FAQ: Listening to music during pregnancy

• How early should I start prenatal music activities?

The earlier one is engaged in musical activities, the more benefits will be derived by the expectant parents and the baby. These are cumulative in their effect. Thus, the optimum time to begin prenatal music exposure is at the beginning of pregnancy. However, engaging in musical activities during any part of the pregnancy will benefit the baby, mother, father and other siblings.

• How long should I expose my prenatal baby to music each day?

There is no specific requirement for optimal benefits. This will depend on your schedule, desire and time at your disposal. It should be an enjoyable activity for the mother and father. It is not the amount of time that is important but the quality of the experience and music chosen for singing as well as for listening. The most natural way is to have music as part of your daily activities while washing dishes, driving, during relaxation, etc. Over stimulation is not desirable and this again is individual. If you are tired of listening to the music, then likewise, the baby will have had enough. Again, there is no magic formula, your individual needs will dictate the proper amount of time.

• What kind of music is used during prenatal music therapy?

The music depends largely on the aesthetic values of the parents. Research has demonstrated that babies prefer music that is calming, serene, and soft such as classical and baroque music. Within these styles there is a great variety of music to choose from. Studies have shown certain musical genres to have specific effects. Rock music has been found detrimental, jazz music may have some unsettling effects, and appropriate folk-songs and lullabies are excellent. Babies prefer the parents' voices, especially the mother's voice because it offers positive stimulation, bonding and communication. Singing is highly recommended during pregnancy, not only for the baby, but also for the mother because it conditions certain muscles for labor and delivery, helping her to relax.

• How can fathers participate in music stimulation?

Fathers can choose their own lullabies to sing to the baby, if possible at the same time each day as the baby will begin to notice the event and possibly respond in some way. During relaxation periods, fathers can also move their hands over the tummy of the mother to the rhythm of the music and talk to his baby, welcoming him/her, conveying his love.

• What kind of music is good for First Trimester?

During this developmental stage in your pregnancy, you will be very tired as your body gears up to create life. It is recommended that you listen to music that will help you stay well rested. Listen to instrumental music that has soothing melodies as you wind down in the evening. Listen to some upbeat classical music or anything you would listen to in a yoga class. This will set you up for relaxation as you battle through this tumultuous time. Avoid songs that invoke sadness and depression. Stay away from jazz and blues at this time, because you need to have a positive outlook. Enjoy any music that is upbeat and makes you happy. When you get up in the morning, listen to any music that gets you going, and dance a little because it is good to stay active when you are pregnant.

• What kind of music is good for  Second Trimester?

Now your body should be getting used to the pregnancy. Take this time of your pregnancy to go out and enjoy your life before the baby comes and you are too busy to go out. Go listen to live local bands that may be in town. This is also good for the baby, because she will be able to hear more and more as her brain develops. Any sound is really great for the fetus as long as it does not invoke intense emotions such as fear, anguish, depression, sadness, etc. Do not listen to depressing country music, or anything with suicide as a theme. This is a difficult time for some, and depression is something that needs to be avoided at all costs.

• What kind of music is good for  Third Trimester?

The baby is almost here and you are probably "nesting". Excitement is in the air and you are almost ready. Listen to high tempo music like techno and jungle as you clean the house and baby's room. This music is great to get your blood pumping as you clean. Fast paced rock and alternative is great to listen to while you walk. If it is okay with your doctor, walking is an excellent way to get the body ready for delivery and perhaps encourage the baby to come out.

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Why you need to Listen to Music During Pregnancy

Various studies conducted over the past two decades have demonstrated the ability of the fetus to hear sound. The inner ear is fully developed in last trimester of pregnancy. By 26 weeks, most respond with an increase in heart rate to sound stimulation. Many studies have pointed to the change in heart rate as a positive sign that the baby is stimulated by the music.

Most of what the fetus hears is the mother's voice and internal sounds of the mother's body, such as breathing, movements and other sounds. There have been many studies that suggest the mother's voice is the preferred sound of newborns, who appear to recognize their mother's voice at birth. Singing along with music makes sense because it gives baby the opportunity to hear your voice and music.

It makes sense that stimulation of the brain with music would have a positive effect. It is when the baby is growing in the mother's body that the majority of brain development occurs. The idea behind research into music exposure during the pregnancy is designed to enhance the development of the brain with appropriate stimuli. Research continues into this subject and determining which music has the most positive effect.

Listening to music can enhance a babyÂ's life in the womb by stimulating the ear, brain, and body. Music is an important form of communication which prepares the baby for later learning in life. A foundation for sound and language comprehension is laid. Listening to music and singing is a healthy and wonderful way to stimulate a babyÂ's development.

Babies develop prenatal memories, and they recognize and prefer music and songs that they have heard in the womb. The sense of familiarity has a soothing effect, and it may help to calm a crying newborn. Familiar music might make a newborn baby suck more intensively, or move their body more. The sound of oceans and water may also have a calming effect since they resemble the sounds in the womb.

The mothers' reaction and mood may influence a baby more than certain style of music. The emotional qualities are communicated to the baby, and a baby will pick up the happy, relaxed and calm state. Research suggests that the prenatal musical memory is the same for different types of music. There is no evidence to suggest that playing classical music is more beneficial, and a babyÂ's memory for R&B is as strong as for the memory Vivaldi or Bach.

The pace of the music seems to be more important than the music style, and the music does not have to be slow. But beats that are random rather than rhythmic and sudden shifts in volume may startle a baby. Try playing different kinds of music and see how your baby reacts. Does your baby kick faster when you play quicker music? Does your baby calm down when you play certain music?

It's important to note that there are no long term studies that demonstrate listening to music in the womb will influence the baby's intelligence or translate into success in learning later. However, this idea is based on anecdotal evidence that classical music stimulates different areas of the brain, which is thought to stimulate better connections in the brain. The hypothesis is that the increase in connectors will result in enhanced memory and information processing functions of the brain later. This theory has yet to be proven with research, and may or may not turn out to be the case.

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FAQ: Listening to music during pregnancy

Whether or not exposure to music will make baby smarter, there is some evidence to suggest soft music, such as quiet classical music and nature sounds have a calming effect on the baby. This often continues after birth. Many babies are soothed by the same soft music they heard during the pregnancy and recognize the rhythm. Several studies have demonstrated the newborn's ability to recognize certain music selections that were played during pregnancy.

Music benefits mom by helping to her to relax or lifting a low mood. That is good for the baby because research has demonstrated that baby is affected by mom's emotions. So, choose music that you find relaxing and not too loud. Loud music is not good, as it can startle the baby. A general rule of thumb is to keep the music to the level that is played in stores.