How Babies Can Learn in the Womb and 4 Ways to Help Them Do It

Knowledge about prenatal learning isn’t very widespread, but several studies carried out in recent times have come to confirm that it happens and is possible. Even though we have no memory of some very early stages of our existence, the truth is that the learning we obtain in the womb generates in us certain sensations and associations that accompany us throughout life.

Considering how important this learning can be and the conditioning it can cause, we at Bright Side want to tell you a little more about this type of education and the ways in which we can carry it out as parents.

Prenatal learning

Education and prenatal learning is a subject that is not very widespread or well-known at a social level. This development is biological, but also biopsychic and educational, and it is closely related to and depends on the contact and conscious or unconscious communications that we, as parents, have with the baby while it is still in the mother’s womb.

What a baby can learn in the womb

The acclaimed and successful scientist, Annie Murphy Paul, affirms that according to recent research, a baby learns from the time it is in the mother’s womb. Although it may be hard to believe, or even if it hasn’t been talked about so far, these learnings may be the most important.

They know and learn the sound of the maternal voice: The voice of the person carrying the baby in the womb is, for obvious reasons, the one they identify most, and the one they like the most. It is recognition, so it is prior learning and association.

They learn about flavors: We may think that the baby cannot pick up flavors, but this isn’t true. The truth is that there are many of the flavors of the foods that the pregnant woman eats, and the fetus usually ingests them. That’s why when they’re born and as they grow, they seem to have a preference and taste for those foods.

They learn a language: Based on what they hear in the womb, babies begin to learn the language of the people around them and the language spoken in the place where they live. In fact, according to a study published in 2009, babies cry with the accent of their mother tongue.

Learning from and with mom: Everything that is part of the pregnant woman’s environment, from smells, sounds, emotions, or even the products she uses, is received in some way by the baby. This data and these perceptions that the baby receives through their mother are incorporated as information.

How we can teach the baby during this stage

Through touch: When we caress the belly with our hand or pass things with different textures over this area, the baby is able to pick up on these movements. This stimulus is transmitted until it reaches the brain and provokes movements on this part of the brain.

Through sight: Both natural and artificial light can reach the baby through the womb with different intensities. In fact, researchers have found that fetuses are more likely to see dots in the shape of a human face. This shows that a baby reacts to the outside world way before they join it.

Through hearing: It is with this sense that the baby can capture and perceive many of the things, situations, and people around them. The sounds are registered and the babies keep them, although perhaps in the future they won’t be able to remember certain music. At about 18 weeks into the pregnancy, the baby will be able to listen to the mom’s stomach sounds and heartbeat.

Through the motor system and emotional state: While inside the womb, the baby is able to perceive whether the mother is in a stable position or not, thus developing balance. They do have a very well-developed sense of personal space, something that derives from their inner ear. Also, a fetus can perceive messages through the placenta about the mother’s mental and psychological state.

What did you do when you were pregnant to communicate or stay in touch with your baby? Share with us what your pregnancy was like and the techniques you applied.

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