Author: Dr. Caledonia Buckheit
It’s almost the Fourth of July—which means barbecues, sparklers, and (of course) fireworks. But if you’re pregnant, you might be wondering: Can my baby hear the fireworks? And even more importantly—is it safe?
Let’s talk about what the research actually shows when it comes to sound in pregnancy—especially the loud, impulsive kind like fireworks.
When Do Babies Start Hearing?
Fetal hearing starts to develop structurally around 16 weeks, and by about 19 weeks, babies may start to react to really loud sounds—though it takes a lot of volume to get through at that stage. Most consistent responses to external sound (like music, voices, or sudden noises) don’t really show up until around 28 weeks, when the auditory system is more mature.
At that point, it’s totally normal to feel your baby move more in response to certain sounds or vibrations. Some babies seem to dance to music or jump a little at a dog bark or car door slam. It’s not necessarily a sign of distress—just a developing sensory system doing its job.
Can My Baby Hear Fireworks?
Kind of! But not exactly the way you do.
Your uterus and abdominal wall naturally dampen outside sounds—especially higher-frequency ones. Lower-pitched sounds (like the rumble of fireworks or bass-heavy music) are more likely to make it through. So while you’re hearing the sharp pop and boom, your baby might just be getting a muffled thud or vibration.
The intensity also drops quickly with distance. Yes, fireworks can be as loud as 150 decibels right near the launch site, but if you’re watching from your backyard or a local park, the sound is much less intense by the time it reaches you—and even more so by the time it reaches baby.
So Is It Safe?
The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that pregnant people avoid long or repeated exposure to very loud sounds, especially impulsive ones like fireworks. That’s because excessive noise—especially if it’s really close, really loud, or goes on for a long time—could affect fetal hearing.
But the occasional firework show viewed from a safe distance? Not likely to cause harm.
In other words: if you’re planning to watch a show, go ahead and enjoy it—just don’t stand right under the launch site, or spend hours next to exploding fireworks without hearing protection!
What About Baby’s Kicks During the Show?
Totally normal! If your baby starts moving more during a fireworks display, it’s likely just a response to sound or vibration—not a sign that they’re upset. There’s even evidence that babies start learning from sound exposure in the womb—like recognizing your voice or the rhythm of a favorite song.
Tips for a Bump-Safe Fourth of July
- Watch from a distance. The farther away you are, the less sound your baby will be exposed to—and honestly, you’ll probably enjoy the show more that way.
- Bring hearing protection. If you’re somewhere where it feels really loud to you, pop on some ear protection. If it’s too much for you, it’s probably too much for baby.
- Keep it short. A 20-minute firework show? Fine. A five-hour block party with firecrackers going off all around you? Maybe not the move.
- Listen to your body. If you’re feeling anxious, overstimulated, or jumpy, take a break. Stress can affect your baby, too.
The Bottom Line
Your baby can hear muffled versions of the outside world—and yes, that can include fireworks. But your body naturally protects them by filtering and softening external sound. Watching a show from a safe distance isn’t something to stress over—but it’s worth taking a few simple precautions.
So yes—you can celebrate this holiday without guilt. Just grab a lawn chair, keep a little distance from the noise, and enjoy knowing your baby’s already getting a sneak peek of the world (in the coziest, most soundproof way possible).
Happy Fourth! And here’s to a summer full of joy, rest, and tiny in-utero dance parties.
