Loud noises could definately startle a baby in utero. Even though the amniotic fluid muffles the sound it is still loud. That would explain the kicking. When I was pregnant if a car would honk near me or a dog would bark my baby would kick like crazy. Also I do believe that babies can sense when we are scared or angry or stressed out. I believe it is because of the release of certain hormones and endorphines into the blood stream that get passed along to the baby. This wont harm them in any way and hearing loud noises or any noises helps prepare them for life outside the womb which is a very noisy place. Congrats

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