02/20/2026
Did you know that babies start swallowing amniotic fluid around 16–20 weeks of pregnancy?
Here’s why it’s so important:
Supports digestion: The fluid moves through the baby’s stomach and intestines, helping them grow and prepare for feeding after birth.
Develops the lungs: Babies “practice breathing” by moving amniotic fluid in and out, helping their lungs mature.
Maintains healthy fluid balance: The baby swallows the fluid, absorbs it, and releases it as urine creating a continuous natural cycle in the womb.
By late pregnancy, a baby can swallow about 1.5-3 cups per day!
Isn’t the human body incredible?
