Singing during pregnancy

When becoming pregnant there are a thousand things to think about. What should the baby be called? How many sleepsuits and blankets does he or she need? Disposable or reusable diapers? Home birth or hospital birth? The list goes on, and I do apologise if I just made yours a little longer! I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed, not due to the planning, although it could get the best of me sometimes. But I found myself more overwhelmed by the fact that I was carrying an actual child into the world. A real person! With its own personality, its own laughter and cry, and its own feelings. I really longed to feel closer to my baby, although ironically enough the baby literally could not be any closer. However, I was determined, even during my early pregnancy, to start this long-life relationship with my little one.

I do not know what led me to do it, but I started singing. I would sing all the soft and calming baby lullabies I could remember. Then I would sing an Abba song or two (or three!). From as early as 16 weeks the baby can start hearing her mother’s voice, even though the ear is not fully developed until 24 weeks (NHS Scotland, 2011).

I remember it felt a bit odd in the beginning singing to my own belly. But then I started thinking about the little one who was lying inside the womb. How thrilling and comforting it must be to hear a voice when you don't know anything else.

Researchers found that when a group of pregnant women participated in an antenatal class where they learned to sing lullabies together, the women felt closer to their little ones in the womb, and generally more relaxed (Carolan et.al., 2011). When I look back, I remember feeling more calmer and at ease after singing. Even though so many changes were going on in my life, becoming a first-time parent, this bonding time which I had with my baby is something I now look back on and cherish.

So, if you have not yet tried this yet, maybe you should give it a go?

Sit down somewhere where you feel comfortable and relaxed, pour yourself a cuppa, raise those legs and breathe. You are doing so good, I hope you are proud of the work you are doing, creating a human being! Do you maybe have a song that made you smile as a child, or a current favourite song? How about sharing it with your baby.

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Carolan, M., Barry, M., Gamble, M., Turner, K., Mascarenas, O., (2011). Singing lullabies in pregnancy: What benefits for women? Women and Birth, 24, p.S29.

NHS Scotland, 2011. Hearing and listening in the womb - Maternal and Early Years. [online] Maternal-and-early-years.org.uk. Available at: <http://www.maternal-and-early-years.org.uk/hearing-and-listening-in-the-womb> [Accessed 28 February 2021].