Does Prenatal Education Really Work? A Scientific Perspective on the “Mysterious” Connection

Prenatal education is a topic that carries both warmth and mystery. But does it truly have a scientific basis, or is it simply a form of psychological comfort? This question has long sparked widespread discussion.

A father’s personal experience offers a vivid example. At first, he didn’t believe in prenatal education at all. He only spoke softly to his wife’s belly every day to keep her happy. Unexpectedly, as time went on, the fetus seemed to “respond” — adjusting its position to relieve pressure on the mother’s bladder and even helping ease her discomfort. These subtle yet wonderful moments turned the skeptical father into a true believer.

Can a Fetus Really Hear Sounds from the Outside World?

The answer is: to a certain extent, yes. Fetal development follows a predictable pattern:

The auditory system begins to develop around the 6th week of pregnancy.

By around the 15th week, it is largely formed and capable of basic hearing.

By 20 weeks, the baby’s hearing ability is nearly comparable to that of a newborn.

At this stage, the fetus can hear the mother’s heartbeat and blood flow, as well as sounds from outside the womb. In the later stages of pregnancy, the baby can even distinguish different tones and rhythms — for example, the father’s deep voice and the mother’s gentle tone. However, the fetus is not yet able to understand the actual meaning of words.

The Scientific Principle Behind Prenatal Education

Although the fetus cannot comprehend language, communication between mother and baby already exists. A mother’s emotional state directly affects the baby through hormonal changes. When the mother feels calm, the baby’s heart rate tends to stabilize; when she moves, the baby often moves in response.

Therefore, the core principle of prenatal education lies in the combined effects of sound, emotion, and touch. By creating a peaceful, safe, and positive environment, prenatal education supports both the psychological and physiological well-being of the fetus.

The Historical Origins of Prenatal Education

Prenatal education is not a modern invention — its concept can be traced back to ancient China. The Yan Family Instructions (《颜氏家训》), written during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, includes a section called Teaching Children, which states:

“After three months of pregnancy, the mother should move to a separate residence, avoid improper sights and sounds, and regulate her food and music according to propriety.”

This passage suggests that pregnant women should avoid negative visual and auditory stimuli and live according to moral and ritual principles — one of the earliest forms of prenatal education.

However, in modern times, some commercial institutions have exaggerated and mystified the concept, claiming that certain methods or courses can “bestow talents” upon unborn children. These claims lack scientific foundation and may even cause psychological stress and anxiety for expectant mothers. In reality, excessive pursuit of “perfect prenatal education” can be counterproductive.

How to Practice Scientific Prenatal Education

Scientific prenatal education is simple and does not require strict routines.

Spend about 10 minutes each day interacting calmly with the baby.

Speak softly, play gentle music, or lightly touch your belly.

The key is for the expectant mother to remain relaxed and comfortable.

For example, before bedtime, a mother can share small stories about her day, hum a favorite song, or simply enjoy soothing background music. Expectant parents who wish to learn more systematically can also attend professional prenatal education programs or maternal relaxation workshops, which are typically affordable and effective.

The True Meaning of Prenatal Education

In essence, prenatal education is not magic, nor can it make a baby a “genius” at birth. Its true value lies in helping parents build an emotional connection with their unborn child and fostering a positive, peaceful environment throughout pregnancy.

The essence of scientific prenatal education is the harmonious interaction of sound, emotion, and touch, allowing mothers to stay calm and joyful — and helping babies grow healthily in an atmosphere of warmth and love.