There's a new way of playing music to unborn babies and it's not as simple as putting a speaker next to the baby bump...
In what is probably the most unsual concert in the history of musical performances, a group of unborn babies were treated to a very special live performance inside the womb - a vaginal concert.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQNTqFRp09Q
The special gig happened in Spain, where ten expectant mums inserted a device called BabyPod in their vaginas, which enables babies to listen to music more clearly because it bypasses the layers of the abdominal wall.
The interesting device, made from silicone, is worn like a tampon and connects to a smartphone, so mums can play whatever music they want to their babies before they come out to the outside world.
Soraya Korkar, one of the mums in the audience, called the experience 'unique', saying: 'It was the first time I experienced something like that, it was really amazing.'
The lucky performer was Spanish Eurovision contestant Soraya Arnelas, who got mothers and their babies in the festive spirit by singing Christmas songs such as 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' and 'White Christmas'.
The singer, who plans to become a mum in the future, said giving this concert was a great opportunity: 'I've never been performing for such a young audience, so it's been a very special show'.
Playing music to unborn babies is a common thing that many expectant parents do, especially classical melodies like Mozart's, and in fact research shows that music can improve babies' neurological development, as well as stimulating their brain. This new device only changes the way babies listen to music, taking the sound closer to them.
Approved by the Spanish centre for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Assisted Reproduction, Institut Marquès, the Babypod is set at a volume of just 54 decibels – which is about the volume of a hushed conversation according to the makers.
The Spanish device costs around £110
Attesting to the safety of product, its makers say 100 babies who've used Babypod while in their mums' wombs have already been born and their hearing tests at birth were normal.
Mums reviewing the Babypod on the company's website say the device has helped them bond with their baby, calling it 'fun and exciting' and 'a great experience'.
One of the reviews, by a woman named Lola, says: 'Exciting and beautiful. For me it has meant the first bonding with my baby. With the music the baby seemed to be dancing, moving arms, legs and head. Marvellous.'
Would you give Babypod a try or is it a no-no? Let us know in the comments!
