"Here we consider one final issue: whether nociceptive inputs may have deleterious consequences even if the “endogenously anesthetized” fetus does not consciously perceive pain at the time of stimulation. Can exposure to noxious stimuli initiate a cascade of events that sensitize the nervous system, or can repeated pain exposure in preterm infants contribute to attention, learning, and behavior problems later in life? It is critical to appreciate that not only is most of"