From Womb to First Cry: Understanding How Babies Breathe, Grow, and Transition.

ENTRY #2

Have you ever wondered how a baby survives inside the womb for nine months without ever taking a breath of air? Many people are curious about how babies move, grow, and get prepared for life before birth. In this blog entry I will be exploring what happens inside the womb, how babies receive oxygen and nutrients without using their lungs and why their first act after birth is to cry so loudly.

There are two significant words that are particularly important when it comes to how babies survive in the womb: the placenta and the umbilical cord. According to  Cleveland clinic  the placenta is a temporary organ that forms in the mother’s uterus wall and connects to the baby through the umbilical cord. which provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

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The placenta is formed after fertilization of egg in the uterus and continues to grow throughout pregnancy to support the baby. This organ exchanges oxygen and nutrients between the bloodstreams of a baby and the mother without ever mixing them. It acts as the baby’s lungs, kidneys, and liver until birth. The Umbilical cord is a tube that connects the mother to her baby during pregnancy. It has three blood vessels: one vein that carries food and oxygen from the placenta to the baby and two arteries that carry waste from the baby back to the placenta. The umbilical cord starts to form at about 22 inches long  March of dimes

Inside the womb, babies grow and prepare for life outside by developing organs step by step. This process is divided into three stages, called trimesters. Each trimester marks a new phase of growth and development. Pregnancy usually last about 37 to 40 weeks in total. Each trimester covers roughly 12 to 13 weeks, and throughout this time, babies continue to grow and develop.

From week 1 to week 8: acog.org

·      The brain and spinal cord begin forming.

·      Early heart tissue develops.

·      Muscles of the eyes, nose, and mouth from.

·      Tiny, webbed fingers, and toes appear.

·      lungs begin forming tubes that will carry air in and out after birth.

·      The inner ear starts to develop.

From weeks 9 to 12: acog.org

·      Cartilage forms in arms and legs.                            

·      Eyelids appear (but stays closed)

·      Genitals start forming.

·      Liver and kidneys begin working (urine production)

·      Pancreas produces insulin.       

·      Fingernails appear.

From weeks 13 to 16: acog.org

·      Bones get stronger

·      Skin thickens (but still see through).

·      Toenails form, neck, and lower limbs are defined.

·      Hearing starts to develop.

·      Lungs begin to form tissues that will allow them to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide

·      when breathing starts after birth.

From weeks 17 to 20: acog.org

·      The part of the brain that controls motor movements is fully developed.

·      Digestive system starts to work.

·      Facial features are clear on ultrasounds.

·       Girls develop uterus/vagina.

·      Soft, downy hair called lanugo starts to form and cover the body.

From weeks 21 to 24:acog.org

·      Kicks and turns are stronger.

·      Sucking reflex develops.

·      Fat forms under the skin.

·      Fingerprint and footprints develop.

·      Skin looks wrinkled and reddish from visible blood vessels.

·      Fat is forming under the skin.

From weeks 25 to 28: acog.org

·      Lungs are formed but not ready to work till birth.

·      Baby responds to loud sounds; eyelids can open and close.

·      Lungs start making surfactant a substance needed for breathing after birth.

·      Nervous system matures.

·      Skin smooths get smooth as fat builds.

From weeks 29 to 32: acog.org

·      Baby stretches, kicks, and grabs.

·      Eyes sense light.

·      Bone marrow makes red blood cells.

·      Some hair grows on head.

·      In boys, the testicles begin to descend from the scrotum.

·      Lanugo disappears.

From weeks 33 to 36: acog.org

·      Bones harden (except skill stays soft).

·      Fingernails reach fingertips.

·      Limbs looks chubbier.

·      The fetus may turn into a head-down position for birth.

From weeks 37 to 40: acog.org

·      Circulatory and musculoskeletal systems are complete.

·      Lungs, brain, and nervous system are finishing their development

·      Fat builds under the skin, to keep the baby warm after birth.

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Some other interesting things to know about a fetus are as follows:

1. They urinate regularly into amniotic fluid starting in the 2nd trimester.

2. They do not stool, they only build up meconium (the first BM until after birth) in their intestines. If released before birth, it is called meconium-fluid, which can be risky if inhaled.

3. A baby produces sterile, watered-down urine, mostly with small amounts of salts.

4. By the time a fetus is peeing, most waste products (toxins, acids) are already filtered out by the placenta and passed to the mother. Making the pee unharmful when it goes into the amniotic sac.

5. They pee into the same fluid they live in. Amniotic fluid (it is a liquid that protects and supports the baby. It’s partly made from baby urine) is swallowed, filtered and urinated out again.

5. Their lungs are filled with fluid, not air which means they do not breathe

7. They develop taste preferences when nutrients are passed into the amniotic fluid.

3. They develop 300 bones at birth compared to 206 in adults. As they grow, the diving reflex lets them hold their breath underwater.

These are the activities that go on in the womb, the everyday life of a baby until they are born.

            As pregnancy reaches its final weeks, the baby’s lungs, brain, and nervous system finish developing, and preparing for the moment of birth which becomes their first challenge and test. After spending nine months surrounded by amniotic fluid and receiving oxygen through the placenta, a newborn must now use their lungs for the very first time. This dramatic change is why babies cry at once after birth; their first cry is not just a sound but a critical survival reflex.

Here are some reasons why babies cry at birth: osteopathic research.org

1. The baby experiences a feeling of cold caused by the great difference in the temperature between the womb and the delivery room.
2. The baby undergoes a transition from a liquid environment to a solid environment.
3. The cry is also important because it signifies that the baby is well and alert.
4. Babies are triggered by their first big inhale beacasue their limbs are expanded for the first time.

 

           From the first weeks of pregnancy, when the brain and heart begin to form, to the final stages where the lungs and nervous system prepare for life outside, the journey inside the womb is incredibly Amazing. A baby spends nine months surfing without air, relying on the placenta and umbilical cord. Yet, everything changes at the moment of birth. That first cry signals the start of independent breathing, the clearing of fluid from the lungs and the baby’s readiness for the outside world. We only hear a cry, but for the baby, that sound is the breath of life.

 

ENTRY #1: PIECES OF ME

 A Hobby is an activity that people engage in regularly outside work or school especially in their leisure time; for enjoyment, relieving stress, relaxation of mind, and personal growth. It takes part in defining a person. In my own words owning a hobby is equivalent to wining the lottery. Why? Because when you embark on the journey of trying different activities just to figure out what resonates with you, reflecting on the things that bring you joy and satisfaction, and finally discovering that one thing that sparks joy you've struck gold in uncovering potentials and interest. Hobby is more than leisure it is a seed that needs to be watered daily in other to grow, bloom and flourishing into something life changing. In essence I mean exploring and investing in something you derive joy from can unlock doors of opportunities for financial progress and most significantly, lasting happiness.

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It is safe to say that many people in the world today are yet to fully discover their hobbies and that is perfectly acceptable. The process of finding one’s interest is often a lifelong journey. In my own experience, I have discovered writing as something I have passion for. As a child, I created comic books, drafted short novels, and made a commonplace scrapbook without labeling these activities as hobbies. Now, as an adult, I have learnt that these activities were early signs of uncovering my writing potentials. For me engaging in writing fill a void with creativity and expression. It allows me to think critically by developing ideas, organizing my thoughts, sharing my experiences and exploring my imagination.

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For me discovering hobbies could be nerve-wracking knowing I have a wide range of interests. In this process of exploring hobbies, I categorized my hobbies into 5 distinct types. Which are, social, intellectual, creative, spiritual, and physical hobbies. To begin with, social hobbies are activities that bring people together. It involves connecting, building relationships, and sharing experiences. My social hobbies are traveling with friends, going on a tour, group discussions, and game nights with friends. In addition, intellectual hobbies are activities that keep your mind sharp, curious, and engaged with the world around you. intellectual hobbies my intellectual are reading inspirational books, playing riddle games and drafting novel. Apart from that, my creative hobbies give me the opportunity to impose my thoughts on the world. It is  the use of critical thinking skills to strategize and analyze your ideas. My creative hobbies are creative writing, interior decorating, hair styling, organizing spaces, video editing, drawing, photography and acting. On the other level spiritual hobbies include activities that connects people to someone beyond them. These are activities that people practice that brings them peace. For me I enjoy watching Christian podcast, teachings and sharing my belief.

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Lastly, physical hobbies are body related and require a high input of energy. They keep the body active, fit, and healthy. These activities play a critical role reducing stress and depression. My favorite hobby is working out and I’ll be sharing why I love it. I love to run, workout, and stay consistent at the gym because I see it as both therapy and discipline. Exercising helps me burn off toxins that come from sugar and salt, which are harmful to the body especially the heart. These toxins can be released through sweat, leaving me stronger, more energetic and happier. When you consistently engage in physical activities, you build strength, endurance, and flexibility while also protecting yourself from various sickness and diseases. 

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To me, the gym is not just a place to work out, it’s a safe place where u can let go of worries, focus on being strong and healthy, and clear my mind. Exercising also helps me maintain a healthy weight and boosts my confidence. Want to feel better? Have more energy and even add years to your life? Just exercise. healthy living 

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    I have some hobbies that I would like to explore which are ice skating, bowling, voice lessons, swimming, leaf musical instruments and gymnastics. As some someone who loves to try out new things, I believe hobbies can help to develop new skills and boost creativity. An idle mind they say is a devil’s workshop but a mind cultivated with hobbies blossoms with purpose, potential and purpose.