Vagitus Uterinus
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Vagitus uterinus refers to the rare phenomenon of a crying sound made by a fetus in utero, caused by premature respiration when air enters the uterus or birth canal. While documented by some obstetricians, others skeptically attribute these sounds to intestinal peristalsis.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
VAGITUS UTERINUS (Latin vagitus - cry), intrauterine crying of the fetus. Premature intrauterine respiratory activity of the fetus, in the presence of air in the uterus or in the birth canal, can cause such a mysterious phenomenon as the intrauterine cry. This phenomenon has been noted by some obstetricians. Many others deny it and explain it as sounds caused by intestinal peristalsis. Vagitus uterinus has been described during pregnancy, but most often it is auscultated during labor.
Related articles
Cite this page
“Vagitus Uterinus.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/vagitus-uterinus/