Fetal behavior was also monitored during this time. This was followed again by a further two hours of exposure to the stimulus, though without fetal monitoring. Finally, another 60 minutes of fetal behavior was recorded with exposure to the stimulus. The control group was subjected to all of the same conditions, only the headphones placed over the abdomen played no music. Infants were again tested as neonates 3-5 days after birth. Neonatal electrocardiogram electrodes were applied to the infant's chest to record a baseline for heart rate, variation, and acceleration. Observers also recorded the infant's body, limb and eye movements. After the 30 minute baseline recording, the infant was exposed to 60 minutes of the same musical stimulus as when in the womb. .
The researchers found that both the control and music groups had significantly more heart rate and activity transitions during exposure to music compared to the baseline period. The study demonstrated an effect of repeated music exposure in multiple fetuses, carried over into the newborn period, suggesting that it is possible for the human fetus to learn. .
Though the findings of this study were in line with what the researchers hypothesized, it also has some limitations. The mothers in the music group could not hear the music played to the fetus through the earphones, but it is possible that they could have felt the vibrations on their abdomen. There is a possibility that this could have an influence on fetal behavior. James et al report that there are studies which relate maternal anxiety, emotional, and psychological state to fetal behavior, and that it is possible that knowing music was being played to their fetus may have led to different levels of anxiety between the groups. Furthermore, the researchers point out that there are "inherent problems in using behavioral responses such as heart rate, activity, and mouthing or sucking in the fetus and newborn in fetal learning research," (James et al, 437).