It’s common for an expecting mother to have many questions and concerns regarding the development of her unborn baby. One concern is loud noise exposure during pregnancy.
Whether it's from a concert, a noisy workplace, or everyday activities like using a blender, expecting mothers may wonder if the noise could harm their baby's hearing or development.
In this blog, we walk you through the developmental stages of your baby’s hearing in utero. We then dive into the effects of loud noise exposure during pregnancy and what expecting mothers can do to support the healthy development of their unborn baby’s hearing.
Baby Hearing Development in Utero
The early forming of a baby’s eyes and ears begins during the second month of pregnancy. Around nine weeks, small indentations appear where a baby’s ears will grow. At 18 weeks, the inner ear has formed, and the auditory system is beginning to develop.
Around this time, the baby will start to hear their first sounds. By 24 weeks, the ears are growing rapidly, and the baby’s cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, is fully formed. The baby will start hearing mom’s beating heart, growling stomach, and air moving in and out of mom’s lungs.
As each day passes, the baby’s hearing improves, and by week 25, babies will start to respond to voices and noises. By the third trimester, the most significant sound the baby hears is the mom’s voice; they can already recognize it and become more alert when the mother speaks.
Download our Pregnancy Planning Kit for an easy-to-follow breakdown of what to expect during pregnancy, which includes an exclusive fillable pregnancy journal!
The Effects of Loud Noises on an Unborn Baby
Short-term loud noise exposure
The baby is protected by amniotic fluid and other tissues, meaning the eardrum and middle ear of the developing fetus cannot amplify sounds as they usually would, making anything the baby hears muffled. Sounds that might be perceived as loud to the mother will be less loud for the baby.
Therefore, exposure to loud noise for a short period, like attending a concert, shouldn’t cause too much concern for an expecting mother. Although, it is still best to take precautions, such as staying away from speakers with booming bass and avoiding concerts that are expected to have a lot of screaming and may cause a stressful environment.
Not sure what over-the-counter medications are safe to take while pregnant? Download our Medication Guide During Pregnancy here.
Prolonged loud noise exposure
Experts are most concerned with prolonged and repeated exposure to noises over 90-100 decibels (about the level of a chainsaw) during pregnancy, such as working an eight-hour shift at a construction site or an industrial factory with loud machinery. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this type of loud noise exposure during pregnancy may increase the chances of having a baby with hearing problems.
What’s more, studies are finding there may also be a link between prolonged loud noise exposure and having a low birth weight baby. One study found that mothers who live near an airport and experience frequent loud aircraft noises have a 17% greater chance of having a low birth weight baby.
If you work in a loud environment, talking with your OB-GYN doctor is the best way to decide if the working conditions are safe for you and your unborn child. Together, you can find ways to avoid loud noise exposure, such as being transferred to a quieter department during your pregnancy.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
While studies suggest a possible connection between loud noise exposure and having a baby with hearing issues, we don’t always know what causes hearing loss in babies. If you have a baby with hearing problems, it may not have been your occupation or anything you did wrong. Understanding the exact noise level safe for pregnancy and the complexity of hearing development within the womb continues to be an ongoing study and process.
At Moreland OB-GYN, our trusted providers are here to answer all your pregnancy questions, including how best to support your baby’s hearing and overall development. Click here to learn more about our comprehensive obstetric services.
Supporting Your Baby’s Hearing in Utero
Along with avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises, the following are tips on how expecting mothers can support their baby’s hearing development in utero:
- Play soft, calming music for your baby. This music can help stimulate the baby's auditory system and promote healthy brain development.
- Talk to your baby frequently and sing lullabies or other soothing songs. Talking and singing to your baby can help the baby recognize your voice and develop a connection with you before birth.
- Practice relaxation techniques that promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to reduce stress and promote a calm environment for the baby.
- Take care of your overall mental and physical health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Read our blog for 6 exercises that are effective and safe for pregnancy!
A Trusted Partner in Your Pregnancy Journey
While navigating pregnancy can be exciting, it can also be scary and daunting. How can you be sure you’re doing everything possible to promote the healthy development of your unborn baby?
Regular prenatal checkups with your Moreland OB-GYN doctor can ensure you get the best guidance during every trimester of your pregnancy. Our trusted providers are here to answer all your pregnancy questions, including how best to support your baby’s hearing and overall development.
Our goal is for our patients to feel prepared and free from any stress during pregnancy. If you have concerns about the effects of loud noise exposure during pregnancy or any other pregnancy-related problems, please schedule an appointment with Moreland OB-GYN today!
