2. Response to Sound: From 16-20 Weeks
Babies’ auditory system is intact from between 16-20weeks.
They react to loud noise and can distinguish their mother’s voice, which in effect calms them down by decreasing their heart beat.
They normally respond to external stimulus by turning towards the sound or touch from outside the womb.
Along with belly rubs, play music, sing, talk, chat or read to your baby so they can learn and remember your voice from before they are born.
Gentle talking or singing in a calm voice, playing soft music, gentle massage and maintaining low stress levels help babies feel secure, soothed, and loved.
Babies tend to increase their suckling motion + movements when the mother speaks, sings or touches her belly – this in itself instil sense of security, reassurance and comfort in babies whilst inside the womb, and good for their neurological development.
Chat to your baby, tell them what you are working on, how you are planning their birth, what name/s you are considering for them, how you are planning their first few weeks of life etc, talk to them, tell them anything positive on your mind; they will respond to both positive and negative neurones from both parents.