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When Does Your Baby Start Hearing?
By week 17, your baby is starting to hear for the first time. It’s still early, but those tiny ears are beginning to pick up sound. By week 18, they’re developed enough to notice the noises inside your body, like your heartbeat, your breathing, and even the gurgles from your stomach. These sounds may seem normal to you, but for your baby, it’s a whole new world of discovery.Over the next few weeks, around 27 to 30, they’ll start to recognise sounds from the outside too, like your voice or music playing nearby. It’s their first little preview of life outside the womb!
Why Is It Important for You to Talk or Sing to Your Baby?
Your baby already loves your voice more than anything else. When you speak, the sound travels through your body and reaches your baby more clearly. Research shows that their heart rate goes up when they hear your voice, which means they notice and feel comforted by it.Talking or singing to your baby helps them get used to your voice, so they’ll recognise it right after birth. It’s a simple way to start building a bond even before they arrive.
Other Voices and Sounds They’ll Love
It’s not only your voice, your baby will start to recognise. They’ll also get used to your partner’s voice and anyone who talks around you often. Babies can actually tell the difference between familiar sounds from the womb and new ones after birth. So it’s a great idea for your partner to talk or read to your bump too. It helps your baby know their voice early on and builds a connection before they even arrive.How Your Baby’s Ears Develop
Your baby’s hearing starts developing much earlier than you might think. Around week 6, tiny cells begin forming the parts that will become their ears. By week 9, small indents appear on the sides of their neck, which will gradually move up to create those adorable little ears you’ll see at birth.Throughout the first and second trimesters, the inner ear connects with the brain to process sounds, and the tiny bones in the middle ear begin to sense vibrations.
By week 18, your baby’s ears are ready to pick up noises. Around weeks 27 to 30, they might even react or turn their head when they hear sounds from the outside.
How Does A Baby Hear Sounds in the Womb?
Your baby doesn’t hear things the same way you do. The sounds from outside pass through your body and the amniotic fluid, so they reach your baby much softer and less clear. It’s a bit like hearing someone talk with their hand over their mouth. Your baby can catch the tone and rhythm of your voice or music, even if they can’t make out the exact words.Should You Play Music for Your Baby?
You’ve probably heard people say that playing classical music can make your baby smarter, but there’s no real evidence to prove that. What does help, though, is playing music you actually enjoy. Whether it’s classical, pop, or something traditional, your baby will start recognising the tunes you play often.These familiar sounds can even calm them after birth. Just try not to play music all the time, since too much noise might disturb their sleep in the womb. A bit of music or singing now and then is all it takes to bond with your baby.
How to Connect With Your Baby Through Sound
Now that your baby can hear you, it’s a lovely time to start connecting with them. Talking, singing, or reading to your bump helps your baby feel close to you.These are a few ideas to get started:
- Chat about your day: Tell your baby what you’ve been up to or how you’re feeling. They’ll enjoy hearing your voice.
- Sing lullabies: Pick soft songs or traditional tunes you like. The gentle rhythm helps your baby relax.
- Read aloud: Whether it’s a storybook or a magazine, reading helps your baby get used to the way your voice flows.
- Involve your partner: Ask them to talk or sing to your bump too. It’s a nice way for them to bond.
- Keep it relaxed: Don’t feel pressured to talk constantly. A few moments each day are enough to make a connection.
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FAQs on Your Baby Can Hear You: Time to Start Talking and Singing!
- Are loud noises safe in pregnancy?
Occasional everyday noises are generally safe for you and your baby. But prolonged exposure to loud noises may impact your baby’s developing hearing. - What to avoid at 17 weeks pregnant?
Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact exercises, and exposure to harmful chemicals or very loud environments.
