7 Amazing Things Babies Do in the Womb That’ll Blow Your Mind
Did you know babies hiccup, breathe and urinate in the womb? The secret lives of unborn babies is a fascinating thing. Join us on a journey of discovery.
Babies Hiccup
After the central nervous system develops, hiccuping begins to prepare the little one to breathe outside the womb. The diaphragm contracts as baby “breathes” in the amniotic fluid.
Babies Breathe
No, they don’t breathe in the sense that already born people do, but they do practice breathing by going through the motions in the amniotic fluid. In a sense, this breathing in and out of the fluid strengthens the lungs and prepares the diaphragm for life on the outside.
Babies Urinate
All that fluid baby is surrounded by is bound to be swallowed to some degree, and as a result the baby will urinate into the amniotic fluid. This actually serves to keep amniotic fluid levels normal, as well as promote healthy kidney function.
Babies Cry in the Womb
It may sound unbelievable, but it is true. An unborn baby can react to stimuli in a way that suggests they are crying, as a newborn would do. It is a truly remarkable thing to see! While no one can be sure what the reason is, it is clear that babies in utero respond with what clearly appears to be crying when stimulation is unexpected and startling.
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Babies Can Hear and See Before Birth
Babies can hear and see things in the womb before they are born. They are seen reacting to both light and sound. Sometimes an unborn baby will respond to the sound of their mother or father’s voices, or to those belonging to a sibling. They make jump at a loud noise. When a light is shone into the belly, the baby may respond by moving away or towards the light, or perhaps may even shield his or her eyes.
Babies Can Play Before Birth
Just like babies after birth, babies in the womb enjoy play. They will grab toes, umbilical cords, whatever is in reach. They roll and kick for fun, as well. While the term “play” is broad, in this case, it simply means that a baby in the womb may become bored, and therefore begin moving or grabbing things as a way of relieving boredom as they experience it.
Babies Smile in Utero
It’s true. Babies smile before they are born. Some say these “smiles” are not real, but others argue they are the genuine article. What do you think? While after birth, a newborn smile is most often attributed to gas pangs, yet before birth this is a highly unlikely source of the baby’s smile.
The hidden world of unborn children is so much more complex than we may ever know. What is for certain is that they possess qualities much like those of newborn babies. They are very much human, and are already practicing for life after birth.
