Do Babies Breathe in the Womb?

Babies may appear to breathe in the womb, but they’re really practicing breathing. In utero, babies are swimming in amniotic fluid and getting oxygen from mom. “This practice breathing shows us that babies are doing well inside the uterus, as those who aren’t won’t extend this extra effort,” said Tina Hendrick, M.D., a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at OB Hospitalists of Kentucky, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. As the lungs develop, they can be seen expanding and contracting on ultrasound. A related phenomenon is crying in the womb, which Dr. Hendrick said there is evidence of. Grimacing, chin quivering and open mouths can all be observed on ultrasound.

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