Pregnancy hormones can have effects on the voice similar to those experienced during the menstrual cycle. Cyclical hormonal changes can cause dryness in the vocal cords’ lining due to reduced glandular epithelial secretions. This may explain why some women notice slight changes in the quality of their voice (including a deepening of tone or a slightly reduced range) during their menstrual cycles. Some professional singers even schedule performances based on their cycle to provide their audience with the best possible performance and avoid damaging their instrument when there isn’t enough moisture or lubrication for the optimal functioning of the vocal folds.
When a pregnant woman begins to experience a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles and her core weakens, with muscle balance misaligned due to a shifting center of gravity, she may also struggle with breath management. When breath control is problematic, so is tone control. A singer might find it challenging to achieve the “torso anchoring” she used to rely on for support and may struggle to sustain notes that are important to her. She might notice a loss of stamina for singing longer phrases or difficulty moving her voice with the same agility (especially when pregnancy hormones cause edema in the capillaries of the vocal cords, slightly weighing them down). Pregnancy hormones can temporarily affect a singer’s range, with a loss of higher notes but a gain in lower ones, possibly requiring her to transpose songs down a tone or two during pregnancy. The voice might sound dull or lack its usual brilliance, with control becoming more difficult, especially when ineffective breathing techniques are an issue.
Of course, some women find that pregnancy doesn’t significantly impact their tone, noticing no changes in voice quality at any point during the month or pregnancy. Additionally, insufficient rest due to discomfort, frequent nighttime bathroom visits, or concert travel during sleeping hours can reduce the energy a singer has for vocal phrases. For many, fatigue leads to breathiness (caused by inadequate closure of the vocal cords) and an inability to inject sufficient energy into vocal phrases. While some tone and technique issues are hormonally induced and won’t disappear until after the baby’s birth and weaning, others can be resolved simply by getting more rest. Gradually reducing water intake in the evening and before bed can lower the need for nighttime bathroom visits. Supporting the belly, legs, and hips with pillows can alleviate discomfort, and taking naps when possible can also help. Additionally, it’s best to avoid prolonged practice sessions when fatigue sets in.
Valentina Carlile – Osteopath specializing in Osteopathy applied to Voice and Speech Disorders since 2002. For information and appointments, visit the Contact page.
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