Speech, Language and Communication Journey: Stages
Antenatal (whilst you are pregnant)
Talk and sing to me whilst I am in your tummy
Did you know...?
I can hear you from about 16 weeks and can hear your heartbeat and noises outside of your body by about 23 weeks
By 24 weeks I am beginning to process the sound of your voice from other sounds
By 28 weeks I am beginning to recognise other people especially when those people speak regularly to you or me whilst you are pregnant – I might kick or move when I hear a familiar voice or sound
If you play music for me when you am pregnant, I will recognise this and it will help to soothe me when I am born
If you speak to me in our home language when I am in the womb, this will help me to learn another language as well once I am born.
What you can do
By talking to me whilst I am in your tummy, you can help to soothe me and to begin building our relationship so that I feel safe when I am born
Make sure that you take a little bit of time each day to carry out activities together such as massaging your bump or listening to music (just playing it in the room is fine, headphones onto your bump can be a little loud for me)
Reading and singing to me and getting used to feeling my movements can increase the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps in the development of my brain
Speak to me in the language you feel the most confident in whilst you are pregnant.
Additional Support
Your community midwife or GP will be able to support you with any concerns that you have throughout your pregnancy
Look at the timetables for your local Family Hub for more advice and activities local to you
