It has been common knowledge that fetuses inside the mothers' wombs can respond to outside communication sources such as music or even just the parents' voices. Recent practices even encourage mothers-to-be to use music as a way to bond with their unborn children. However, a new study found that when expectant mothers touch their bellies, this create a far greater bond and effect on the unborn.
A study conducted by researchers at Dundee University in Scotland found a strong connection in terms of touch between mothers and the fetuses in their wombs during pregnancy, reports Psypost. Researchers used 23 mothers as their subjects. These women were reported to be free from any major stressors during the study period. They reportedly also did not drink or smoke during their pregnancies.
It was conducted between the 21st and 33rd week of gestation. There were three conditions in which they participated in which are voice, touch and control. They were asked to read either Jack and the Beanstalk or The Three Little Pigs as part of the voice condition. For the touch condition, they were requested to stroke their stomachs as a form of indirect stimulation of the fetus. It should be noted that the pressure used was just light and not a direct contact with the fetus inside. For the control condition, the mothers were asked to just lie quietly with their hands on the sides.
Results showed an astonishing amount of reaction from the touch condition compared to the other two conditions, according to PLOS.Org. The fetuses reacted and moved more while the stomachs were touched. Furthermore, the older fetuses responded more and touched some parts of their own bodies more as their mothers did the indirect stimulation. It should also be pointed out that the larger and older the fetuses are, the lesser they should be moving around the womb since their sizes are larger. But this study made an overall conclusion that there were more arm and head movements such as arm crossing and yawning as the mothers rubbed their bellies. There is indeed a powerful connection to touch as compared to the voices of the mothers.
Thus, mothers can claim that bonding can indeed start at gestation period. Not only can expectant parents and family members talk and sing to the coming baby in the womb, it may also be a good idea to gently rub and pat the baby bump to further create the bond. The baby inside will be more familiar with those around when they feel the loving touch instead of just hearing the usual greetings.
