Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 1 Week to 5 Weeks

Using womb sounds to help preterm infants breathe better

Official title: Womb Recordings and Respiratory Control Maturation in Neonates

Run by Case Western Reserve University · NCT05298748 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if playing womb sounds can help preterm infants breathe better by supporting their brain development during a crucial time.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages1 Week to 5 Weeks
SexAll
Enrollment34 (estimated)
SponsorCase Western Reserve University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 16, 2022
Main results expectedOctober 2026
Study endsNovember 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 5, 2025
Trial IDNCT05298748 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are preterm infants born between 29 to 33 weeks of gestational age who are at least 34 weeks corrected age and off respiratory support.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are on respiratory support greater than 1.5 liters per minute or have congenital anomalies may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the effects of womb-like sound exposure on the respiratory control development in preterm infants. By providing audio recordings that mimic the womb environment, researchers hope to enhance neuronal maturation in the brain regions responsible for respiratory control. The study will monitor changes in cardiorespiratory patterns, specifically looking for reductions in apnea, bradycardia, and intermittent hypoxemia. This approach is designed to offer a low-risk intervention during a critical period of brain development for these vulnerable infants.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve respiratory stability and overall health outcomes for preterm infants.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using womb recordings is novel, similar studies exploring sound exposure in neonatal care have shown promising results.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* preterm infants 29-33 weeks gestational age at birth
* 34 weeks corrected age
* off respiratory support \>1.5 lpm

Exclusion Criteria:

* on respiratory support \>1.5 lpm
* congenital anomalies

Where it's running

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.