Cardiac responsivity to vibroacoustic stimulation (VAST) is commonly used in the assessment of fetal well being. The purpose of this study was to investigate fetal heart rate (FHR) responses to the VAST in drug exposed and unexposed fetuses. Exposure status was based on maternal report and included cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and tobacco. 12 exposed and 17 unexposed fetuses of pregnant women (26-39 wks.) were presented with the VAST during periods of low FHR variability (a fetal analog of quiet sleep). Mean FHR was computed in 10 sec blocks during prestimulus baseline (blocks 1-3), stimulus onset and 1 poststimulus period (block 4). Difference scores were computed between pre or post stimulus blocks and stimulus onset. Mean FHR (bpm) during baseline did not differ between the unexposed (139) and exposed (141) group. Unexposed fetuses showed increases in FHR to (blocks 1-3) and following (block 4) VAST. No significant effects were detected in the exposed group. Prenatal substance exposure may affect sympathetic response to stimulation which could impact on the neurobehavioral integrity of the fetus. Table

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