The most magical part about a baby’s development in your womb is their breathing. They don’t breathe through their lungs, like normal human beings. In fact, one of the biggest transitions they make after birth is taking their first big breath. 

Their body gets the required oxygen through the placenta. In this post, we’ll learn the science behind your baby’s breathing pattern in the uterus and the role of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Let’s take a look.

Baby’s Breathing Pattern in Womb

Your baby’s needs, be it oxygen or nutrients, are met through the placenta. Although they may not yet breathe through their lungs, they can inhale and exhale amniotic fluid in small amounts for two reasons. 

One, it prepares their lungs for breathing outside the womb, and two, it helps in the development of their diaphragm muscles. They start swallowing amniotic fluid by the 12th or 14th week. When they reach 32 weeks, they practice breathing more often, resulting in compression and expansion of their lungs.

Medically, their lungs are considered mature by 37 weeks of gestation. If they need to be born before 37 weeks of gestation, they are considered premature. Your gynecologist might prescribe a steroid to speed up their lung development, so they are ready to breathe outside.

How do they Breathe During Labor?

When labor starts, the uterus contracts. This contraction not only gives a strong signal that your baby is ready to arrive, but also clears their lungs of the excess amniotic fluid. Until now, your baby’s oxygen needs have been met through the placenta and umbilical cord. In fact, they don’t breathe on their own unless they have made a grand entrance. 

Breathing after Birth

When your baby is born, they cry and take their first breath within 10 seconds. At first, their breath may sound more like a ‘gasp’, but that’s normal after a big transition from the womb to the outside world. The leftover amniotic fluid in their lungs will be absorbed into their bloodstream, and their lungs will be filled with air. Your baby’s breathing rhythm becomes normal within a few minutes.

What to Avoid During Pregnancy

Since your baby relies on you for oxygen, it’s important that you take care of your diet and lifestyle. Anything that affects the oxygen and blood flow to the placenta should be avoided. Here’s what to avoid.

  • Smoking and Alcohol: You must quit smoking and alcohol before planning pregnancy and avoid them strictly during pregnancy. Both are linked to reduced blood and oxygen to the baby. It might also impair their lung development.
  • Raw Food: Raw meat, unpasteurized milk, uncooked eggs, and unwashed vegetables and fruits are harmful for pregnant women. Avoid any kind of raw food. Wash them and cook thoroughly before eating.
  • Unprescribed Medication: Certain medicines might interfere with fetal development. Always check with the best gynecologist in Thane before taking over-the-counter medicines.
  • Get Proper Nutrition: Get all the right nutrients and prescribed supplements to ensure proper nutrition for your baby. 

While your baby may not breathe like us in the womb, their lungs are preparing for life outside it. Their first cry and their first breath are signs that their lungs have taken over and they are all set to start a new chapter of their life.