| Before Birth |
Modern ultrasound scanning methods have revealed to us that the foetus can hear things from outside of the womb from 25 week onwards. The way scientists have determined this is by measuring the heart rate and bodily movements of the foetus in the womb when they are exposed to different sounds and vibration from outside of the womb. They have found that certain types of sound and vibration elicit a change in the foetus's heart rate and bodily movements. This is a clear indication that foetuses can hear from 25 weeks onwards. Thus it is not surprising that when babies are first born their sense of hearing (auditory system) is remarkably well developed in comparison to their other senses - especially their vision.
If a foetus can hear from 25 weeks onwards it makes sense to expose your unborn child to a plentiful mix of music, sound and stimulation during the 2nd half of your pregnancy. A variety is important since different sounds have varying effects upon the foetus – some are stimulating and some are relaxing. This is why many people who expose their unborn babies to classical music find that playing the same music to their newborns – soothes and relaxes them. Scientists have also found that playing classical music to newborns and babies enhances certain aspects of their brain development.
To read some tips and recommended products for this development stage, click here.
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| Developmental Stage |
| Before Birth |
| 0 - 3 Months |
| 4 - 6 Months |
| 7 - 9 Months |
| 10 - 12 Months |
| 13 - 15 Months |
| 16 - 18 Months |
| 19 - 21 Months |
| 22 - 24 Months |
| 2 - 2½ Years |
| 2½ - 4 Years |