During pregnancy, your unborn baby can hear and feel you. They love the sound of your voice and the voices of your family. Singing and talking to your unborn baby is the first way they’ll start to learn language and helps to create your special bond. Here are some ways to connect during pregnancy.

Expecting parents can: 

• Talk and sing to your pregnant belly. Around 18 weeks your baby can start to hear sounds. Talking and singing helps your baby learn your voice.   
• Feel your baby’s movements with your hands. Gently rubbing your belly can help you feel closer to your baby. 
• Use your prenatal appointments to learn more about your growing baby and your changing body.  
• Read to your baby. Reading out loud helps your baby get to know your voice.  
• Play music. Babies can hear music in the womb. This can be calming for both of you.  

Your unborn baby knows how you feel 

Your unborn baby often feels the way you feel. If you relax, then your unborn baby will too. Your unborn baby can also pick up on when you are feeling stressed. Life can be stressful, and coping isn’t always easy. Stress can affect how you think, feel and act. It also affects how you relate to others and make choices. Taking care of your mental health helps you: 

• build a positive relationship with your unborn baby  
• cope with stress  
• solve problems  
• feel good about yourself  
• strengthen relationships with family and friends   

Ideas for taking care of your mental health

• Every day, find time to breathe deeply, relax and calm your mind. 
• Take care of your body if you can: eat healthy foods, be active every day, spend time in nature and get enough sleep. 
• Develop a support network for you and your growing family.  

If you are feeling stressed 

• Take some time to notice your thoughts and how you are feeling. 
• Pay attention to how your partner is feeling too. Reduce your stress by keeping things simple. Don’t be afraid to say “no” if you need to.  
• Talk to family or friends about things that are bothering you. Ask for the help you need. 
• Go for a walk or see our article on other forms of exercise.  
• Talk to your health-care provider.   

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your unborn baby, or are in crisis, there is help available 24/7

• Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8 
• Klinic Community Health Centre Crisis Line – 204-786-8686 or toll-free 1-888-322-3019 
• Manitoba Suicide Line – toll-free 1-877-435-7170 
  • Visit the website A Reason to Live 
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline toll-free  1-855-242-3310
  • Service is available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, English and French
• WRHA Mobile Crisis Service - 204-940-1781 
• 9-1-1 or your local emergency number 
• If you need more information and help finding resources call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257 

Reference 

• The importance of early bonding on the long-term mental health and resilience of children