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| The connection between classical music and your baby |
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Sometimes referred to as the "Mozart Effect," this movement was supported by studies conducted in the mid-1990s and created such beliefs as a baby's intelligence can actually increase by listening to classical music. Various studies done during this time found evidence that students who listened specifically to Mozart prior to testing had a temporary increase in aptitude compared to students that had not listened to the music at all. Likewise, other studies have concluded that exposure to music makes kids smarter in math; however, this evidence only exists for children as young as three and four. While it seems that no one really seems to know for certain if any validity exists to the theory that music can stimulate a fetus, there are several studies that support the belief that a fetus can hear and react to sound. Therefore, it may be beneficial to, at times, relax and enjoy some classical music during your favorite (or least favorite!) activity. |
| What to consider beforehand |
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You have two ways to expose your baby to music while you are pregnant. The first would be to pop in a CD or find a local classical music station on your stereo. The second would be to get a walkman and place the headphones around your belly. However, it is recommended that if you place the headphones on your belly directly, that you limit this activity to only one hour a day since the intense sound of the music can potentially over-stimulate your baby. Additionally, be conscious of the volume at which you choose to listen to the music on a stereo; if it is too loud, it can startle the baby. |
| My own experience |
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In an effort to test out this theory, I figured I would try listening to classical music on a regular basis since approximately the beginning of the second trimester of my pregnancy. This means I enjoy it as background music while I am driving my car, making dinner, or reading magazines on the couch. I did not attempt to put headphones on my belly to increase the sound that my baby hears, but instead chose to listen to the music through our stereo. I have noticed that my baby likes to kick and stretch a lot more while I am reading magazines and listening to the music versus just reading without the music. Yet I felt these movements only ended up creating more questions-the resulting question being, if these movements are because of the music, are they jolts of enjoyment or shudders of torment? Although I enjoy the music, I know that does not imply my baby does as well. Additionally, I have never noticed any movement while I am driving in my car and listening to classical music, thus, going back to the original question of whether the music is actually creating the increased movements I seem to observe at certain times but not at others. While I know there is no solid evidence that classical music will improve my baby's future performance and outcome in life, I do feel it calms me during pregnancy and leaves me feeling content and relaxed. For now, I will take these moments of serenity in moderation and enjoy them for what they provide me. Furthermore, should these musical moments provide extra benefits for my baby in the future, then it is one more thing I can say I did right during this adventure! |
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