When do babies develop reflexes in the womb?

Babies develop sophisticated reflexes around mid-pregnancy, including the ability to suck fingers, swallow, blink, and respond to external sounds. These reflexes become more pronounced as subcutaneous fat develops and the nervous system matures.

What is meconium and when does it form?

Meconium is your baby's first feces, consisting of digestive tract cells, bile, and dead epithelial cells. It forms in the intestines during mid-pregnancy and is completely normal part of fetal development.

How do twins affect pregnancy risks?

Identical twins sharing a fetal sac have higher risks of umbilical cord entanglement, requiring additional ultrasounds. Twins with separate fetal sacs don't have additional risks at this developmental stage.

When should I start thinking about baby names?

Many parents begin considering baby names during mid-pregnancy when they can see detailed ultrasound images and feel strong fetal movements. This developmental stage often strengthens the emotional connection, making name selection more meaningful.

Baby Reflexes Development & Baby Names Guide 2026

The baby’s reflexes get more precise

The baby can now move their arms and legs, grimace, suck on a finger, frown, swallow, get the hiccups, open their mouth, blink, and play with the umbilical cord [1]. Your expectant partner may have noticed, or will notice soon, that the baby’s movements become more pronounced if someone is talking loudly next to her or if loud music is playing.

The baby’s digestive system continues to improve. In the intestine, meconium is now present. Meconium is the baby’s first feces, consisting of cells from the digestive tract, bile, and dead epithelial cells that line the mucous membrane of internal organs [2].

Subcutaneous fatty tissue continues to form. It will gradually help fill out the baby’s skin, smoothing wrinkles and softening its bright red color. Subcutaneous fat is deposited primarily around the neck, chest, and kidneys. Outside, the skin is still covered with a layer of primordial fat that protects it from irritation and helps retain heat.

If your partner is expecting twins

The babies are now about the size of large cucumbers. They move quite actively and play with the umbilical cord. If they have a common fetal sac, then there is a high risk that the umbilical cords will intertwine. Therefore, mothers of identical twins often have to go in for additional ultrasounds [3]. If each twin has their own fetal sac, then there are no additional risks at this time.

What we can see on an ultrasound

The baby is lying with their back to the screen, which makes it possible to see the left shoulder, armpit, forearm, elbow, and wrist. The neck is easier to see, around which subcutaneous fat is gradually being deposited.