According to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, around 20 weeks of gestation the fetal heart actively connects to the heart of the mother.  It is through this sacred connection the needs of baby are expressed to the mother by way of cravings and desires during pregnancy.  For example, a mother’s strong desire for ice cream, milk or spinach could be the baby’s request for more calcium to build stronger bones, hair or skin. 

As with most connections, mother/baby communications travel both ways during pregnancy.  The emotions of the mother are felt equally by the baby.  This is why Ayurvedically speaking, pregnant people are discouraged from attending funerals or visiting cemeteries. 

Over time, Western science has aligned with this ancient wisdom and scientific studies have not only proven this connection but have shown it does not end after birth. Mothers often can continue to feel or sense the desires of their babies long after birth. Supporting what Ayurvedic has long taught, Western scholars refer to this connection as Fetal Cell Microchimerism.