At 36 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers often focus intensely on fetal activity, leading to questions about whether the baby is taking breaths inside the womb. These movements are interpreted as signs of the baby preparing for life outside, offering a comforting sense of connection. The feeling of movement at this late stage is one of the most reliable indicators of fetal well-being, driving curiosity about the nature of those internal actions.
Fetal Breathing Movements Explained
A baby does not “breathe” air in the womb because oxygen is supplied continuously through the placenta and umbilical cord. The lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and gas exchange occurs entirely via the mother’s bloodstream. The fetus performs Fetal Breathing Movements (FBMs), which are rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm and chest muscles.
These movements begin early in gestation, becoming more regular in the third trimester. FBMs involve the fetus drawing amniotic fluid into and pushing it out of the lungs, which helps maintain necessary lung expansion. This practice is essential for normal fetal lung growth and structural maturation, not for oxygen intake. By 36 weeks, the fetus may spend up to 30% of its time performing FBMs, which indicates healthy development.
Movements Felt at 36 Weeks
Although the fetus performs FBMs regularly at 36 weeks, the mother is unlikely to feel the subtle motion of fluid moving in and out of the lungs. The rhythmic, pulsing sensation often described as “breathing” is usually attributed to fetal hiccups.
Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, felt as a predictable, rapid sequence of tiny jolts. Unlike the subtle FBMs, hiccups involve a stronger muscle contraction easily transmitted through the abdomen. Stronger movements, such as kicks, jabs, and stretches, are also prominent at this stage. The baby’s large size means that any movement can feel pronounced.
Why Practice Breathing Matters
Fetal Breathing Movements are a developmental necessity, preparing the respiratory system for its first independent breath after birth. By contracting the diaphragm and chest wall muscles, the fetus strengthens the musculature required for sustained breathing. This repeated action conditions the body for life outside the womb.
FBMs also promote the growth and maturation of the lung tissue itself. The movements help regulate the volume of amniotic fluid within the lungs, encouraging the development of the tiny air sacs, or alveoli. By 36 weeks, the lungs are considered mature enough to function independently. The presence of FBMs is often used by healthcare providers as a measure in assessing overall fetal well-being.
Monitoring Fetal Movement
Monitoring the baby’s overall movement pattern is an important safety protocol at 36 weeks. Fetal movement is a reliable indicator of the baby’s health, and any noticeable change in frequency or intensity should be taken seriously. This is commonly done through “kick counting,” where the mother tracks the time it takes to feel a certain number of movements.
A widely accepted guideline is to feel at least ten distinct movements within a two-hour period. If the baby is not moving as much as usual, the mother can try to stimulate movement by drinking cold water or changing position. A persistent decrease in fetal activity warrants immediate contact with a healthcare provider. While the type of movement may change at 36 weeks, becoming more like pokes and wiggles than large rolls, the overall frequency should remain consistent with the baby’s established pattern.