It is widely known that healthy babies are born with almost fully developed senses, with the exception of sight, which continues to develop during the first weeks after birth. But are you aware of when your unborn baby can hear your voice, distinguish tastes, or respond to touch? You may be surprised by some of the findings experts have uncovered on this topic.<\/p>\n
The sense of touch is the very first sense to develop in a baby\u2019s growing body. According to experts, as early as the 8th week of pregnancy, the fetus shows a protective reflex when its head is touched. Over the next nine weeks, skin sensitivity spreads across the entire body, and the unborn baby begins to perceive touch in much the same way you do.<\/p>\n
Experts believe that from around the 14th week of pregnancy, a baby is able to perceive tastes while swallowing amniotic fluid. Certain nutrients consumed by the mother are known to pass into the amniotic fluid. Babies tend to swallow more frequently when the mother eats sweet foods, and they may slow down swallowing or even make a facial expression when the mother eats something bitter. Some scientists believe that this ability helps babies recognize the taste of breast milk later on. It is also possible that when solid foods are introduced, babies more readily accept foods their mother ate during pregnancy.<\/p>\n
It may sound surprising, but a baby\u2019s sense of smell also begins to develop in the womb. The nose and olfactory receptors start forming between the 11th and 15th weeks of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid constantly flows into the unborn baby\u2019s nose and mouth. Experts believe that not only flavors but also aromas from food pass into the amniotic fluid, and that the baby can already perceive them at this stage. This is why newborns are able to recognize their mother\u2019s scent immediately after birth.<\/p>\n
If you thought the womb was a quiet place, think again. Almost all the sounds of your body are transmitted through the amniotic fluid\u2014the rumbling of your intestines, the beating of your heart, your voice. Loud external sounds such as voices and music also reach your baby. Of course, in the early months the baby is not yet able to hear these sounds. However, from around the 24th week of pregnancy, hearing is developed enough for the baby to perceive them. Some mothers report that in the final months before birth, their babies respond to loud music or the father\u2019s voice with strong movements. After birth, babies often calm more easily when they hear a melody that was frequently played during pregnancy. They also feel secure when placed on their mother\u2019s chest and can sense her heartbeat.<\/p>\n
Sight is one of the most difficult senses to study, as there is no way to test it in the womb. The uterus is not an ideal environment for observation, although it is not as dark as we often imagine. Visual development continues after birth.
\nIt is known that a baby\u2019s eyelids remain closed until about the 26th week of pregnancy. Even so, around ten weeks earlier the unborn baby already reacts to bright light. It may squint or turn its back toward strong light shining on the mother\u2019s belly. At birth, babies are able to see at a distance of about 20\u201330 cm\u2014exactly the distance to their mother\u2019s face during breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
It has been proven that babies have certain experiences with their environment even before they are born. Now that you know this, you can help your baby adjust more easily to life after birth. Many pregnant women take time to talk to their unborn baby or read aloud. Others play specific music, gently tap the belly, or stroke the little feet and hands pressing against the abdominal wall. Some mothers consciously consume certain foods and drinks to familiarize the baby with specific tastes. They may even ask the expectant father to speak louder so the baby can get to know his voice as well.
\nIf these practices don\u2019t resonate with you, it is still important to offer your baby plenty of physical contact and closeness after birth. Hold your baby, talk to them, and sing to them. In this way, you help them transition gently and calmly from the safety of your body into the challenges of the big wide world.<\/p>\n