0
0
A new study suggests that playing classical music during pregnancy may help smooth variations in fetal heart rates, potentially offering developmental benefits. The research, published in the journal Chaos, was conducted by scientists from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, the Metropolitan Autonomous University, the General Hospital Nicolás San Juan, and the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez.
For centuries, expectant parents have used music to bond with their unborn children. Now, researchers have provided scientific evidence that classical music can positively influence fetal heart rate variability—a key indicator of a developing autonomic nervous system.
Understanding Heart Rate Variability
Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the fluctuation in time between individual heartbeats. Greater variability is often associated with healthy autonomic nervous system development. Unlike traditional measures of heart rate, which average beats over several seconds, HRV offers a more detailed look at fetal physiological responses.
To assess the impact of classical music, the research team recruited 36 pregnant women and exposed their fetuses to two classical pieces: The Swan by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns and Arpa de Oro by Mexican composer Abundio Martínez. External heart rate monitors recorded the fetal heart rate response, while nonlinear recurrence quantification analysis helped researchers identify changes in HRV patterns.
Findings: Music’s Impact on Fetal Heart Rate
According to study author Claudia Lerma, exposure to music resulted in “more stable and predictable fetal heart rate patterns.” This suggests that listening to classical music may stimulate fetal autonomic nervous system development, at least temporarily.
The study also examined differences between the two musical pieces. While both had a positive impact, Arpa de Oro—a traditional Mexican guitar melody—produced a stronger effect.
“When contrasting The Swan with Arpa de Oro, we did notice some significant differences,” said researcher Eric Alonso Abarca-Castro. “The second piece produced heart rate patterns that were more predictable and regular, which could be linked to factors like rhythmic characteristics, melodic structure, or cultural familiarity.”
Implications for Expectant Parents
Although more research is needed, the study’s authors suggest that playing classical or soothing music might help promote fetal well-being.
“Our results suggest that these changes in fetal heart rate dynamics occur instantly in short-term fluctuations, so parents might want to consider exposing their fetuses to quiet music,” Abarca-Castro noted.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to explore whether different musical genres elicit unique fetal cardiac responses.
“To ascertain whether rhythmic or cultural variations influence fetal heart rate patterns, we intend to expand our sample size and include a broader range of musical styles,” said José Javier Reyes-Lagos, one of the study’s authors.
Disclaimer
While this study highlights a potential link between classical music and fetal development, expectant parents should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their prenatal care routine. The findings are based on short-term observations, and further research is needed to understand long-term effects.
For more details, refer to the published study: Response to music on the nonlinear dynamics of human fetal heart rate fluctuations: A recurrence plot analysis in Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0236416.
