There are three main ways that babies are thought to learn in the uterus:

Learning through exposure to an experience. Babies recognise familiar voices and music they heard in the uterus, and are soothed by them after birth. They are also soothed by rocking and noises like car engines as these may remind them of the movement and sounds of your body. Learning by becoming accustomed to an experience. For instance, if you repetitively play an alarming noise to your baby in the uterus, they may not be startled by it as a newborn. Learning by associating one experience with another. For instance, if a certain piece of music is played to your baby in the uterus while you are relaxing, the same music may soothe them after birth.

Is there anything I can do to help my baby to learn in the uterus?

There is no evidence that you can increase your baby’s intelligence by playing music and reading stories. However, it may help them to recognise and bond with you after birth. It might also help you to relax, reduce stress and deepen your own feelings for your baby.

Don’t worry if you’re not comfortable with singing and chatting to your bump. The natural stimulation your baby receives from everyday conversations, and activities, is more than enough to prepare them for the outside world.