Abstract
Whether fetal memory exists has attracted interest for many thousands of years. The following review draws on recent experimental evidence to consider two questions: does the fetus have a memory? And, if so, what function(s) does it serve? Evidence from fetal learning paradigms of classical conditioning, habituation and exposure learning reveal that the fetus does have a memory. By comparison little attention has been paid to the possible function of memory. Possible functions discussed are: practice, recognition of and attachment to the mother, promotion of breastfeeding, and language acquisition. It is concluded that the fetus does possess a memory but that more attention to the functions of fetal memory will guide future studies of fetal memory abilities.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 16-20 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Acta Paediatrica |
Volume | 85 |
Issue number | s416 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 1996 |