Fetus brain growth stimulated by dolphins language

Expectant mothers have played music to their unborn children for years in the belief that it gives their babies a good early start.

Now scientists say that the squeals and squeaks of dolphins may be more effective at stimulating brain growth in a foetus. Researchers believe that the energy produced by the creatures' ultrasonic calls could promote the development of a baby's senses in the womb.

The claims have been made by Elizabeth Yalan, the dean of the Obstetrician College of Peru. She said: "The high-range sounds dolphins emit are registered by the baby. These sounds stimulate the nerves in the brain and the child's audible senses."

At one Peruvian aquarium, expectant mothers line up beside the pool and a dolphin nuzzles their bellies making high-pitched noises.

A study by the University of Wales, Swansea, found that 70 per cent of people who listen to tape-recordings of dolphin sounds had significant improvements their mental abilities.

Meanwhile, British tour operators are seeing a steady increase in expectant mothers wanting to swim with dolphins, with the total number of trips having risen by more than 40 per cent in the past five years.

Ruth Corner, the owner of the holiday company Dolphinswims, said: "This year almost a fifth of our dolphin swimmers have been pregnant women. When these mothers-to-be enter the water the dolphins seem to home in on them."

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, however, does not recommend swimming with dolphins.

Ric Warren, a spokesman, said: "There is much evidence that a baby responds to external stimuli, but as yet, there is no evidence that the act of stimulation leads to either an improvement of childhood activities or harm to the baby."