LETTER:In utero music a case of headbanging

From Ms Jean Robinson

Sir: Janet Mason's account of playing tapes to her baby reminds me of the similar claims that were made for abdominal decompression treatment in pregnancy, which was supposed to create brighter progeny. Mothers who went through the treatment insisted that it worked.

Eventually someone had the wit to compare such children with controls. Teachers who did not know which was which reported on their progress and behaviour at school. Those whose mothers had treatment in pregnancy were no brighter than other kids - but they were a lot more obnoxious and difficult. Being reared by parents who think you are a genius may not be advantageous.

When will parents learn to be sceptical of such claims, whether made by manufacturers or obstetricians, unless they are backed by adequate randomised trials with long-term follow up to monitor benefits and adverse effects?

Yours sincerely,

JEAN ROBINSON

Oxford