Can Loud Music Affect Your Unborn Baby?

When you are pregnant and have been extra cautious during the first month, it could be tempting just to let loose and enjoy an evening at the concert. But can this have any adverse impact on your unborn baby? If you are seeking an answer to this question, this article is for you. Read on.

How much sound is too much?

Exposure to 85 to 90 decibels of noise for 8 hours is deemed the maximum level the inner ear's sensory cells can tolerate. Anything beyond this can result in hearing loss. But does this also apply to babies in the womb?

Here are some points to consider:

• The baby inside the womb is not exposed to sounds exactly as we hear them with our ears. The uterus and the tissues inside reduce the sound by about 20 to 35 decibels.
  

• Until the unborn baby is 27 weeks old, it can hear only lower frequencies. It means you should be careful about constant exposure to low-frequency sounds.

• Post week 29, the fetus begins to hear louder sounds.

• The other issue with loud sounds is that they may be upsetting or highly stimulating for the mother, creating an unhealthy environment for the unborn child.

Can music be good for the baby?

Listening to music can be very relaxing, and babies exposed to music before birth have increased brain development. Classical music and lullabies are great for the little one to get accustomed to even within your womb. Interestingly, the positives of exposing your baby to music in utero can also extend to their personality traits. Experts say this can reflect the baby being more cooperative and friendly later.

To conclude, while no research shows that loud noises can affect the baby, it is best to avoid jarring loud sounds during advanced pregnancy. These may affect you in a very drastic way and adversely impact the baby as well. However, listening to soothing music is good for you and your baby. So, go ahead and play your favorite playlist.