The uterus is a kind of sensory playground. Many people say music for pregnant women affects the baby inside the womb. However, researchers still debate this question. They have done many studies to find the true impact of music on unborn babies.
Music may give your baby a basic learning experience, even inside the uterus. It takes you through every nuance of enjoying music while you carry your baby. First, let us learn whether sound really influences your baby or not.
When Can Your Baby Hear?
Many things happen while your baby is inside your womb. After 10 weeks, your baby starts to stretch and wriggle his limbs. By 23 weeks, your baby can hear your voice and other sounds. He can respond to them too. Surprisingly, these early experiences may support your baby’s general development.
What Do Studies Say?
Music can influence not just your unborn baby, but you as well. How? In one study, women listened to Carnatic music for 20 minutes per day.
Later, researchers tested the babies’ responses and growth parameters. They found music boosted reflexes and movement. Music also gave mental stimulation. It had a calming effect on the mother and her baby.
Many people agree that music for pregnant women helps their baby grow smarter. So many parents buy headphones or a bookshelf speaker for fetal stimulation. Therefore, keep the volume below 50 decibels. This level helps you relax and feel positive.
Choosing the right music matters a lot here. Among many genres, classical music soothes the baby well. It may even turn him into a classical music lover later.
On the other hand, some people believe early music exposure boosts a baby’s smartness. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto showed that music can increase a kid’s IQ. Krista L. Hyde from McGill University showed how music lessons can change brain structure. So music for pregnant women may work like a workout for your baby’s brain.
How Should You Play Music?
The best way to play music for your baby is a bookshelf speaker. Do not put headphones on your tummy. Music that close can overstimulate your baby.
Doctors consider very loud sound risky for an unborn baby. Such exposure may cause premature birth. It may also cause low birth weight and hearing problems at birth.
So how loud is enough? Do not raise the volume above 65 decibels. That level matches background music in a store. Higher volume can surprise your baby. It can also hurt your baby at times.
Which Music Is Best?
For longer listening, keep the volume at 50 decibels or below. Choosing the right type of music matters for your baby’s development. Classical music is the best genre for pregnant women. It gives your baby a wide range of notes. It creates the most beautiful melodies.
Avoid harsh sounds like rock music, rap, and other heavy genres. They can make your baby more stressed and anxious, even in the womb. Worse, animal studies show these music types may harm fetal brain growth.
Music for pregnant women benefits your unborn baby through brain stimulation. It also helps relax your mind. In addition, it can lower your stress hormones. It may also lower risks like premature birth or miscarriage. What can be better than that?
Finally, do not hesitate to share this wonderful experience with your baby. Put on some tunes and have fun on your journey as a mother. Thank you for reading!
