Small TALK During Pregnancy
By the third trimester, your baby can hear your voice
and begin to recognize you. Every word
you speak helps
introduce them
to the world they’ll soon join.
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Your Baby Loves to Hear Your Voice
Your baby knows your voice, and your words are powerful. They give your baby their first glimpse into their upcoming world. This is why it is never too early to start talking, reading, and singing with your baby. By speaking early and often, you are nurturing both your baby’s brain and their relationship with you.
Babies can learn more than one language at a time—it supports, not delays, their development.
Explore Small TALK’s language and literacy milestones to see how your baby’s language develops from birth through age 8. You’ll find simple tips and ideas to help support your child’s development through every stage.
Baby hears your voice
Think of all the magical milestones your baby reaches during pregnancy. Their heart begins to beat, their fingers and toes take shape and their brain grows rapidly. Among these milestones is something just as magical: Your baby starts to hear. At first, they notice low sounds like your heartbeat. Over time, their hearing becomes more refined. During the third trimester of pregnancy, your baby’s auditory channels fully form. Talk to them. They love to hear your voice. After your baby is born, they will likely turn toward the sound of your voice. They may even recognize and respond to other familiar voices they heard during pregnancy. These sounds help your baby feel safe, loved and connected to the people around them. While in the hospital, your newborn will receive a hearing screening. Most babies pass with normal results, but some babies need additional testing. Be sure to find out your baby’s results and follow up on any recommendations. Early detection and treatment are important for supporting strong language development. Talking to your baby now helps them develop, and it’s never too early to start. Your voice is not just comforting. It’s a powerful part of your baby’s growth.Baby communicates
Even before birth, your baby is trying to connect with you. Kicks, twists and little movements are all early signs of communication. You might notice your baby responds more to certain sounds or music—maybe even moving in rhythm, as if they’re dancing. These moments are your baby’s way of saying, “I hear you.” Is fetal movement considered communication? Absolutely. While your baby’s actions might not be intentional just yet, they are still meaningful. These are some of the first “conversations” between you and your baby. Think about newborns. How do they communicate? Sometimes they might cry. But before they can talk, they use body language. Babies may express themselves with facial expressions, arm movements and leg kicks. They begin practicing these movements in the womb. Tune in and respond to your baby’s movements. This will help your baby build early language and social skills. Talk to your baby about what’s happening as they move. Describe what you feel. Share what you think they might be doing. These simple moments build connections and support early development. You’re not just feeling movement—you’re having a conversation. And remember: You are your baby’s first and best teacher.Let’s have fun
Babies learn best through repetition and that learning starts before they’re born. By the third trimester, your baby’s hearing is fully developed. That means they’re already listening, learning and connecting with your voice.Creating simple, joyful routines during pregnancy not only supports brain development, but also builds a sense of comfort, rhythm and connection that continues after birth.
Here are a few ways to begin building fun, meaningful routines during pregnancy:
Narrate your day
Talk to your baby as you go about your routines—while driving, cooking or setting up the nursery.It may feel like you’re talking to yourself, but your baby is listening. These early conversations help your baby learn sounds and become familiar with your voice, and that will strengthen their connection to you.
Encourage others to join in
Invite family members, friends and siblings to talk, sing or read to your baby. When others build these habits early, it strengthens your baby’s sense of family and community. It helps everyone feel more bonded and involved and sets the stage for continued connection after your baby is born.Start a bedtime story routine
Choose a quiet time to read a short book, share a favorite memory or tell a story. These peaceful moments create structure and emotional connection and become part of your baby’s world. Starting a routine like this now can make the transition to life outside the womb feel more familiar and soothing.When you begin these routines during pregnancy, you’re doing more than preparing for your baby—you’re already parenting. These small moments lay the foundation for learning, bonding and lifelong connection.
Connect to culture
Language, food, music and traditions are powerful ways to connect your baby to your family’s roots—even before birth. These early experiences help shape how your baby sees, hears and feels the world around them.
Speak in your home language
Don’t hesitate to use your home language when speaking to your baby or telling them about your day. Babies are wired to learn multiple languages quickly and naturally. Your job is to give your baby the best communication possible. What matters most is that you speak in the language you feel most confident and comfortable using. It’s not confusing to your baby to hear more than one language.
Use real words and complete sentences, rather than made-up or simplified speech. This will build strong language pathways in your baby’s brain. Hearing more than one language won’t confuse your baby. In fact, it supports healthy brain development and keeps your child’s connections to their culture alive.
Once your baby is born, continue speaking in your home language. This simple, daily act nurtures brain growth and helps your child stay connected to your family’s heritage.
What are other ways to connect your baby to your family’s culture?
- Eat culturally meaningful foods. Talk to your baby about what you’re eating and why it’s special to your family.
- Celebrate traditions and holidays. Explain what’s happening, whether it’s a family gathering, a faith-based practice or a seasonal ritual. Your baby is with you for every moment.
- Play music from your culture. You may notice your baby responding with kicks or movement. Early sounds can spark lifelong comfort and connection.
These small acts are meaningful gifts you’re already giving your baby. Over time, you may notice your child developing a deep appreciation for the tastes, sounds and rhythms that reflect your culture. You are your baby’s first and best teacher, and your culture is a beautiful part of what you pass on.