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Pre-Birth Bonding
Bonding begins in utero. Research and observation have demonstrated the significance of the in utero experience. This is truly the dawn of attachment, the stage in which the baby-to-be and the parents begin the process of connecting. Pre- and perinatal psychologists, using modern clinical tools such as electronic fetal monitors and ultrasound, have proven that the unborn baby has well-developed senses and reacts to stimuli from mother and the external environment. Biochemical and emotional communication between parents (especially mother) and the fetus has significant impact on future development and health.
Every sensory system of the fetus is capable of functioning prior to birth; the unborn baby is keenly aware of his or her environment and reacts to changes in that environment. By the 5th month, the fetus can recognize the mother’s voice and even shows a preference for different types of music--for instance, becoming more relaxed when listening to Vivaldi, and more agitated when exposed to Beethoven or loud rock music.
The fetus decodes maternal emotions through a neurohormonal dialogue. When a pregnant woman becomes fearful or anxious, stress hormones are broadcast throughout the entire mind/body system of both the mother and unborn child. Severe and chronic maternal stress is associated with prematurity, low birth weight, and infants who are hyperaroused and colicky.
The unborn baby is particularly vulnerable to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. In utero drug exposure often results in low birth weight, agitation, and various developmental impairments. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect have long-term consequences on the child’s ability to learn and develop. Smoking injects the neonate with many toxic chemicals and dramatically decreases the oxygen supply. The fetus becomes agitated each time the mother even thinks about smoking a cigarette. A recent study found that males whose mothers smoked during pregnancy had significantly higher rates of persistent violent criminal behavior as adults.
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