You might be surprised that after becoming a mother, your body does not change the way you expect. Also, there’s an unexpected change: Your voice changes. How Your Voice Changes After Childbirth.
You read it right. Your voice may sound lower for several months, sometimes even a full year, after giving birth.
I wonder if Adele was aware of this phenomenon. She has said in the past that her voice changed after she had her son. It dropped in pitch, and took some time for it to return to its normal tone. Science is finally catching up to what women have been saying for years: pregnancy and childbirth affect your voice in unexpected ways.
Why would your voice change after giving birth?
Our voices are complex and closely connected to our emotions and bodies. For years, researchers have studied the changes in voice throughout a woman’s lifetime. For example:
- It is well known that after menopause, the voices of women tend to decrease due to hormonal changes.
- When women are at their most fertile, they tend to have a higher-pitched voice. Researchers have found that men find women’s voices more attractive during the fertile period.
If hormones affect our voice this way, then it is reasonable to ask: What happens to our voices during and after pregnancy
The first scientific study to track voice changes before and after pregnancy
There was little scientific evidence that women’s voices change during and after pregnancy.
The U.K. conducted a groundbreaking study that changed this by examining how pregnancy and childbirth can affect a woman’s vocal quality, as well as how long these changes may last.
What makes this study unique? Researchers used an archive of more than 600 voice recordings from 20 women before, during, and after pregnancy. The researchers compared the recordings with those of a control group consisting of 20 women aged similarly who were not pregnant.
The recordings span an impressive 10 years and offer a detailed, long-term look at subtle but significant changes in voice quality and pitch.
What did they find?
The results were amazing:
- After childbirth, both the average (mean), and minimum pitch (Hz) of mothers’ voices dropped by approximately 14 Hertz (Hz). That’s equal to more than two musical notations!
- Also, reduced the maximum pitch even more.
- The voices of new mothers were generally more “monotone” or less varied than before pregnancy.
Imagine a voice that is deeper and less flexible, that lasts for months or even up to a full year after childbirth.
Why Does This happen?
Researchers have a few theories, but they are still investigating exactly why.
1. Hormonal Rollercoaster
During pregnancy, levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogen rise, helping to prepare your body for the arrival of the baby. These hormones can affect your skin, mood and yes, even your vocal cords.
The vocal cords may temporarily become thicker or lose their elasticity after childbirth due to the dramatic drop in hormone levels. Your voice may sound rougher or lower.
2. The Exhaustion Factor
Researchers also looked at how becoming a new mother or father affects you physically and emotionally. Many mothers experience sleep deprivation and fatigue after giving birth.
Can this exhaustion affect the way your voice sounds as well? According to the study, yes. Your voice may become monotone or less expressive when you are tired or emotionally depleted. Your voice is a reflection of how your mind and body are handling the demands of caring for an infant.
Is it just physical? Or Do We Change Our Voice Ourselves?
This is where things get even more interesting.
It’s not something that happens automatically. The pitch and tone of our voice affect how others perceive us. Research shows:
- A lower-pitched voice is viewed as being more competent and authoritative.
- A higher-pitched voice sounds more energetic, youthful or less serious.
Your world changes after becoming a mother. You’re no longer just, but a mother, protector, nurturer and someone with responsibilities.
Researchers suggest that women may subconsciously change their voice to suit this new identity. It may feel better to adopt a deeper, more serious voice when playing the role of an adult, responsible parent.
The jury is still out as to whether or not this is something that women do consciously, or if they are influenced by hormonal and emotional changes.
What does this mean for you?
You might wonder:
- Is the change permanent?
- Will my voice return to normal one day?
- Does my behaviour affect the way others perceive me?
- What do I think about my new voice?
When will your voice return to normal?
In most cases, this voice change is not permanent. The voice of most women tends to go back to its pre-pregnancy pitch in about 6-12 months.
Some women may notice more lasting changes; however, every woman is different. Other factors, such as breastfeeding, which prolongs hormone changes, and individual vocal habits, could also be involved.
What is the reaction of people to this change?
The majority of people won’t notice the slight drop in pitch. Some studies have shown that a deep voice can make people perceive you to be more confident and authoritative.
If you were used to a lighter, more youthful voice, it might be strange or even frustrating for you to hear your voice sounding different.
This is part of the natural journey your body takes during pregnancy and early motherhood. Your voice changes along with your identity.
What about celebrities like Adele?
Adele’s vocal tone changed after giving birth to her child.
Adele has admitted that she felt her voice drop dramatically in this period. It took her several months to get back her original sound. She felt that her vocal range had changed.
Her experience shows that it’s not just “in your mind” — this is something real and tangible. This applies to professional singers as well, whose voice is their livelihood.
Your voice may change during pregnancy and postpartum.
Not all voice changes are about pitch. Some women experience:
- Feelings of fatigue or strain in the vocal cords
- Dryness or hoarseness
- Mucus in the throat or a feeling of fullness
Acid reflux, hormonal changes, and breathing problems (common in pregnancy) can all cause these symptoms.
Talk to your doctor or vocal coach about how to protect your voice.
The Symbolism of Motherhood: Embracing Your New Voice
Your voice is a part of who you are. You may feel that the changes you see in your life as a new mother are just another reminder.
Try to embrace your new sound as part of your journey, instead of feeling frustrated. Your deeper voice tells stories of sleepless nights, endless love and the strength required to create a new life.
This shift gives many women a new sense of power. This new voice reflects the new role they have taken on and their profound experiences.
What to do if you’re struggling with voice changes
If you are concerned about your voice or you depend on it professionally, and you want to keep it healthy:
- Keep hydrated. Drinking water will keep your vocal cords lubricated.
- Relax your voice: Do not overuse it if you are tired or strained.
- Use gentle vocal exercises. A speech therapist or vocal coach can help you safely strengthen your voice.
- Seek medical advice: A doctor can examine you if you have persistent hoarseness or pain in your throat, or if you are losing your voice.
- Be patient. Remind yourself that hormonal changes after childbirth can take some time to settle.
Conclusion
Your body and your mind start a new chapter the moment you give birth to your child. This transformation is reflected in the changes you feel on the inside, and even how your voice sounds.
You may notice that your voice is lower-pitched, monotonous, or just feels different. This is part of you: a physical manifestation of the amazing journey of motherhood.
The next time you see yourself in the mirror and notice that your voice is a bit deeper or serious, just like you, it’s because your voice is adapting and growing stronger.
Please share your experiences if you found this article interesting or if you noticed a change in your voice after or during pregnancy. Please share your stories in the comments section below. Or join our mums’ community to support each other as you navigate motherhood.
