How Does an Unborn Baby Breathe in the Womb?
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The Umbilical Cord
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While in the womb, a baby is completely dependent on its mother for sustenance, which is provided through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord comprises two arteries and one vein that give the baby a constant supply of oxygenated and nutrient-filled blood from the placenta. This is how the baby is given nutrients for it to grow and develop. The oxygenated blood also provides air for the baby.
The Womb
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While in the womb, the baby's lungs are filled with fluid, which is not breathable. Babies in gestation do not "breathe,"; instead, they ingest air through fluid and blood. This provides the baby with the air it needs. It is a misconception that babies "breathe" while in the womb. A baby can practice "breathing" while in the womb and even experience hiccups, but she is not actually breathing air.
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Birth
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When a baby is born, he must breathe for the first time. Due to being filled with fluid and the challenges of labor, a baby's first breath is sometimes a challenging and stressful moment. The infant must start processing oxygen through its lungs and deal with blood circulation.
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- Photo Credit baby image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
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Acts 17:24-25 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;. 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;. (KJV)
