EC Gynaecology

Aim: Aim of this review is to assess the onset of consciousness in the early stages of human life.

Methods: First, we analysed what is meant by the word consciousness, to acknowledge the areas and key-words to be investigated. Then, we retrieved the scientific literature on these areas, focusing on the trials produced in the last ten years.

Results: The fetal and neonatal features that have been mainly associated to consciousness, are active sensorial pathways, and early brain cortex activity, which are the prerequisite for the appearance of memory, a basic marker of consciousness. We examined the clinical trials on these topics published in the last 10 years, and we retrieved 31 studies. Our data show that, since the second half of pregnancy, some short-term memory emerges in the fetus or newborn; the so-called neuroinhibitors in fetal blood, and its long sleep phases, make no difference.

Conclusion: The early appearance of memory is a sign of rudimental consciousness, and it does not depend if the fetus dwells within or outside of their mother’s womb, but only on the grade of their brain development.

 Keywords: Consciousness; Fetus; Newborn; Memory

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