Take it easy, baby. Playing classical music to your child while they’re still in the womb can stimulate development, new research suggests. Music has long been a way for expectant parents to connect with their unborn children — but now,

Scientists have found evidence that classical music can calm the heart rate of unborn babies, potentially providing developmental benefits.

Researchers in Mexico have used mathematical analysis tools to study the effect of classical music on a fetal heartbeat and identify patterns in heart rate variability. They recruited 36 pregnant women and played two classical pieces for their fetuses.

In a nutshell Research examining 37 third-trimester pregnancies found that classical music creates more stable and predictable fetal heart patterns, suggesting potential benefits for early nervous system development.

Playing music to unborn babies is a practice that spans cultures and generations. New research suggests that classical music can have a calming influence on fetal heart rates. This could offer developmental benefits to the unborn child.