Your baby is already preparing for that monumental first breath they’ll take at birth. In the meantime, oxygen is flowing steadily through the incredible placenta, which serves as a lifeline.
Do Babies Breathe in the Womb?
In the womb, babies don’t breathe in the conventional way since there’s no air to inhale. However, they do engage in “fetal breathing movements,” which involve rhythmic muscle contractions that pull amniotic fluid in and out of their lungs. This practice helps prepare their lungs for breathing air once they’re born.
How Do Babies Breathe During and After Birth?
When the time comes for birth, the focus shifts to that significant moment when your baby takes their first gasp of air. This breath is a pivotal milestone, signaling their readiness to thrive outside the womb. Until that moment, their oxygen needs are met through the placenta, which is quite different from how we breathe.
When Are Babies’ Lungs Fully Developed?
Babies’ lungs typically reach full development closer to the end of the third trimester, allowing them to adapt to breathing air after birth. Understanding this process can help you appreciate the remarkable journey your baby undergoes before entering the world.
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In summary, while babies in the womb do not breathe in the same way as we do, they engage in movements that prepare their lungs for the outside world. The placenta plays a critical role in oxygen delivery until they are born and take that all-important first breath.