Weeks 23 to 26: Your Baby Can Hear Your Voice

There is something magical about knowing your baby can hear in the womb. Between weeks 23 and 26, the baby's hearing continues to develop, and many babies begin to respond to sounds, including the voices they will soon know best.

This stage is a beautiful time to bond. In this article we share what is generally happening, simple ways to connect, and what an elective scan can show now. It is part of our pregnancy week by week guide.

What Your Baby Hears

Inside the womb, your baby lives with a constant soundtrack: your heartbeat, your breathing and the sounds of digestion. As hearing develops in the second trimester, outside sounds such as voices and music can also reach the baby, softened by your body.

Many parents notice the baby moving in response to a loud noise or a familiar voice. Every baby is different, and not every baby reacts in an obvious way. What matters is that talking, singing and reading to your bump is a lovely habit that many families carry right into the newborn days.

Simple Ways to Bond Through Sound

You do not need anything special to connect with your baby at this stage. A few quiet minutes a day are enough.

• Read a favorite children's book aloud at bedtime.
• Sing the same song each day; some parents later use it to soothe their newborn.
• Invite your partner and older children to talk to the bump.
• Play calm music while you rest and notice how the baby moves.
• Record a short voice note for grandparents who live far away to share with the baby.

How You May Be Feeling

Movements are usually easier to feel now, and they may follow patterns, such as more activity when you lie down at night. Your bump is growing, and some moms start to notice backaches, swelling or trouble getting comfortable at night.

Around this stage, your provider may talk with you about routine tests commonly done in the late second trimester, such as glucose screening. Timing and details depend on your care team. As always, bring any concerns about symptoms or movement straight to your OB or midwife.

What an Elective 5D Scan Shows Now

From 22 weeks, the baby's features are defined enough for a first look in 5D. At 23 to 26 weeks, the face is still a bit leaner than it will be later in pregnancy, so images may look more delicate. Many parents love this stage for seeing movement, little yawns and hands near the face.

Our GE Voluson E10 with HDlive Silhouette uses light and shadow to give images depth. You can learn more in our article on HDlive Silhouette and why your baby's images look so real.

Now or a Little Later?

If you are excited to see your baby soon, this is a wonderful time for a first detailed peek. If your heart is set on the fullest, roundest face images, many families prefer to wait for the window explained in weeks 27 to 32, the best time for a 3D/4D ultrasound.

Looking back, if you missed an earlier milestone, our article on weeks 19 to 22, halfway there and the first kicks covers the halfway point and the medical anatomy scan.

Including the Whole Family

This stage is a wonderful time to bring partners, siblings and grandparents into the experience. Big brothers and sisters often love talking to the bump or feeling a kick, and hearing that the baby may already know their voice can make them feel proud and important.

An elective scan can be a family event too. Our studio has seating for up to 8 guests, so loved ones can watch the baby move on the big screen together. Afterward, it is easy to share a favorite image with grandparents who live far away through the Bomee app.

If you are preparing older children for the big change ahead, keep conversations simple and honest, and let them ask questions. Little ones often understand more than we expect, and small jobs like choosing a song to sing to the bump help them feel part of the team. Keep it light and fun.

The Right Package for Weeks 23 to 26

The 5D Sneak Peek ($99, 22 weeks and up, 5D) is a great match for this stage: 15 minutes with gender confirmation, heartbeat, four color 4x6 pictures, digital pictures, and the baby's growth, weeks, due date and weight.

You can book your 5D Sneak Peek at our Charlotte studio. Bring the family; we have seating for up to 8 guests, and your images are easy to access through the Bomee app afterward.