Babies do not come into the world as “Tabula Rasa” – (Blank slate) as was believed in the past. Researchers have found that infants are naturally programmed to reach out for warmth and closeness, be affected by the pleasures and discomfort the mother feels, hear what the mother listens to and be imprinted by the disposition of the mother during pregnancy. Hence, the state of being in the womb becomes an enduring part of the fetus’ personality. It is crucial to understand that within the womb, it is not just a zygote developing into a complex structure of flesh and bones, but an individual is being framed within. This creature’s first exposure to the world does not occur after it is born; rather it is through the mother that the fetus makes its first contact with the world outside the womb.

Beside the physiological needs, a pre-born seeks maternal attachment and bonding. There are scientific studies substantiating that maternal mood correlates to the later socio-emotional development of the fetus. One research observed that maternal mental health is positively correlated with the maternal-fetal attachment style and bonding (Mikulincer, 1999).  Test results confirmed that mothers who had positive physical and mental health and a high sense of security illustrated stronger attachment to their pre-born. “Avoidant and Anxious” mothers showed weak attachment with their fetus arising because of poor mental health. The maternal-fetal relationship constructed during the gestation period then forms the basis of the attachment between the mother and the newborn.

The unborn child develops physically, cognitively and emotionally in the womb as an impression of the mother’s frame of mind. A research carried out by William Fifer (Associate Professor of Developmental Psychobiology at Columbia University, USA), proved that when the newborns are presented with their mother’s voice (as it would have sounded in the womb), they responded positively to the stimulation, signifying that they were capable of distinguishing their mother's voice from other random voices. The value of the prenatal care provided by the spouse and the support system around the mother are therefore key determinants of the fetus’ development and later outcomes. To initiate a positive and strong association between the unborn and the mother, stimuli such as auditory contact (music, mother’s voice etc) and exposure to pressure, vibrations and light are used to communicate with the developing baby prior to birth. This enables the fetus to learn to recognize and respond to different stimuli, which augment the physical, mental and sensory development.

Prenatal stimulation

Various stimulation techniques are used to help the fetus grow cognitively and emotionally along with the physical development. There are several things expecting mothers and fathers can consciously do to begin to connect with their baby.

Experts believe that babies begin learning the foundations of language while they are in the womb. Because of such recognition, reading to babies at this stage carries many benefits. Fetuses that do experience such stimulation are found to better recognize and relate to the melody and rhythm of their mothers' voices and other introduced stimuli and build their foundations of vocabulary and language while they are still in the womb. 

Reading to the baby while in the womb also creates a bonding experience for the mother and family members who participate in the reading activity. It allows everyone involved in the exercise to feel an emotional connection to the baby.

Music for baby in-utero

The fetuses develop auditory abilities around the fifth month of pregnancy and start becoming aware of the sonic stimuli outside the womb. Many believe that exposure of a fetus to music results in enhanced intellectual development and interest in music and sounds. Prenatal stimulation through music while in the womb might provide some babies with a sense of confidence and relaxation after they are born.

Research findings suggest that newborn babies recognize the music played to them in the womb and tend to move and breathe in time with the music they enjoy. There have been evidence for an 'increased level of cognitive development' resulting from in-utero exposure to music. It is advised that mothers choose soft and gentle music over rock or heavy metal for that matter, as the unborn might get over stimulated or feel the discomfort of the thumping and pounding of the music.

Belly massage

Massaging the belly or responding with talk or touch when the baby moves or kicks, introduces the baby to human touch, and it might also be the closest thing to "conversation" with the baby while it is in the womb. Studies have shown that by seven months, not only are babies capable of responding, but it's also likely that their response is meaningful and intentional.

Research in prenatal stimulation has shown that stimulated babies tend to exhibit accelerated visual, linguistic, and motor development. Besides higher intelligence and creativity in stimulated infants, prenatal stimulation is beneficial for building healthy and loving parent-child relationships.

About the Writer:
Ms. Sanober Nadeem is working as an Instructor in Aga Khan University - Human Development Programme and has been associated with the field of Clinical Psychology. She has keen interest in child development and maternal and child mental health.