Loud Music and Rock Concert In Pregnancy

Studies of animals and plants have shown that constant exposure to loud or discordant music can change an animal’s brain structure, and can inhibit a plant’s growth. There have been no studies done to confirm loud music, such as that found at concerts, damage an unborn baby.

Developing fetuses can react to loud music and noises, usually starting around 22 weeks of the pregnancy, and different types of music can cause colic in babies (already born). By the 22nd week of gestation your baby’s cochlea will be fully formed. The cochlea is a portion of the inner ear that enables hearing. After the 22nd week, your baby can hear everything you hear, although sounds in the higher frequencies will be slightly muffled.

There is no scientific evidence of any danger to fetuses from loud noises or rock concerts. There is, however, danger to your own eardrums and hearing if you are exposed to sustained loud music during pregnancy.

But studies have shown women who work in an environment that requires hearing protection have babies with higher rates of hearing loss, and there is growing evidence that excessive noise can harm a developing fetus.

The loudness of sounds is measured in decibels (dB). And potential problems related both to decibels as well as the length of exposure. The louder the sound and the longer the exposure, the faster damage will occur.

Here are some decibel ranges:

• 30 dB: Quiet whisper
• 80 dB: Telephone dial tone
• 85 dB: City traffic inside car
• 107 dB: Power mover
• 110 dB: Stereo headset
• 125 dB: sandblasting, Loud rock concert
• 140 dB: Jet engine at 100', Gun blast
• 194 dB: Loudest sound possible, death of hearing tisue

OSHA Permissible Sound Level Exposure:

• 90 dB: 8 hours per day
• 100 dB: 2 hours per day
• 110 dB: 1 hour per day 

For example, eight hours of exposure to 90 dB industrial noise daily is considered relatively safe for most people. However, using power tools (100 dB), listening through a stereo headset (110 dB) or attending a rock concert (about 120 dB) may damage hearing after just a few exposures and after 30-60 minutes.

Amniotic fluid protects your growing baby only to some extent. Amniotic fluid slightly muffles noises that are high pitched. But studies have shown that it also amplifies noises in the low range.

So to be safe when pregnant, avoid any situation that exposes your baby to loud noise  for extended time periods.