A fetus can hear and recognize surrounding sounds while still in the womb, and these sounds influence growth and development until birth. For this reason, pregnant women and expecting parents are encouraged to learn different ways to communicate with their baby before delivery.
It can be said that babies begin learning language and recognizing sounds and speech even before they are born. This doesn’t mean they learn vocabulary or grammar, but they absorb the auditory and rhythmic foundations of their mother tongue. This early exposure prepares the brain for faster and more effective language learning after birth.
According to Healthline, here’s when a fetus begins hearing sounds in the womb.
When Can a Fetus Hear?
Your baby starts hearing internal body sounds — such as your heartbeat and digestive noises — around week 18 of pregnancy.
Between weeks 19 and 21, the fetus may begin to hear sounds from the outside environment.
However, some babies may not respond to sounds until week 24, while others begin reacting between weeks 26 and 30.
How Does a Baby Learn Language Before Birth?
Hearing Development
The fetal auditory system becomes almost fully functional by the third trimester (around the seventh month).
The Mother’s Voice
The clearest sound a fetus hears is the mother’s voice. Sound waves travel through her body tissues and amniotic fluid. Lower-frequency sounds — such as vowels and rhythm — are especially clear.
Rhythm and Melody
The baby is exposed to the rhythm and melody (prosody) of speech. These patterns are what distinguish one language from another, such as Arabic from English.
Early Auditory Memory
Research shows that newborns prefer the language their mothers spoke during pregnancy. They may even recognize and respond to stories or sounds they heard repeatedly before birth.
Why Communicating with Your Baby During Pregnancy Matters
Here are several reasons why prenatal communication is important:
Stimulates Hearing
Talking to your baby stimulates their sense of hearing and helps build neural connections in the brain responsible for sound processing.
Supports Language Development
Regular speech exposure may help your child speak earlier and develop stronger social skills.
Strengthens Brain Function
Talking to your baby may improve memory and cognitive development.
Creates a Sense of Security
Frequent communication helps the baby feel safe and comforted, which may ease the transition at birth.
Recognizing Other Voices
It’s not only the mother’s voice that matters. Fathers and family members should also talk to the baby. Hearing multiple familiar voices helps the baby distinguish between sounds and supports overall sensory development.
Encourages Learning
Conversations during the last trimester form a strong foundation for emotional and social growth. Your voice becomes an early teaching tool.
How to Talk to Your Baby in the Womb and Support Language Learning
Mothers can easily encourage their baby’s auditory and language development through simple, enjoyable activities that focus on rhythm and tone.
Singing
Singing strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. Playing or singing gentle music during pregnancy may support language skills after birth and even improve both fine and gross motor development.
Responding to Kicks
Talk to your baby often. Babies may respond with small movements or kicks. When you feel movement, respond by touching your belly or speaking. This creates an early form of “conversation” and strengthens connection.
Calling Your Baby by Name
Use your baby’s name or nickname regularly — in songs or daily speech. Babies may begin recognizing their name sooner than expected, even during ultrasound sessions.
Listening to Calm Music and Reading
Choose soothing music such as classical or nature sounds. Avoid placing headphones directly on your belly. Music supports the development of auditory neural networks.
Read books, short stories, or even articles aloud using expressive tones and varied pitch. This helps the baby recognize the melody and patterns of language.
Speak Regularly
Make talking out loud part of your daily routine. Tell your baby about your day, your feelings, or your plans. The content matters less than hearing your voice’s rhythm and tone.
Encourage fathers and siblings to talk, read, or sing to the baby as well. Exposure to a variety of voices broadens the range of familiar sounds.
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