Can babies hear their mothers talk while in the womb?

Q: Can babies hear voices and sounds when in the womb and how do they react when the mother talks to others and should pregnant women spend time with small children and babies how will it affect the growth of the foetus?

A:There is much evidence to support the belief that babies hear sounds in the womb. There are studies that show that babies recognise the mothers heart beat and quieten down on hearing it. They are also soothed by the sound of the mothers voice. They do not like loud sudden sound or noise. I do not know of any studies with regard to contact with other children, especially with regard to growth.