A peek inside your baby’s little world
When I was pregnant, I used to wonder what my baby was really doing in there. What was it like for them? What kind of faces were they making? It’s easy to assume that babies in the womb just float around, kick a little, sleep, and that’s it. But the truth is, their world is much more fascinating than we might think.
In a previous article, I shared some tips on how to bond with your baby during pregnancy. I think this one will help you feel even closer to your little one—and maybe even enjoy pregnancy a little more, especially on the tough days.
A lullaby in the womb: what your baby hears
When I was pregnant, I never stopped to think whether my baby could hear anything inside the womb. Maybe you haven’t thought about it either. But surprisingly, the womb isn’t a quiet place at all. When your baby is awake, they’re surrounded by a whole symphony of sounds.
They hear your heartbeat—strong and steady—the flow of blood through the placenta, your breathing, the sounds of your digestion, your voice… even things like doors slamming or metal clanking. All of it becomes part of their world, like a constant lullaby that comforts them all day long.
Quick tip: be careful with loud noises like fireworks. They can affect your baby, even before birth. You can find more information about it here.
When can my baby start hearing?
Around week 15, your baby begins to pick up some sounds. By weeks 32–35, their hearing is much more developed. The sound they recognize best is your voice. It becomes their safe and familiar connection to the outside world.
I remember when my baby was born. He cried non-stop as the nurses cleaned him up—but the second they laid him on my chest and I spoke to him, he stopped crying. If you’ve had other children, you probably know that special feeling of being the only one who can calm your baby.
Some moms even play the same music during pregnancy. Studies show that babies can remember melodies they hear often, and those songs may help soothe them once they’re born.
So, what does my baby do all day?
Believe it or not, babies in the womb have routines too—though they’re a bit different from ours! Many moms notice that their baby gets super active at night or right after they sit down to rest. And toward the end of pregnancy, it’s funny to watch your belly move as your baby stretches and wiggles.
Thanks to ultrasounds, we now know that babies actually play in the womb. Yes—play! Their favorite toy? The umbilical cord. They grab it, stretch it, and even play with it like it’s a toy.
Many babies also suck their thumbs. This sucking reflex helps them learn how to feed, calm down, and even start to discover their own little body.
Can my baby taste what I eat?
Yes! The flavor of what you eat gets into the amniotic fluid—and your baby swallows and “tastes” it. They especially love sweet flavors. This makes sense because the first thing they’ll drink after birth is colostrum, a thick, yellowish milk that’s rich in nutrients and naturally sweet.
What if I’m feeling stressed while pregnant?
Have you noticed your baby moving more when you’re upset or stressed? That’s because your emotions affect them. Your voice, your heartbeat, your tension—your baby can sense it all. Long periods of stress can even impact their sleep and development.
But there’s good news: when you’re calm, happy, or laughing, your baby feels that too. Managing your emotions doesn’t just help you feel better—it’s a way of teaching your baby how to handle feelings, even before birth.
Want to learn more? I’ve written another article on how to deal with emotions during pregnancy—you can check it out here.
Now that you know a little more about what your baby’s up to, I’d love to hear from you. What surprised you the most? Did anything here remind you of your own experience? Leave a comment—your story matters
