Babies Respond to Taste and Smell While in the Womb

4D ultrasounds of babies still in the womb can show detailed facial expressions while in the womb, and a new study published in September has evidence that unborn babies react to what the mother is eating or smelling. When the mother is eating foods such as carrots, a “laughing face” is more commonly seen. While when exposed to foods such as kale, “crying faces” are seen more frequently.

These responses are thought to be brought on by the fetus being exposed to the “taste or smell” through the amniotic fluid inside the womb. This could support the idea that foods that mothers frequently eat could influence the babies’ taste preferences. So a healthier diet during pregnancy could positively affect the eating habits of the child after birth.

– Joshua White PA-C