Do Babies Cry in the Womb?

 

Table of Contents

·         Introduction

·         Fetal Development Stages

·         When Do Babies' Lungs Develop?

·         When Does a Fetus Develop Hearing?

·         When Can a Baby Sense Touch?

·         When Do Taste Buds Form?

·         When Can a Fetus Smell?

·         Do Fetuses Have Emotions?

·         Can a Baby Cry in the Womb?

·         Why Do Babies Cry in the Womb?

·         What Does Fetal Crying Sound Like?

·         How Do Babies Breathe and Cry in the Womb?

·         Can Crying in the Womb Harm the Baby?

·         Do All Babies Cry in the Womb?

·         When Do Babies Start Crying Outside the Womb?

·         Conclusion

·         FAQs

 

Introduction

One fascinating question many expecting parents have is: do babies cry in the womb? As a baby develops during pregnancy, they acquire more and more abilities that will prepare them for life outside the womb. This includes seemingly advanced skills like crying. Crying is the baby's main form of communication and fosters bonding between parent and child. But can a baby really cry before they are even born? Keep reading to learn all about fetal development and when babies start expressing emotions like crying during pregnancy.

 

Fetal Development Stages

To understand if and when babies can cry in the womb, it's important to first understand how they develop during pregnancy. There are three main fetal development stages:

 

First Trimester (Conception to 12 Weeks)

·         Baby's main organs and body systems develop

·         Baby's facial features form, including lips and eyelids

·         Baby's central nervous system begins forming

 

Second Trimester (13 to 27 Weeks)

·         Baby's limbs, fingers, and toes grow longer

·         Bones begin to harden

·         Hair and nails start to grow

·         Reproductive organs form

·         Baby starts moving, kicking, swallowing, and blinking

 

Third Trimester (28 to 40 Weeks)

·         Brain and lungs continue to mature

·         Baby gains weight

·         Bones finish hardening

·         Baby develops circadian rhythms

·         Baby moves frequently and responds to stimuli

As the pregnancy progresses through each trimester, the baby becomes more developed and active, acquiring the abilities needed to cry in the womb. Next, let's look at when some of these key developments happen.

 

When Do Babies' Lungs Develop?

For a baby to cry, their lungs and respiratory system need to be developed enough to breathe and push air over their vocal cords. This happens fairly early in pregnancy. At round 9 weeks gestation, the baby's respiratory system begins to form. The lungs start developing and branching. By 14 weeks, the baby has partially-functioning lungs and starts making breathing motions. The lungs continue maturing throughout the second trimester. Around 24 to 28 weeks, a protective substance called surfactant lines the lungs, helping the air sacs inflate with oxygen. From this point on, the lungs can function on their own if the baby was born prematurely. So, while the lungs are still maturing, they are developed enough by the end of the second trimester for a baby to have the respiratory function to cry.

 

When Does a Fetus Develop Hearing?

Hearing is another essential capability for fetal crying. The baby needs to be able to hear the sounds they are making to control their crying. The fetal ear structures begin forming very early, around just 3 to 4 weeks into pregnancy. The inner ear is developed by 20 weeks and continues maturing. Studies show babies can respond to noises at around 18 weeks gestation. They have been observed moving in response to loud noises near the mother's belly. From then on, their hearing steadily improves each week. So, by mid-pregnancy, a fetus likely has developed hearing and can perceive the sounds of their own cries. This sensory feedback helps coordinate their breathing, vocalization, and emotional responses.

 

When Can a Baby Sense Touch?

Babies also respond to touch long before birth. This helps them interact with and explore their limited womb environment. At just 8 weeks pregnant, the baby's skin starts to form and their limbs begin developing. By 9 to 10 weeks, their palms and soles of their feet are sensitive to light touching. They reflexively recoil and squirm from pokes and prods. As early as 16 weeks, fetuses react more vigorously to touch and may try to swat away intrusive objects. Their sensitivity continues improving, and by 20 weeks babies can clearly detect and respond to touch all over their body. So, from mid-pregnancy onward, babies can sense touch on their skin, providing tactile feedback if they are hitting the uterine wall while crying.

 

When Do Taste Buds Form?

Taste buds are another sensory tool that could help babies appreciate crying. Taste buds start taking shape as early as 13 to 15 weeks gestation. By 14 weeks, the fetus begins swallowing amniotic fluid in the womb. This allows them to exercise their taste buds and sense sweet flavors. Over the next several weeks, they develop preferences for sweet amniotic fluid versus more bitter varieties. Their taste only continues improving until birth. So, while still rudimentary, babies can perceive basic tastes and flavors while in the womb. This incoming sensory information may contribute to their emotional responses and crying.

 

When Can a Fetus Smell?

A fetus' sense of smell also develops during pregnancy. Olfactory receptors in the nose emerge at around 11 weeks. Studies show babies can detect smells from around 20 weeks onward. Like taste, the main purpose of the early sense of smell is to evaluate the amniotic fluid they swallow. But they also smell chemical signals from their mother through the fluid and tissues. Babies are soothed by these familiar maternal scents. So, while their nose is still tiny, babies in the womb do have some basic ability to smell. This adds to their understanding of the womb environment and ability to respond emotionally.

 

Do Fetuses Have Emotions?

Now that we've looked at fetal development of key capabilities like breathing, hearing, and senses, the next question is - do fetuses even have emotions that would make them cry? Research shows that fetuses do have emotions and moods. Their brains produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that regulate emotions. Brain scans reveal they respond positively to maternal vocals and scents, suggesting comfort and affection prenatally. Basic emotions first emerge around 18 to 25 weeks as the brain rapidly develops. Babies react to stimuli with approach or avoidance, exhibiting likes and dislikes. They appear happier when settled versus when active. Later in pregnancy, fetuses show signs of emotional maturity through managed emotional responses. So, while rudimentary, fetuses do gain emotions, sensory feedback, and response mechanisms that enable behaviors like crying by mid-pregnancy.

 

Can a Baby Cry in the Womb?

Given all this development, many researchers believe fetuses have the ability to cry as early as the end of the second trimester, or approximately 24 to 28 weeks gestation. At this stage, babies have developed lungs, respiratory muscles, hearing, senses, emotions, and touch feedback to coordinate inhalation, exhalation, vocalization and sensation together in a physiological crying response. However, there is still debate over exactly when crying first occurs and how common it is in utero. Crying cannot be directly observed, though we do have some clues.

 

Why Do Babies Cry in the Womb?

If babies can cry in the womb, the next question is - what makes them cry before birth?

Potential reasons babies cry prenatally include:

·         Hiccups - The sudden contraction of the diaphragm could trigger tears.

·    Swallowing amniotic fluid - Fluid in the lungs could cause coughing and crying.

·         Senses maturing - New sensations may be overwhelming or frightening.

·     Environmental stimuli - Loud noises may startle the fetus and make them cry.

·       Touch or constraint - Being pressed on by the womb could cause discomfort.

·        Taste or smell - Babies may reject or react negatively to certain stimuli.

·    Emotional maturation - Developing emotions could trigger crying for reasons like hunger, distress, or boredom.

So, while the exact trigger isn't known, babies likely have sufficient cause to cry in the womb at some point as part of their development.

 

What Does Fetal Crying Sound Like?

We can't hear babies crying from inside the womb. However, we can make some guesses as to what it may sound like based on their limited lung capacity and the uterine environment:

·      MUFFLED- The uterine wall and amniotic fluid likely muffle any vocalizations.

·       Rhythmic - Fetal crying is probably an exaggeration of their normal breathing rhythm.

·       High-pitched - Their tiny lungs can likely only force out high-pitched wails.

·       Burpy - Fluid in their lungs may cause gurgling or choking sounds.

·      Short - They probably don't have a lot of respiratory stamina for long crying spells.

·        Weak - Without much lung power, fetal cries are probably fairly quiet.

Parents sometimes report anecdotally that their baby's first cries after birth sounded familiar, suggesting they remembered the sound from the womb. While possible, there is no research confirming this.

 

How Do Babies Breathe and Cry in the Womb?

For babies to cry before birth, they need to coordinate breathing with crying - no easy feat! Here's how fetuses might achieve this:

·    Quick, shallow breaths - Babies take rapid, shallow breaths in the womb to move small amounts of amniotic fluid over their vocal cords.

·  Exhale across vocal cords - Air exhaled across the vocal cords produces vibrations and sound. The greater the air flow, the louder the cry.

·    Rhythmic breathing - Repeated inhalations and exhalations create a rhythmic, crying vocalization.

·  Diaphragm control - Their developing diaphragm muscles allow fetuses to time vocalizations with forced exhalations.

·         Fluid in lungs - Fluid in the lungs may create choking, gurgling sounds when exhaling.

·       Limited stamina - Babies likely can't sustain crying for long with their small lung capacity.

With practice, fetuses can learn to coordinate this complex respiratory behavior to produce crying in the womb. This helps strengthen their lungs in preparation for those first lusty newborn cries at delivery.

 

Can Crying in the Womb Harm the Baby?

Because crying requires so much rapid breathing and muscular exertion for a fetus, some parents worry it could be harmful. However, there is no evidence that fetal crying or associated hiccups are dangerous.

Some possible benefits of fetal crying practice include:

·         Fluid clearance - It may help clear fetal lungs of fluid.

·         Muscle development - It builds strength in breathing muscles, vocals cords, and the diaphragm.

·         Respiratory maturation - It develops the coordination for efficient breathing after birth.

·       Soothing effect - Crying may release emotions and calm the nervous system, as it does after birth.

·         Bonding - It allows parents to feel early bonding if they notice rhythmic fetal movements.

So rather than problematic, crying in the womb is likely a healthy developmental process that benefits the baby.

 

Do All Babies Cry in the Womb?

There is no definitive way to determine what percentage of babies cry in utero. Since we can't observe it directly, we can only infer based on their development. Some signs a fetus may be crying before birth include:

·  Sudden rhythmic body movements - These could correspond with crying jags.

·      Increased heart rate - Crying accelerates fetal heart rate due to exertion.

·  Irregular breathing - Patterns that aren't smooth and consistent may be interrupted by crying.

·      Hiccuping - Frequent hiccups may accompany spasmodic crying.

·    Reaction to stimuli - Loud noises or poking that elicit a response could be triggering tears.

While not all babies may have a reason to cry or the ability to coordinate it, the majority likely do based on these patterns. The exact percentage remains elusive pending further research.

 

When Do Babies Start Crying Outside the Womb?

After all that supposed practice crying in the womb, babies come fully prepared to cry immediately at delivery. In fact, crying is one of the first reflexes the baby performs independently.

Newborns start crying right after delivery for reasons like:

·         Stimulation of birth

·         Bright lights

·         Cold temperatures

·         Hunger

·         Need for physical touch and comfort after the confines of the womb

Crying helps clear fluid from the lungs and breathing passages. It also alerts caregivers that the baby needs attention. By crying, newborns signal their transition to life outside the womb has begun.

 

Conclusion

While we lack definite proof, the consensus among many researchers is that babies can and do cry in the womb, probably starting in the second half of pregnancy. Fetal crying cannot be observed directly, but we do see evidence in their development. As early as 24 weeks, babies have the physical abilities and reflexes to coordinate the complex breathing, vocalization and sensation of crying. Crying in the womb likely serves a valuable purpose, allowing babies to exercise their lungs, muscles, respiratory control and emotional signaling in preparation for the demands of life after birth. Rather than problematic or dangerous, these early tears are probably a healthy part of development.

While we may not be able to hear them, imagining babies practicing their very first cries is a heartwarming part of fetal development. These earliest sobs likely sound comfortingly familiar, giving parents a sense, they have heard their baby's cry long before meeting them. 😊

 

FAQs

FAQ 1: At what week can a baby cry in the womb?

A: Babies can probably cry in the womb starting around 24-28 weeks gestation, when their lungs, brain, senses and muscles have developed enough to coordinate the actions required for crying. However, fetal crying likely happens on a limited basis and we have no direct proof of exactly when it first occurs.

 

FAQ 2: Can babies feel pain in the womb when they cry?

A: There is no evidence that fetuses experience pain or discomfort when crying in the womb. They do not yet have full connections between their brain, nerves and thalamus to convey pain signals. More likely their cries express frustration at being constrained or overwhelmed by new sensations as their senses mature.

 

FAQ 3: Do babies poop and pee in the womb when they cry?

A: Babies do routinely pass urine and have bowel movements inside the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. However, there is no direct link between fetal crying spells and increased urination or bowel movements. They happen independently of each other.

 

FAQ 4: Does crying in the womb mean there is a problem with the baby?

A: There is no reason to be concerned if you think your baby may be crying in utero. Fetal crying is thought be a normal part of development and excellent practice for breathing, lung function and emotional regulation after birth. It does not imply the baby is distressed or that there is a medical issue.

 

FAQ 5: Do loud noises make babies cry in the womb?

A: Loud or startling vibrations against the mother's belly can possibly provoke a crying reaction from the fetus. However, the uterine environment generally protects them from most external noises. A very loud, jarring sound right near the womb might upset a fetus enough to elicit tears.

 

FAQ 6: Can babies get hiccups from crying in the womb?

A: It is possible for vigorous crying jags in the womb to trigger hiccups, as the diaphragm spasms with the exertion. However, hiccups are normal and harmless for the fetus regardless of cause. They help strengthen breathing muscles for after birth.

 

FAQ 7: If a baby cries a lot in utero, does that mean they will be fussy after birth?

A: There

is no reliable way to predict a baby's temperament after birth based on perceived fetal crying. Their personality and behaviors after delivery likely have more to do with genetics and postnatal environment than any prenatalcrying.

 

FAQ 8: Do babies cry more in the womb when the mother is stressed?

A: Some research suggests maternal stress hormones like cortisol can cross the placenta and potentially impact the fetus. However, there is no direct proof that pregnant women's moods or stress levels affect the frequency of fetal crying.

 

FAQ 9: Why don't we hear babies cry in ultrasounds?

A: While ultrasound can detect some fetal movements, the uterine environment muffles any noises the baby makes. Fetal cries are likely very quiet to begin with due to limited lung capacity. So, they fall below the threshold of what ultrasound technology can capture and play audibly.

 

FAQ 10: Can babies sense the mother's touch when they cry in the womb?

A: Yes, by the third trimester fetuses can feel and react to touch against the mother's belly. Some mothers notice soothing fetal movements when they gently stroke their belly where the baby is crying. So, babies may take some comfort from touch when distressed in the womb.