While all of this
physical
development is taking place, the unborn child is becoming an aware, reacting human being. At as early as 8 weeks, he can express
his likes and dislikes with well placed kicks and
jerks. At 28 to 32 weeks his emerging sense of awareness
transforms his physical responses into feelings. The woman's
emotional state can and does have an effect on the way he
perceives his world as warm and friendly- or cold and hostile. This
is not to say that fleeting anxiety or doubt about your health will
negatively affect your unborn child. However, it does mean that
chronic anxiety or stress, especially of a personal nature,
or deep ambivalence about motherhood may affect your baby's
personality.
Studies have shown that the unborn child hears
well from the twenty fourth week on. A recent discovery is
that the noise level inside the uterus is much higher than
was previously thought. The woman's constant heartbeat and
intestinal rumblings are magnified by the amniotic fluid,
providing
a continuous loud, and rhythmical background for the baby.
The kinds of sounds a baby hears definitely affect him
emotionally. Soft, soothing sounds and music calm him. Loud
sounds. music such as hard rock can make him kick violently.
Some women have found that if they play soft music when resting
during the last months of pregnancy, the baby, after he is born,
associates this music with rest time.
The exciting aspect of this knowledge about fetal
emotions is that you can begin shaping positive
relationship with your child before he is born . Talk soothingly
to your baby and send him loving thoughts. This is also a good
way to get your partner involved in the pregnancy. Encourage your
partner to gently massage your abdomen and to talk to his baby as
well . Try to spend a portion of each day in a relaxed, anxiety free
state of mind. Both you and your unborn child will benefited.
