Is it good for the baby to play music during pregnancy? What kind?

When a woman is pregnant, she is usually concerned about doing everything in her power that can benefit her baby. One of these things is listening to music during pregnancy, as its positive effects have been popularized, sometimes erroneously.

Classical music is one of the preferred musical styles to listen to during pregnancy, but any type of music is valid if the woman feels comfortable listening to it, it generates well-being and she enjoys it because the baby will perceive these sensations.

Can the baby hear in utero?

Approximately around 16-18 weeks of gestation, the baby will be able to hear sounds coming from inside the mother, i.e. the mother's heartbeat, respiratory and intestinal sounds...

However, as the weeks of gestation progress, the auditory system and brain continue to develop, allowing the baby to hear and differentiate between external sounds. This means that, at around 28 weeks gestation, the baby already recognizes its mother's voice (one of the most important sound stimuli it receives), which can help mother-child bonding and maternal recognition once the baby is born.

Can the baby hear in utero?

However, it should be noted that the developing baby perceives sounds from inside the uterus. Therefore, the different layers of tissue (of the uterus and abdomen) and the amniotic fluid that protect the baby will also cause it to perceive these external sounds in a distorted way and not hear them as they are perceived from the outside.

In addition, the sound will reach the baby at approximately 20 decibels less, so the baby will most likely not hear a mother's whisper. Despite this, it is beneficial for both parents to talk to the baby (or sing or read aloud), even if the baby is still in the womb, as this will strengthen the bond and attachment even before birth.

Benefits of prenatal music

It is true that maternal instinct leads mothers to talk to and caress the baby in their womb and perhaps it is because something tells them that the baby is listening and feeling, establishing a special relationship between the two.

Music will strengthen this bond, listening and humming songs so that the baby can perceive the mother's mood and transmit it to her. The good vibrations of enjoyment or relaxation that the music generates in the mother are transmitted to the fetus and positively influence it to be well too.

However, singing or listening to music during pregnancy also has other beneficial effects for the baby:

• Stimulates the baby's heart rate.
• Increases the baby's capacity for language perception.
• Improves the baby's emotional development and strengthens the mother-child bond.
• It helps the baby to be calmer at birth, as listening to the same music you listened to during pregnancy may relax the baby. In this way, the baby would cry less and sleep and feed better.
• Influences the baby's immune system to be strengthened, due to better sleep and nutrition. As a result, they can be healthier babies.

Benefits for the baby of listening to music in pregnancy

In addition, music during pregnancy helps the mother to produce endorphins and to relax and forget for moments of certain discomforts associated with pregnancy, improving her well-being and that of the baby.

When to play music to the baby during pregnancy?

One of the best times to play music for the baby during pregnancy is around bedtime, as the music will help the woman and her baby relax. Of course, if you want to obtain this relaxing effect, it would be best to choose a style such as classical music. You can also choose to sing to the baby (including lullabies) or read aloud.

In any case, if the woman likes other musical genres, it is also beneficial to listen to the musical style that the woman prefers and produces well-being, since the baby will also perceive these good sensations.

When is the best time to listen to music during pregnancy?

On the other hand, a good time to do it is during the third trimester of gestation, since the baby's auditory system is more developed. In addition, an appropriate volume should be used, not too loud.

FAQs from users

What is the Mozart effect?

The Mozart effect has become popular and is the name given to the belief that listening to classical music by this composer during pregnancy can make the baby more intelligent or creative. However, scientific evidence has not been able to demonstrate that this music increases the intellectual development of babies.

However, there is a positive and beneficial effect on the well-being that music can generate in the mother, since this will be transmitted to the fetus. Therefore, any type of music that the pregnant woman likes, relaxes, encourages or puts her in a good mood can be valid.

Is listening to loud music during pregnancy harmful to the baby?

Listening to music during pregnancy has beneficial effects for the woman and the baby, but ideally not at a very high volume.

It is best if the music has a pleasant intensity that makes the environment relaxing for the woman and the baby.

Suggested for you

If you want to read about how pregnancy can affect your mood, you can access the following link: What are the changes in mood during pregnancy?

On the other hand, sexual relations during pregnancy are also often a cause for concern and doubts. If you want to know more about whether it is possible to have sex during pregnancy, we recommend you read this article: Does sex during pregnancy affect the baby?