Bollywood actress Kiara Advani has shared a deeply personal and touching ritual she practiced while filming during her pregnancy. In a candid conversation with Vogue India, the actor, who was pregnant while shooting for the upcoming film 'War 2', revealed she would secretly communicate with her unborn child during emotionally charged scenes to create a sense of calm and safety.
The Grounding Ritual: "Mama is Only Acting"
Advani disclosed that she filmed for seven months while pregnant, a fact known only to her director and producer. When performing scenes of high emotional intensity, she would find a private moment to connect with her baby. "I would sneak into my vanity van’s bathroom, caress my bump and whisper, ‘Mama is only acting, okay? This isn’t real,’" she recounted.
This act, as she described, became a grounding ritual for her. It served as a vital bridge between the demanding emotional world of her character and the peaceful environment she wished to cultivate for her developing child. She also expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support of her "hands-on" husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, throughout this journey.
The Science Behind Prenatal Bonding
Dr. Rimpa Sarkar, a clinical psychologist and founder of Sentier Wellness, explains that the bond between mother and child often begins long before birth. She cites research in prenatal psychology which indicates that a mother's emotional state directly influences her nervous system, and these signals are transmitted to the fetus.
"In moments of stress or emotional intensity, this kind of self-soothing helps regulate the mother’s nervous system and creates a sense of emotional safety," Dr. Sarkar stated. She compared the practice to mindfulness or affirmations, which help shift the mind from a state of overwhelm to stability. This conscious emotional dialogue can be a powerful coping mechanism, especially in unpredictable or demanding environments.
Dr. Sarkar emphasized that suppressing emotions during pregnancy is not a sign of strength. Instead, acknowledging and processing feelings supports better emotional regulation and reduces internal stress. Since maternal stress can influence a baby's developing stress response system, emotional care during pregnancy forms a crucial foundation for long-term well-being.
Expert Tips to Strengthen the Mother-Baby Bond
Building on this insight, Pratibha Singhal, Director and Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Hospital, offered several practical tips for expectant mothers to enhance prenatal bonding:
1. Talk to Your Baby: A fetus can hear by the 18th week and recognize voices between the 22nd and 24th week. Mothers are encouraged to start conversing from around the 20th week (five months). The baby often acknowledges this with increased fetal movements.
2. Caress Your Bump: Gently rotating your palm over the bump during relaxation times sends positive vibes. The fetus feels relaxed and typically responds with movement.
3. Sing to Your Unborn Child: Singing has a similar, powerful effect and is an effective bonding activity.
4. Involve Siblings: If there is an elder child, explain the pregnancy to them and let them feel the fetal movements to foster an early sibling bond.
5. Practice Light Exercise: Activities like prenatal yoga, pranayama, walking, and swimming are recommended. They increase blood circulation to the uterus, helping the baby feel relaxed and aiding in healthy development.
This journey of emotional attunement, as highlighted by Kiara Advani's experience, goes beyond physical care. It represents an early form of parenting where compassion, presence, and self-awareness become the foundational blocks for a deep, enduring connection that continues well after the child is born.
