12 Prenatal Stimulation Exercises

Even though it sounds strange, children’s learning begins even before they are born if they receive positive stimulation. During the third trimester, when the baby’s nervous system is already developed and ready to function, it  is time for mothers to perform prenatal stimulation exercises.

This stimulation, in addition to developing the baby on a physical and emotional level, also favors affective bonds with the parents. For these exercises to work, it is important that they be performed once a day. It is also not suitable to overstimulate the baby. This prenatal stimulation activity can end up becoming a normal day-to-day routine.

In this article, we’ll look at what this stimulation consists of, what types there are, and some exercises to perform during the third trimester. Will you miss these tips? Keep reading.

Types of prenatal stimulation

motor stimulation

These mother exercises develop the baby’s perception of space and movement, based on the mother’s different positions.

visual stimulation

They work on retinal stimulation with the intention that the baby will gradually adapt to the light.  It prepares the little one for the environment they will find after birth and, in addition, stimulates their curiosity and attention.

sensory stimulation

Touching the belly during the day is a way of physically sensitizing and communicating with the baby. You can do exercises from different ways of touching your belly, “patting, caressing, stroking, splashing water”.

auditory stimulation

One of the first senses that a baby develops is hearing. Therefore, it is very positive and recommendable to perform exercises to develop this sense. Listening to music, producing different sounds, talking to people, etc…

Prenatal stimulation exercises

Rocking Yourself in a Rocking Chair

Sit in a rocking chair and rock gently and with a set rhythm.

relax in the water

Enter a pool and float in the water while moving gently without letting yourself sink.

Dance alone or with your partner

Take a few minutes of the day to dance, sometimes do light movements, turning gently. At other times, take the opportunity to dance with your partner, let him touch your belly so that the baby can feel the daddy. You will be stimulating the small on the motor and sensory levels.

Flashlight movements

Aim the flashlight at your belly and move the light so your baby can see you.

enjoy the good weather

When it’s sunny, enjoy and spend 5 minutes in the sun with your belly uncovered. This way, you will be providing natural light for your little one.

pat your belly

Use the palm of your hand and gently stroke your belly.

Enjoy massages with creams

Your creaming habit can be used to stimulate your baby. Make circular motions on your belly with the cream you are rubbing on your body.

Touch with your fingertips

Quickly tap different places on your belly with your fingertips.

Touch your baby when he kicks you in the belly

Gently press the same place where the baby kicked.

Listen to music

Always do this at the proper volume. This practice will create a connection between the baby and the outside world. Depending on the music, rhythm, and speed, your baby may feel relaxed or restless. The best thing is to listen to instrumental music.

Talk to your partner and the baby

This will allow you to communicate with the baby as if he were outside the womb with you. Talk about what you would do if he were on your lap and sing. Dad can also talk, so the little one can start to recognize the voices, and this will stimulate the emotional bonds between you.

Listen to the various sounds from outside

These sounds prepare the baby for life after birth. The experiences of your daily life, your lifestyle, etc… When cooking, going for a walk, the noise of cars… This will make the baby familiar with the sounds he will encounter after birth.

There are studies that have concluded that parents committed to prenatal stimulation of their babies have a much stronger and closer emotional bond with their children. So take as much time as you need to stimulate and communicate with your little one during your pregnancy. It will definitely be worth it!