Music can soothe the savage beast, but can it also calm a pregnant woman’s savage hormones? It sure can! There’s a good amount of evidence to support the idea that listening to music during pregnancy has numerous benefits for both mother and child. Many clinicians encourage expectant mothers to listen to music to reduce stress, lower their blood pressure, and prevent the onset of nausea. If you’re wondering whether you should listen to music during pregnancy or not, read on to learn all about it.
What are the benefits of listening to music during pregnancy?
There are numerous benefits to listening to music during pregnancy. First and foremost, it can help to soothe the sometimes brutal effects of pregnancy on a woman’s mental health. During pregnancy, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders are all relatively common among expectant mothers. Music is effective in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as helping women relax and feel more at ease. Additionally, listening to music can enhance fetal development. Studies have shown that fetuses can perceive certain types of music, and exposure to music during pregnancy has been shown to enhance fetal development.
- Music can help to soothe and relax the mind
- Can help to ease anxiety and stress
- Can provide a distraction from negative thoughts
- Can improve sleep quality
- Helps the baby’s brain development
- Can help the baby’s heart rate and breathing
- Can be used as a form of pain relief
- Can help to lower blood pressure
How does music benefit pregnant women?
Music has the power to alter hormones, neurotransmitters, and even heart rates. It can also help to induce relaxation and change the way we perceive the world around us. During pregnancy, the body produces elevated amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are largely responsible for the physical and emotional symptoms of pregnancy. As estrogen levels increase, it causes a rise in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being. Conversely, progesterone increases the amount of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisol is commonly associated with stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Is it safe to listen to music loudly during pregnancy?
If you go to areas where there is loud music, the good thing is that it isn’t dangerous to your baby’s hearing. Still avoiding these places is a good idea. On the 22nd week, your baby will have an almost fully formed hearing system. That precious bundle will hear everything (so watch your language). He/she will be protected by the amniotic fluid however sounds will still be heard very well. They are filtered and milder, however, they can still be uncomfortable to listen to.
Keep in mind:
Stress hormones are released by your body with loud music around you. This increases your heartbeat leading to a negative effect on your baby.
The huge vibrations that come from large bass sound also affect your bouncing bundle of joy. Though they have not been studied, it’s a good idea to stay away from loud sounds as much as possible.
Tips for listening to music during pregnancy
- Choose music that you enjoy. Listening to music that you don’t like isn’t likely to provide you with any benefits. Instead, it’ll be just another thing to stress about.
- Make sure the volume is low. Noise above 80 decibels can negatively affect fetal development.
- Make sure the volume is consistent. If you regularly listen to music on your phone or laptop, try to keep the volume consistent. This will help to minimize any impact it might have on fetal development.
- Pay attention to the lyrics. Certain types of music have been shown to have a negative impact on fetal development. Examples include heavy metal, rock, and certain types of rap.
- Don’t sacrifice sleep. It’s important to get enough sleep during pregnancy. Don’t let listening to music keep you awake.
- Avoid exposure to loud concerts during pregnancy. This can negatively affect fetal development in the same way that exposure to excessively loud music might.
- Keep in mind that there isn’t a whole lot of research on the effects of music on fetal development. We’re still learning a lot about it!
- Try to minimize exposure to loud noise while pregnant. This includes using ear protection while using power tools and gardening and wearing noise-canceling headphones while flying.
- Remember that pregnancy is a time to relax. Don’t feel like you have to be listening to music 24/7 to reap the benefits that it has to offer.
