Noise Exposure During Pregnancy: Is It Harmful?

Question
Hello Andrea,
I am a professional musician and have recently become pregnant.  I am 35 years old and worry if consisten exposure to loud music may harm my unborn child.  Thank you for your advice.
Sheila

Answer
Dear Shelia,

Congratualtions on your pregnancy!  
The good news is that loud noise won't affect your unborn child (though it may bother your hears).  Your baby is protected in a nice, warm, cozy environment with plenty of cushion.  Your baby will be able to hear the noise, but it will be muffled quite a bit.  You can continue to be around load noise all throughout your pregnancy.  What you will probably notice is that later on during your pregnancy whenever there is a load sound your baby will get very active.  That means he or she can hear you but it isn't bothering him or her at all.  When I was prengant with twins, my babies always got active whenever me or my husband played the drumset.  They turned out just fine, and seem to have a liking to music with drums in it.  LOL!
Take care and again, congratualtions!
~Andrea