The behaviour of fetuses in utero is often described using terms that were originally devised to describe behaviour after birth. This article considers a definition of the states of coma, sleep, and wakefulness, using criteria that might equally be applied before and after birth. Current knowledge of behaviour of the sheep and human fetus is discussed in the light of such criteria. It is concluded that these species do not appear to be comatose in utero. At present there is insufficient evidence to conclude that sleep and wakefulness exist in utero.
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