As societal standards have risen, it's common for expectant mothers to engage in prenatal education during pregnancy—activities like storytelling or listening to music reflect this social trend. But how should one schedule these sessions? Today, Pacific Health Network shares some insights.
Optimal Timing for Prenatal Education (Public Health Network)
How to Schedule Prenatal Education
Pregnancy is a gradual process that should not be rushed. Activities should be phased in according to the fetus's physiological development.During the first four months, prioritize preparing for a stable pregnancy. Starting from the fourth month, schedule activities around the mother's daily routine—ideally after waking up, after work, and before bedtime. From months four to five, introduce music to the fetus twice daily for 3-5 minutes each session.
From the fifth to seventh month, alternate between two pieces of music. Parents may also speak to or sing for the fetus twice daily for 5 minutes each session. After the seventh month, formal sessions can begin: three times daily for 5-10 minutes each. Morning sessions involve storytelling or singing; after work, music or language training; and before bedtime, combine music and language training.
So, what kind of music benefits the fetus?
Music holds significant importance in pregnancy. However, not all music is beneficial for the fetus's physical and mental health, as different types of music can affect psychological behavior in distinct ways.
Music falls into two categories: one is for the mother to listen to—music pregnant women should hear regularly. It is characterized by beauty and tranquility, primarily in the keys of E and C, helping the mother feel calm, relaxed, and joyful;The other is for the fetus, primarily in the key of C, with a light, lively, and bright tone that effectively stimulates the fetus's emotions and responses. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid loud, fast-paced, intense, or harsh and noisy music like rock, jazz, and disco, which can agitate the fetus. Instead, they should listen more to light, pleasant serenades and soft music.
How to Listen to Prenatal Music
1. Adjust prenatal music content based on pregnancy stage
During early pregnancy, when the fetus's auditory organs are just developing, expectant mothers can choose lighthearted, cheerful, and humorous music to help alleviate early pregnancy discomforts and achieve optimal emotional well-being.During the second trimester, the fetus's auditory system matures. Music selection can broaden to include light, lively pieces with slightly faster rhythms. Listen twice daily for 15-30 minutes each session.Ideal times include rest periods or mealtimes. Listening before bed when fetal movements are felt yields even better results. In the third trimester, to ease prenatal anxiety, expectant mothers should select gentle, soothing, and hopeful melodies. Listen while reclining in a chair or lying in bed.
2. Engage in sensory perception and visualization while listening
When listening to music, expectant mothers should actively incorporate their own emotions. Based on the varying sentiments expressed in the prenatal music, visualize vivid and touching imagery in their minds. Relax the entire body while listening, sitting or reclining in a rocking chair or comfortable spot. Place hands on the abdomen to sense fetal movements, and verbally acknowledge to the baby, "Let's listen to music together," fostering subconscious emotional connection.
3. Select appropriate prenatal music tracks
Prenatal music should avoid fast rhythms, excessive volume, and sudden loud noises. Popular genres include:children's songs like "Spring Maiden," "Childhood," and "Jingle Bells"; Baroque and Classical period music, whose rhythms resemble a mother's heartbeat, offering stimulation and soothing effects for both fetuses and newborns.