous-system maturation that may help doctors detect developmental problems, Dutch researchers say. Fetuses exposed to sound and vibration for 1 second every 30 seconds became accustomed to the stimuli, a process known as habituation. "Habituation is a form of learning," a study co-author tells the Los Angeles Times.

Younger fetuses retained memories for 10 minutes, and the older they got, the longer their memories extended. Habituation takes longer in fetuses with developmental problems, such as Down syndrome, than in those that are growing normally. "The fetus needs to know which sounds are stressful and which are safe," said the researcher. "Otherwise, it would be completely distressed all day long because it hears noises of the maternal gut and heart."

30-week-old fetuses have a 10-minute short-term memory, a study found.
30-week-old fetuses have a 10-minute short-term memory, a study found.   (Shutterstock)
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4 comments
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Toon
Jul 16, 09 11:27 AM CDT
At 30 weeks the have a 10 minute memory, at 34 weeks they have a 4 week memory. That makes sense because its about this time that the lungs and the ability to eat also develop. Most preemies born in this period have a good chance of survival. Reply
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newsrmandan
Jul 16, 09 12:55 PM CDT
That babies can survive outside the womb at such early time frames is a marvel to me both of creation and modern medical technology. I once new a lady who gave birth at just over the 26th week mark. Her baby is now in her 20s and doing very well. When she was born doctors would carry her in their hands not arms. Awesome!
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Toon
Jul 16, 09 5:06 PM CDT
Well 26 weeks is the start of the third trimester, 30 weeks is the start of the 7th month, 34 weeks the start of the 8th month and babies born after 37 weeks are not considered premature. The last month is mostly used for fetuses to put on weight in preparation for childbirth and the stresses of learning to eat and breath on their own. all of this assumes both mother and fetus are healthy.
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kokuaguy
Jul 16, 09 1:29 PM CDT
Happy to oblige, Libertarian Nazi soul mate-- email me. Reply
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