Pregnancy and Music: How Music Stimulates Baby Development

There have numerous studies on the effects of music on the fetus during pregnancy. Parents wonder if there is a prescription for the right amount of music or the perfect musical genre that will make their baby smarter or more musical. All studies so far are inconclusive however, it is a known fact that including music during the pregnancy period is a great way to develop a prenatal bond.

Although your baby's ears don't completely develop until the fifth month, fetuses respond to noise before that, which has led some researchers to believe there's more to hearing that the ears.

While there is no scientific evidence stating that exposure to music will increase the level of intelligence for a fetus, a study conducted in the UK has proven that music will boost memory. Babies that listen to music in the uterus respond to the music played for up to a year after birth. This shows that the fetus is capable of creating memories will still in the womb.

Using prenatal stimulation helps to connect you to your child before birth, so that the baby will be able to communicate. Playing familiar and soothing sounds, or even singing a simple lullaby will put your child at ease, and provide a grounding point after birth.

The protective amniotic fluid around your fetus conducts sound well, so your baby is able to clearly hear music and voices. Turning up the sound too much can disturb the fetus, so try leaving your stereo as background noise, or turning the volume down on the headphones if you're planning on placing them on the belly. It's not quite the period for restless nights; try not to over stimulate the baby with too much noise.

When choosing music for your baby to listen to, keep in mind that repetition is key. Any song that excites you is a great choice for your baby, as the hormones release from your happiness have a positive impact on the fetus. Beethoven and Mozart are always favorites, but you can listen to anything from Madonna to traditional African drum music, as long as there's enough repetition to increase the chances of memory production. Mixing up the types of music helps diversify your baby's tastes, and activates different areas of the brain. Baby Einstein offers a line of classical music CDs that you and your baby can enjoy together.

Singing a lullaby to your baby is a great opportunity to make a lasting connection. The fetus has an incredible ability to discern your state of mind, and reacts based on your mood.

Additionally, the baby will learn to recognize your voice, which will increase your bond after birth. It has been proven that babies can recognize their parent's voices, which creates a sense of familiarity postpartum. Babies that have been sung to in utero frequently sleep easier than babies with no prenatal stimulation, as the parent's voice is comforting.

Use moderation when stimulating your baby. Incorporating too much music can overstimulate the fetus. Pay attention to your own feelings.

If you have grown old of a song that you've played repeatedly, it is likely that your baby is bored with it as well. Make connecting emotionally with your fetus a special time for you and your family.