Multivariate Spectral Analysis of Transabdominally Recorded Intrauterine Acoustic Signals (TRIAS) Across Gestation

This study proposes a multivariate analytical framework for transabdominally recorded intrauterine acoustic signals (TRIAS) and evaluates spectral changes across gestation. Using a digital stethoscope, 60 recordings were obtained from 44 pregnant women (≥14 weeks). Power spectral density (PSD) was calculated (30–2000 Hz) and analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR). A consistent spectral peak was observed at 300–400 Hz. OLS revealed a significant decrease in PSD levels within 400–600 Hz (specifically 478.5 Hz and 521.5 Hz) during the second trimester (t ≈ −3.5), while changes were minimal in the third trimester. PCA identified maternal heart rate as the primary contributor to the first principal component, and PLSR showed that maternal cardiovascular dynamics and gestational progression were associated with distinct, largely independent components in the multivariate space. These results suggest that TRIAS may capture a composite maternal–fetal acoustic environment influenced by both maternal circulation and gestational uterine alterations. Specifically, the observed second-trimester spectral changes may reflect fluid dynamic or structural transitions—such as variations in amniotic fluid volume—and may serve as a baseline for future monitoring research.