1. Is it better to start prenatal education earlier?
Some couples, when they know they are going to become parents, immediately say that they want to do prenatal education for their baby. But in fact, doing prenatal education so early not only has no effect, but may also affect the baby's growth and development.
Truth: The activity of the brain, nervous system, and senses is the basis of psychological activity, and physiological development directly affects and restricts the process of fetal psychological development. Scientific research has shown that the basic structure of the brain can only be present in the fetus at 6-7 months, and it is not until 8 months that the fetus shows the same electroencephalogram as a newborn. The cerebral cortex region has its own specific functions, commanding the activities of the fetus's hearing, smelling, and vocal organs, and has continuity and preliminary rhythm, making it possible to implement regular education for the fetus. According to research by fetal researchers, auditory memory has already developed in the late stage of the fetus (around 8 months). Therefore, the best time for prenatal education should be selected after 8 months of pregnancy (32 weeks).
The fetus spends most of its time in sleep, and sleep is also the way for the fetus to grow and develop rapidly. Doing prenatal education when the baby does not have enough cognitive and memory abilities is not meaningful and may disturb the fetus's sleep and also affect their growth and development.
2. Can prenatal education be done anytime, anywhere?
The fetus spends most of its time in sleep, so in order to not disturb the baby's sleep as much as possible, the implementation of prenatal education should follow the rules of fetal physiological and psychological development and should not be done randomly.
Truth: Firstly, prenatal education should be appropriate and timely. You should observe and understand the fetus's activity patterns and choose to do prenatal education when the fetus is awake, and each session should not exceed 20 minutes. Secondly, prenatal education should be regular. Prenatal education should be conducted at a fixed time every day to help the fetus develop regular living habits and also lay the foundation for the development of other cognitive abilities after birth. Thirdly, prenatal education should involve emotional interaction. During the teaching process, the mother should pay attention, fully engage, and experience together with the fetus, establishing the initial parent-child relationship.
A good environment is more beneficial to the fetus's growth and development than external stimuli. For the fetus, a good environment means that the mother is in a good mood and well-nourished, which is the most natural and powerful prenatal education for the baby.
