One of the most magical aspects of pregnancy is knowing that your baby is already experiencing the outside world while still in the womb. But when exactly can they hear you?
When Does Hearing Develop?
Research from 2015 demonstrated that developing babies begin to respond to sounds around 16 weeks of gestation. This is an exciting milestone in your pregnancy journey!
From this point onwards, your baby can perceive:
- Your voice
- Your movements
- External sounds and music
- Voices of family members
What Can Your Baby Hear?
Your baby's auditory world is rich and varied. They experience:
Maternal Sounds
- Your heartbeat (the most familiar sound)
- Your voice (which they learn to recognise)
- Your digestive system
- Blood flowing through your body
External Sounds
- Music played nearby
- Voices of partners, siblings, and other family members
- Everyday household sounds
- Light and interaction from the outside world
Bonding Before Birth
Once you reach the 16-week mark, you can start actively bonding with your baby through sound:
Talk to Your Baby
Speak to your bump regularly. Your baby will learn to recognise your voice and find it comforting after birth.
Read Stories
Reading aloud creates a soothing rhythm that your baby can enjoy.
Play Music
Create a special playlist for your baby. Many parents find that songs played during pregnancy have a calming effect on their newborn.
Include Your Partner
Have your partner talk or sing to the bump so baby becomes familiar with their voice too.
The Science Behind It
At 16 weeks, the tiny bones in your baby's middle ear are forming, and the cochlea (the part of the ear that processes sound) is developing. By 24 weeks, the ear is structurally complete, and babies show clear responses to external sounds.
Tips for Engaging with Your Baby
- Keep volumes moderate - very loud sounds can startle your baby
- Be consistent - play the same songs or read the same stories
- Include family - let siblings talk to the bump
- Enjoy the moment - this is special bonding time
See your baby's development at every stage with our pregnancy scans. Book at Ultrasound Ireland by calling 01 210 0232.