Is It Safe to Go to a Concert Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a time of joy, anticipation and heightened responsibility. As a mom-to-be, you may have to make some lifestyle adjustments to ensure the well-being of your developing baby, as well as your own. However, this doesn’t mean you can't enjoy yourself! If you’ve always loved going to concerts, you may be wondering about the effects that live music may have on your unborn baby.

Keep reading to learn if you can go to concerts while pregnant and how to reduce the risks of loud noise exposure during pregnancy.

Attending a concert can be an exciting experience, but when you’re pregnant, it’s natural to wonder if it’s safe for you and your soon-to-be newborn. You’ll be glad to know that the answer is yes! Pregnant women can enjoy live music, but there are several factors to consider, ensuring the safety and comfort of both you and your little one.

The genre of the concert is one of the first things you need to think about. Whether it’s rock, pop, or classical, each comes with its own atmosphere and noise levels. Rock concerts, for example, are typically loud events, which might not be the best environment for pregnant women. On the other hand, a classical music concert is usually calmer and could be a more comfortable choice.

Seating is another crucial aspect. If possible, opt for seated tickets as they offer more comfort and stability. Being on your feet for a long period of time, especially in the third trimester, can lead to fatigue and discomfort.

Even with seated tickets, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Large crowds can be unpredictable, and the risk of being accidentally pushed or hit increases in such environments. Always have a clear path to the exit and stay on the outside of large groups to minimize these risks.

How far along you’re in your pregnancy plays a significant role in deciding whether to attend a concert. As you approach your due date, you might find it less appealing to navigate large crowds in a loud concert. Also, the closer you are to your due date, the higher the chances of unexpected labor, making it essential to stay within a reasonable distance from a medical facility with an OB-GYN.

By the 20th week of pregnancy, your baby’s hearing starts to develop, and around the 24th week, they begin to react to sounds. While babies in-utero are protected by the amniotic fluid, which dampens external noises, they can still sense the vibrations and rhythms of loud music. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) advises that pregnant women should avoid constant exposure to very loud noises above 115 decibels.

If you decide that attending a concert is a safe option for you, it’s recommended to avoid front rows, regardless of the music genre. The back of the venue will expose you to softer vibrations and keep the noise levels within a safer range, around 60 decibels, as per CDC guidelines.

Before making any decisions, it’s always wise to consult with your OB-GYN. They can provide personalized advice based on your physical and reproductive health, pregnancy progress, and any potential risks.

Occasional loud sounds are an inevitable part of life, and short-term exposure to them isn’t typically a cause for concern. Sounds that are fleeting, such as a siren passing by or a door slamming, are unlikely to affect your unborn baby’s health. However, it’s recommended for expectant mothers to minimize exposure to loud noises when possible.

Noise levels above 85 decibels are deemed too high for pregnant women. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advises pregnant women to avoid environments where the noise levels exceed 115 decibels, which is comparable to the roar of a chainsaw.

The real concern comes with prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Consistent noise can have a more pronounced and lasting impact on fetal development. Research conducted by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden revealed that mothers exposed to medium noise levels (below 75 to 84 decibels) during pregnancy had only 1% incidence of auditory system dysfunction in their babies.

On the other hand, pregnant women subjected to high noise levels (above 85 decibels) faced an 80% higher risk of their children experiencing auditory system dysfunction.

Loud noises do more than just create intense vibrations; they can also increase stress levels . Stress is a known factor that can affect fetal development, which can lead you to have a low birth weight baby. 

It’s recommended to keep music and ambient sounds at a background level, around 60 decibels, to maintain a calm setting that can favor the healthy development of your baby’s ears as well as for the rest of their body.

Noise exposure is a prevalent occupational hazard that can lead to significant health issues for adults, including hearing loss due to damage to the eardrums and inner ear. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the noise levels in our surroundings and take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks.

If you’re expecting a baby, the concern extends beyond personal health. While earmuffs or ear plugs can shield your ears, they can’t protect the unborn baby in the same way. Noise can travel through the body and reach the uterus, potentially affecting the baby. 

You can implement some of these strategies to reduce the danger of loud noise exposure:

• Know the noise levels: You can use a sound level meter to measure the noise in your environment to make sure you’re at a safe noise level.

• Wear hearing protection: When high noise levels are unavoidable, use earmuffs or ear plugs to reduce noise exposure.

• Limit exposure time: Take regular breaks from noisy environments to give your ears a rest.

• Avoid low-frequency sounds: These can be particularly harmful, so steer clear if possible. Some examples are concerts, nightclubs, pile driving and other heavy machinery used in construction often emit low-frequency vibrations.

• Avoid direct contact with vibration sources: This can amplify the noise exposure and its effects.

• Maintain distance: The intensity of noise decreases with distance, so you should stay as far away from the source of noise as possible.

• Create a quiet space: At home, establish an area with furniture that provides comfort and relaxation. The  Nurture& Glider  is a great option to sit back and enjoy some silence after a noisy day. It can also make for a great  nursing station  once your baby arrives.

• Soundproof your space: Consider adding sound-absorbing materials to your home or workspace to dampen noise levels.

• Get regular hearing checks: Regular audiometric testing can help monitor your hearing health and catch any changes early.

By using these strategies, the moms-to-be can significantly reduce the risks associated with noise exposure, not only protecting their hearing, but ensuring a safer environment for their baby.

Yes, a developing baby begins to experience the sense of touch as early as 8 weeks into pregnancy. By the 18th week, they’re able to sense vibrations through the amniotic fluid. This remarkable development allows them to react to various stimuli, such as the mother’s heartbeat, gentle touches on the mother’s abdomen, and even distinct loud noises from the outside world.

While there’s no strict guideline on a noise limit during pregnancy, it’s advisable to avoid very loud (above 115decibels) or continuous vibrations that could potentially startle or disturb the baby. It’s best to steer clear of extremes, such as loud concerts or using heavy machinery. On the other hand, listening to music at moderate volume and engaging in normal conversation shouldn’t pose any risk and are considered safe.

The development of the inner ear, which allows the baby to start picking up vibrations, begins around the 18th week of pregnancy. However, the auditory system continues to mature over time. 

By approximately 24-26 weeks, the baby may start to perceive muffled sounds, including the mother’s voice and heartbeat. As pregnancy progresses, the baby’s hearing range expands, allowing them to hear a wider array of sounds.