A new, tampon-sized speaker designed to be inserted into a pregnant woman's vagina claims to help babies develop while in the womb.
I know, there's a lot going on here, isn't there?
The Babypod is an 'intravaginal' device that lets you play music or sounds into the womb. The creators claim this helps stimulate the baby's communication skills ahead of its birth.
"The device for mothers and babies to share music and which stimulates development during pregnancy," the product's Twitter bio reads.
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Confused? Us too.
The Babypod costs $150 and comes with headphones, a case, a satin Bag, a user's manual and warranty.
The pregnant user inserts the device into the vagina with the cord coming out, before attaching it to a smartphone to play the music into their vagina.
To take it out, the process is similar to using a tampon, as it involves simply tugging on the cord to pull the Babypod out.
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There's also a second audio port for the user to connect headphones, should they want to listen along with the baby.
According to Babypod, the device can be used once a woman reaches her 16th week of pregnany for 10 to 20 minutes, twice a day.
The product description online reads: "Babypod is a small intravaginal device that stimulates neural development in unborn babies through music.
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"Scientific studies show that it encourages communication and vocalisation in babies before birth through the music streamed. Babypod gives them their first musical and learning experience.
"It is also the only product of its kind scientifically guaranteed. It has been tested and approved by InstitutMarquès, an international centre of reference in gynaecology, obstetrics and assisted reproduction."
The product has several reviews from satisfied customers, with one writing: "Amazing family shared moments, the way our baby reacts when we play him Daddy and Mommy's voices reading stories is just priceless!"
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Another person referred to it as 'fun and exciting', and another claimed their unborn son 'responded to the musical stimulus, adding: "We believe that it has been a positive experience for baby and for parents."
While the product has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a general welfare product, Babypod told Insider that women with certain conditions shouldn't try the device, including dilation of the cervix and vaginal or urinary tract infections.
Gynecologist Dr. Donnica Moore also told Insider there are several more potential concerns, including the worry that Babypod is being marketed towards pregnant women who are prepared to do anything - at any cost - to ensure their babies are healthy.
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"We don't know if there is a sound or decibel level too high for a fetus," she said.
"Maybe there's a reason our bodies don't come equipped with vaginal speakers."
Moore also explained women could experience cervical irritation or pre-term labour if they put foreign objects in the vagina during pregnancy, adding: "Anything that you may want to insert in your vagina during pregnancy should be cleared by your doctor first."
Featured Image Credit: BabypodTopics: Pregnancy, News, Technology