Fetal response to sound

[modiolus]

OK, the threads here seem very "work oriented", but here's one that more involves family life for those of you that have had kids.

We all (sort of) know that fetal hearing starts to develop at around 19 weeks, starting with around 500Hz (when high intensity sound is presented actually at the abdomen and fetus is visualised by ultrasound for a response). We all know that there will be considerable attenuation of sound by an abdomen and that the middle ear will be full of fluid, rendering any middle ear amplification impossible in a fetus.

But, in real life, when you're 32 weeks pregnant (like I am) do you begin to worry that your little one hasn't responded to your voice or a single sound when every other mother seems to be saying their "oh so musical" little babe actually dances in time to music on in the background. I don't believe that one but the response to voice seems a little more believable.

And I've just tried presenting a 90dB(A) sound near his head while he's definitely awake and putting my hand on abdo there's no response even though he's kicking and fairly active.

Any more experienced mums (I'm a first timer ) want to share their experiences? TIA

[modiolus]

BTW I realise posting here will make for MORE biased views than a simple pregnancy board... but probably best to get the view from those who know what is and isn't realistic in the uterine sound environment... He's also breech, so clearly doesn't know which way is up either...

UPDATE: Oh ignore me. Or else do this fun experiment (fun if all turns out OK and you don't scare your little guy/gal). One handheld fetal Doppler. One sound source (e.g. iPhone with tone generator app if you don't want to look too stupid at work). One sound level meter (such as an iPhone with appropriate app again, again if you don't want to look stupid at work). Present 500Hz 80-90dB(A) sound near baby's head with Doppler already monitoring heartbeat. Look out for an acceleration (his was immediate, from about 150 to 170, very clear cut). Breathe sigh of relief.

I'm thinking of publishing "100 audiological games to play with your fetus". Do you think it would get a good readership? And I'm back to playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star repetitively. And will possibly update again later with NHSP result!

[Ali]

There is an interesting video on YouTube made by MAGYXTV as part of their 40 Weeks Life Before Life series