Life in the womb is more active than many people realise. Long before a baby is born, important parts of the body are developing, and the baby begins making movements and responding to certain sensations. Here are five fascinating things unborn babies do while growing inside their mothers.
1. They Practise Swallowing
As pregnancy progresses, babies begin swallowing amniotic fluid, the protective liquid surrounding them in the womb. This helps them practise movements involved in swallowing and supports the development of their digestive system. The fluid also plays an important role in normal development.
2. They Move Their Arms And Legs
Unborn babies begin making small movements surprisingly early in pregnancy. As they grow, they may stretch, kick, turn and move their hands. Mothers often begin feeling these movements between about 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, although the timing varies.
3. They Respond To Sounds
As their hearing develops, babies can begin responding to sounds from outside the womb. Later in pregnancy, they may react to familiar voices or loud noises with changes in movement. Their hearing is still developing, but the womb is not completely silent.
4. They Have Periods Of Sleep And Activity
Babies in the womb experience periods of rest and activity. Their movements may follow patterns, and they can have sleep states that differ from those of newborns. This is one reason a mother may notice that her baby becomes more active at certain times of the day.
5. They Practise Breathing Movements
Unborn babies make breathing-like movements by moving their chest and diaphragm. They are not breathing air through their lungs because they receive oxygen through the placenta and umbilical cord. These movements help prepare their respiratory muscles for life after birth.