Learn about the great advantages that early stimulation offers your little one.
From ancient times, the wise maternal instinct caressed, sang and spoke in her bellies to her evolving little ones. Currently, science supports that intrauterine stimulation has real effects on the being that is about to be born and that begins with the recognition of the individual and his early relationship with the outside world. Baby’s senses and organs are formed during pregnancy and as they develop they are ready to be used. By being stimulated in various ways and with special techniques, a baby strengthens his brain activity and sensory receptors. Targeted activities and well-applied techniques; exercises, music, relaxation and massages contribute to laying the foundations of an accepted and integrated human being from his earliest age.
Hearing techniques
According to a study by Michigan State University, starting at week 28 of pregnancy, your little one begins to pick up sounds. In these first weeks, he perceives sound waves through his skin, which are spread through the amniotic fluid. From week 12 on, he catches the first sounds that are the noises in his surroundings: your voice, your heartbeat, your breathing, which allows him to mature his ear. You will not feel it, but your baby will react above all to sounds that are familiar to him; your voice and then his father’s. At this stage, music is essential, considering that its vibrations can be perceived, it provokes emotions, it works directly in the brain and leaves a mark on the memory.
Take your time to make a varied selection of melodies. You can make a schedule that does not go beyond two hours, in order not to overstimulate it, a situation not recommended by specialists.
Visual techniques
Light variations are perceived in the tenth week of gestation, so visual stimulation at this stage is possible. You can put a lighted lamp on the surface of your belly and make movements throughout the abdomen. The photons that come through your abdominal wall stimulate movements or cardiac acceleration. The fetus will see the light and move. You can use various colors, interposing transparent plastics covering the halo of the lamp; for example, yellow is related to intellectual development. With this activity, it is known that when the baby is born he will have better visual discrimination, orientation and direction.
Motor and relaxation techniques
When you do professionally-led exercises such as prenatal gymnastics and stretching, they improve your stability, balance, and your little one equally benefits and becomes alert. Prenatal yoga helps you do conscious work with all parts of your body; muscles, organs, mind, which you will use during labor.
Breathing and the task of postures, meditation and concentration benefit you to take more advantage of rest, to find calm, while the baby sharpens his senses, obtains information from his environment, learns, responds and prepares for the future.
Tactile techniques
The first sense that the human being develops is touch, which turns out to be a powerful form of communication by involving direct contact with the skin and nerve endings. For many cultures, massage has been a tradition for centuries and is considered an important way to interact and get closer to children.
Take advantage of this tool so that both you and your partner can stimulate the little one by tracing with your hands soft and calm circles that caress and relax through your tummy.