Other Facts About Developing Baby.

When I had my ultrasound last week, it looked like my baby had its mouth open. Is that possible?
Yes, it is. In addition to opening and closing its mouth, the fetus may also suck its thumb or finger.

I've heard a developing baby swallows amniotic fluid. Is that true?
By 21 weeks, the fetal digestive system has developed enough to allow the fetus to swallow amniotic fluid. The fetus absorbs much of the water in the swallowed fluid. Hydrochloric acid and adult digestive enzymes are present in small amounts in the fetal digestive system at 21 weeks.

Why does my baby swallow amniotic fluid?
Researchers believe swallowing amniotic fluid may help growth and development of the fetal digestive system. It may also condition the digestive system to function after birth.

How much fluid does my baby swallow?
By the time a baby is born, it may swallow large amounts of amniotic fluid, as much as 17 ounces (500ml) of amniotic fluid in a 24-hour period.

Does my baby open its eyes inside my uterus?
Eyelids cover the eyes and are fused or connected around 11 to 12 weeks. They remain fused until about 27 to 28 weeks, when they open.

A friend told me a baby can hear inside the womb. Is this true?
Yes. Life inside the womb may be like living near a busy freeway. The developing baby hears a constant background of digestive noises and the maternal heartbeat. The fetus also hears the mother-to-be's voice, although it may not hear higher-pitched tones.

Does my growing baby respond to sounds?
There is evidence that by the 3rd trimester, the fetus responds to sounds it hears. Researchers have noted fetal heart-rate increases in response to tones it hears through the mother's abdomen.

Will my baby know my voice after birth?
Studies show newborns prefer their mother's voice to a stranger's, which suggests they recognize her voice. They also prefer their mother's native language and respond strongly to a recording of an intrauterine heartbeat.