Effects of Mother's Voice and Heartbeat Sounds on Preterm Newborns

Exposure to Biological Maternal Sounds in Extremely Preterm Infants: Effects on Short- and Long-term Outcomes

The purpose of this RCT is to learn more about how sounds that we experience in the womb can affect early development in premature infants. The investigators are specifically interested determining whether and what types of maternal sensory stimulation can influence physical growth, brain maturation, respiratory stability and early vocalization during postnatal development. The investigators hypothesize that daily exposure to biological maternal sounds, such as mother's voice and heartbeat, will improve both short-term and long-term developmental in premature infants and will increase their potential to grow into healthy children.

The purpose of this RCT is to learn more about how sounds that we experience in the womb can affect early development in premature infants. The investigators are specifically interested determining whether and what types of maternal auditory stimulation can influence physical growth, brain maturation, respiratory stability (including heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation levels) as well as early vocalization prior to 40 weeks gestation. The investigators hypothesize that daily exposure to biological maternal sounds, such as mother's voice and heartbeat, will improve both short-term and long-term developmental outcomes in premature infants and will increase their potential to grow into healthy children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Born between 24-36 weeks GA.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chromosomal or congenital anomalies; congenital infections; > grade II IVH;
• maternal use of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs;
• significant abuse or malnutrition during pregnancy,
• failed ABR.
• No exclusions based on gender or ethnicity.