Every few months, the same issue is called into question. The Mozart theory. We've all read the stats: playing Mozart--or any piece of music--to an unborn baby could make them smarter, more agile, more emotionally intelligent, etc. In reality, every time the subject comes up, a barrage of counter-studies are published to dispel these theories as bogus or at least highly subjective. Nevertheless, the myth continues to survive and thrive on an irresistible marketing trap fueled by mothers who are determined to dote on their child before they're even born. Enter the Babypod, the world's first "intra-vaginal speaker designed to broadcast music inside the womb to an unborn baby.” On December 29th, Spanish Singer Soraya performed a concert to market the device to prospective moms.
The Babypod, a Spanish product, was developed by scientists at the Institut Marquès, and promises to deliver music to the fetus with “almost as much intensity and clarity as if it were listening to a stereo outside the womb." The product, called the world's first intra-vaginal speaker, is currently priced at $138.43 (U.S.).
Despite numerous studies that have rejected a strong correlation between music and fetal response, the Institute Marquès claims to have had more success. In the study that led to the development of the Babypod, it was revealed that "the intra-vaginal [speaker] music led to physical responses from the babies, while abdominally administered tunes had no effect."
As if a potentially IQ-raising product had any chance at not amassing a hefty profit based on its existence alone, a helpful marketing stunt was also held on December 29th courtesy of Spanish singer Soraya who broadcasted a live performance -- via the Babypod -- to a group of pregnant mothers. (The mothers themselves even went on stage for an awkward, if somewhat heartwarming dance-a-thon.)
Soraya quipped: "I've never performed for such a young audience. The mums were really excited to see what would happen with their babies inside. It's been a very special day and a very special show."
Check out a clip of the Babypod concert below:
