You are here:

Childbirth/loud noise during pregnancy

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/1/2008


Question
I am 28 weeks pregnant and just saw in the internet that exposure of mother to the loud noise could harm a newborn or cause birth defects. I m working at the entertainment center with amusement machines. Could it harm my baby? could it be dangerous?

Answer
Irina,

Don't believe everything you read on the internet.  Yes, some loud noises can disturb the baby with prolonged exposure and very high sound levels.

However, in most cases, the noise levels aren't great enough to do damage, although avoiding such places as much as possible is advisable.

Without knowing exactly how loud these machine are, then it's difficult to say.  Most likely everything is fine.  What does your baby do when exposed to these sounds?  Does it seem upset with lots of kicking/movement, etc?

You can discuss this with your care provider at your next appointment to get a better idea of how loud this noise is and whether it exceeds a safe level.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.