How don't babies drown in amniotic fluid? - By Luis Domínguez

When babies are in their mother’s belly, a liquid covers them but, how they don’t drown?

Amniotic fluid protects the baby during its development. It allows it to move, improves your muscles and lungs, and it maintains a constant temperature. If it weren't for him, the fetus would be defenseless against any slightest stumble. The amniotic fluid forms a welcoming enclosure for the baby within the mother's belly.

It forms during the fifth week of pregnancy, and increases in volume towards the end of the third month, with the formation of the amniotic sac. By week 12 of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid already exceeds 50 milliliters, in week 20 it can reach 400 milliliters and in week 38 it can reach 1000 milliliters. If the pregnancy lasts longer than expected, the volume will decrease little by little.

Knowing this, we can answer the question.

The fetal lungs do not breathe since they are in full development, so breathing is not impeded when surrounded by so much fluid. And it is that the fetus takes the oxygen and nutrients it needs through the maternal blood that reaches the placenta.

Luis Domínguez Martínez

IES Al-Baytar, 2021