Is exposure to loud music safe during pregnancy?

Is Loud Music Safe During Pregnancy?

Exposure to loud music during pregnancy should be avoided, especially prolonged exposure to high levels (>80 dB), as it may increase risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes including small-for-gestational-age babies, gestational hypertension, and congenital malformations.

Understanding Noise Exposure During Pregnancy

Noise exposure during pregnancy has been studied with varying results, but recent evidence suggests potential risks to both maternal and fetal health. While there are no specific guidelines addressing music exposure directly, we can draw conclusions from research on general noise exposure.

Effects of Loud Noise on Pregnancy Outcomes

Research indicates that pregnant women exposed to high noise levels (≥80 dB) face increased risks for:

• Small-for-gestational-age newborns (19% higher risk) 1
• Gestational hypertension (27% higher risk) 1
• Congenital malformations (47% higher risk) 1
• Reduced birth weight 2

A 2019 nationwide cohort study in Sweden found that full-time exposure to high levels of occupational noise (>85 dBA) during pregnancy was associated with:

• 44% increased risk of having a baby small for gestational age
• 36% increased risk of low birth weight 2

Even intermediate noise exposure (75-85 dBA) showed statistically increased risks for adverse birth outcomes 2.

Recommendations for Noise Exposure During Pregnancy

Based on available evidence, pregnant women should:

1. Avoid prolonged exposure to low-frequency sound levels (<250 Hz) above 65 dB(A) 3
2. Avoid using earphones or other sound-producing devices directly attached to the abdomen 3
3. Be particularly cautious with exposure to loud music equivalent to subway train noise levels (approximately 100 dB) 4

Context for Understanding Noise Levels

To put this in perspective:

• Normal conversation: 60-70 dB
• Loud music in living room: 60-70 dB
• Railway diesel engine at 100 feet: 80-85 dB
• Rock band/concert: 110 dB 4

Additional Pregnancy Health Considerations

While avoiding loud noise exposure, pregnant women should also follow these evidence-based recommendations:

1. Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy - Maternal smoking and secondhand smoke exposure increase risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and SIDS 5

2. Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use - These substances increase risks for SIDS and other adverse outcomes 5

3. Maintain appropriate temperature - Avoid overheating, which can affect fetal development 5

4. Obtain regular prenatal care - This is linked to lower risk of SIDS and better pregnancy outcomes 5

Conclusion

While occasional exposure to moderately loud music is likely safe, prolonged exposure to high-volume music (especially above 80 dB) should be avoided during pregnancy. The safest approach is to limit exposure to loud music environments like concerts, nightclubs, or other venues with sustained high noise levels, particularly when such exposure would be prolonged.