Last updated on July 31st, 2023 at 05:24 pm
Do you ever wonder what your baby is up to in there? It turns out, they’re doing some pretty weird things!
Here are some of the strangest things babies do while they’re still in the womb:
1. Sex organs are a top priority
Around 25g, your baby’s reproductive organs are fully developed inside their body, and the genitals are forming outside their body– still only tiny in the second trimester. The sex of your baby can usually be determined by ultrasound at around 20 weeks.
2. The crying has already started
The baby may now be able to cry inside the womb. Babies can and do mutely cry in the womb, which was discovered by researchers looking into the effects of exposure to tobacco and cocaine during pregnancy. Although it’s unlikely, you might still hear it!
3. It’s a hairy, sticky mess
During the second trimester, the baby is covered in fine hair called lanugo all over its body, and a greasy, cheese-like coating of a white, waxy substance called vernix. The vernix and shed hair help protect the skin during the many weeks in the amniotic fluid, even though it may sound gross.
4. The baby drinks its own wee
One of the many milestones during pregnancy is when your baby begins to swallow little bits of amniotic fluid, which pass into the stomach. Fluid swallowed by your baby passes back into the amniotic fluid as urine, and the kidneys start to work. The baby will then swallow the amniotic fluid, including its own urine, and expel it back into the amniotic sac. Although in some cases babies may pass a poop-like substance called meconium while still inside the uterus, the first poop is usually after the birth.
5. They hiccup.
Babies in the womb often hiccup, which can be a bit uncomfortable for them. Hiccups are caused by spasms in the diaphragm, the same muscle we use to breathe.
6. They startle.
Babies in the womb sometimes startle, which is caused by a sudden noise or sensation. This reflex helps them to protect themselves in the event of a loud noise or other danger.
