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From the second women hear the “good” news, a million thoughts run in their head. And, mostly, it revolves around what the babies are up to inside the womb. How much have they grown? How do they get their nutrition? When will they start kicking? Can they hear my voice? Are these some of the many questions that have crossed your mind too? We can hear the “yes” loud and clear. It is pretty normal for you to be obsessed about what your little ones are up to, especially when you can feel all their jabs and kicks. And, guess what? These angels do learn quite a few things when they are inside your womb. After all, they have to be prepared for the big world out there. Here, we bring you some of the things that babies learn while they are still inside you:
1. Breathing Practice
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Babies don’t actually breathe when they are inside the womb, but they do start practicing how to take their first breath. During pregnancy, it is the mother who breathes for both her as well as her child and transmits it via the oxygen-rich blood. The umbilical cord and placenta help with the intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide between the two. Though the lungs may be fully developed by the end of 36 weeks, the fetus still doesn’t actually “breathe” until their birth. During the practice breathing, the babies take in the surrounding amniotic fluid. And, it is normal for their lungs to be filled with this fluid (1).
2. Hear The Sound
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Generally, by the 20th week of pregnancy, the outer, inner, and the middle part of the babies’ ears are completely developed (2). And, the sound outside travels through your body and reaches the womb. And, thus, the outside sound can also affect your little one who is still growing. Perhaps, that is why most new mothers would notice their babies responding to their voices pretty early on itself.
3. Bonding With You
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As mentioned earlier, babies can listen to your voice. And, they would even recognize it too. So, in a way, the first person that the babies bond with is their mothers. We are sure that this comes as no surprise.
4. Respond To Stress
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We all are aware that stress is a complete ‘no’ for expecting mothers. In fact, how often have we teased the husbands to cause as less stress as possible to their pregnant wives? And, one of the major reasons is that stress is not good for the little one inside the womb. So, keep both the mum and the baby stress-free.
5. Can Understand Tastes
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During the 21st week of pregnancy, the munchkin begins to recognize the taste. It is at this time that the babies start to swallow a few ounces of the surrounding amniotic fluid every day. And, the fluid contains the flavor of everything that the mom consumes. So, yes, the baby begins to taste all the food that the mother eats too (3).
6. Moves Inside The Womb
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Babies generally start recognizing touch and feeling inside the womb. As they start exploring inside, either through their feet or hands, you will be able to feel those movements. Perhaps, it is just them trying to learn about the environment. So, when you feel those kicks, it is just them performing somersaults or rolling around.
7. Ready For The Big Arrival
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Since our little ones are curious souls, the adventures begin when they are in the womb itself. They try to touch their limbs, check the surroundings and do many other wonderful things. That is why, when they arrive into the world, they are all set to take on this new endeavor.
Cherish and enjoy this lovely phase of pregnancy because it is truly wonderful. Good luck!
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