Do new born babies have the instinct of holding their breath under water?

Question

Since a baby is in it's mother's *woom which is just a sac of water, doesn't that mean it should be able to hold it's breath under water when it's born?

*=not sure how to spell

Answer 1

Babies don't hold their breath inside their mother's uterus (womb). They breathe amniotic fluid in and out again. Then, birth compresses the chest, forcing most of the fluid out of the lungs in preparation for breathing air. So, no, living in water doesn't mean that babies will know how to hold their breath under water.

Now, I have seen enough information that leads me to believe that it probably *is* safe for a baby to be born underwater. But it is not something that follows logically the way you wrote it.

Answer 2

Babies do have the instinct to hold their breaths underwater but it has nothing to do with the liquid environment in the womb. Babies take their nourishment (oxygen included) from the unbilical cord so there's no reason to breathe. Although they do practice it a bit in utero.

I believe, however, that it might be like the walking reflex newborns have...it goes away after a few months. My daughter held her breath as a newborn, but once she got older she didn't really get the concept of not breathing water! If you are wondering about water births, the baby won't breathe the water in when it's born because the reflex to breathe doesn't happen until the cord is cut and they feel the air on their tiny faces for the first time.

Answer 3

No, to hold the breath underwater is not an instinct that babies are born with. If this were true, you wouldn't hear of babies drowning every year in the summer. And they do drown in a couple of inches of water!

Have you seen babies in the pools that get some water in their mouths? They get panicky and trash around. If they start to cry they swallow even more water. Imagine what they would do if they are under water.

Answer 4

My husband and I brought our son swimming when he was 3 months old. We'd read articles, seen pictures and watched documentaries on how new borns can instinctively hold their breath under water. In any case, we were very careful with him. We didn't dunk him under water or let go of him at any point. There was one moment where my husband carried him a little too low and his mouth was level with the water. He BREATHED in the water and choked! He cried for a whole 5 minutes, but he was fine.

So to answer your question, no, I don't think so.

Answer 5

If you are asking to see if it is okay to take them to pool, the answer would be no they cannot. But that does not mean you cannot take them to swimming. You just have to be careful and make sure they do not swallow any water. Remember they can chock in 2 inches of water. As long as they had is out side of the water they would be fine.

Now an unborn child's lungs are not functioning the way they would outside of mommy. Otherwise it would have meant babies hold their breath for 9 months straight :). Plus their lungs develop in the third trimester mostly between 8 and 9 months.

My best suggestion would be ask your doctor if it is okay take your baby to pool. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Now see, I'm pretty sure this all depends on what you're asking.

If you're asking a question along the lines of, is it safe to deliver the baby underwater, the answer is yes. It definately has been swimming around in the amniotic fluid...so birth underwater is definately feasible, and a choice for many women.

Now, holding its breath underwater, as in, taking the baby, and putting it in the pool at the YMCA...no, not safe, not a good idea.

Answer 7

No. Once the baby passes throught the birth canal and takes its first breath the change in pressure causes changes to the flow of blood to and from the lungs and the baby will drown in water.

Answer 8

I think they might. When my baby was learning how to swim, they said blow in his face so he takes a deep breath right before you put him under the water. Who knows?

Answer 9

yes, babies do have the instinct to hold their breath when underwater. But not for very long, or they will drown.

Answer 10

babies can drown in just 2inches of water. i wouldnt suggest it. im a mother of 2 i had to learn from other parents. trust me.u'll thank me in the long run.