When does the baby inside me start practising breathing?

Around 9 or 10 weeks, early breathing movements begin, and during the third trimester, the tendency becomes more rapid.

If the ultrasound fails to show breathing of my foetus, what could it mean?

Sometimes the baby takes a short rest. The specialist might wait a bit and try the scan again, or verify other signs to make sure everything is okay.

Does a shortage of breathing practice always mean there’s a problem?

Not necessarily. However, the doctor may want to check things like the placental condition and oxygen saturation if they don’t see breathing for a while, just to make sure everything’s okay with the baby.

How Sonography Helps Track Your Baby’s Breathing Practice

Pregnancy often fills your mind with doubts, particularly about the growth of your baby inside you. It feels mesmerising when your baby starts practising breathing. Even though your baby hasn't yet inhaled oxygen, this practice is essential for healthy development. And nothing can be better than a sonography or ultrasound to track this.

What Does “Breathing Practice” Mean for Your Baby?

Your baby begins little breathing movements as early as 9 to 10 weeks, but this becomes more frequent during the third trimester. Since your baby is in amniotic fluid, they’re not breathing in oxygen; the placenta handles that. Instead, these movements assist your baby to:

Make chest muscles stronger
Prepare their lungs for actual breathing
Help their brain and nervous system grow healthy

So, when the doctor mentions your baby is practising breathing, it indicates they’re getting ready for life after birth.

How Ultrasounds Spot Your Foetus’s Breathing?

During an ultrasound, you might notice Foetal Breathing Movements (FBMs), which means your baby’s chest is going up and down or some movements close to the diaphragm. How does sonography help us track the baby’s growth?

1. Live View

Sonography lets you immediately see your baby’s chest move as they breathe. These movements can come in tiny intervals or last for 20 to 30 seconds.

2. Biophysical Profile

Around 32 to 40 weeks, doctors use a BPP to check on your baby, looking at things like whether they’re practising breathing. Your baby must show at least one episode of breathing lasting 30 seconds within 30 minutes.

3. Movement Frequency Tracking

From the late second trimester, your baby may practice breathing for 30 to 40% of the time. Sonography helps your physician see whether these rhythms look normal for your baby's age.

Why Is Monitoring the Breathing Pattern Important?

Ever wondered why doctors check your baby’s breath before they’re born? Here's the scenario:

1. It Means their Brain is Actively Functional

A baby’s brain tells them how to breathe. So if their breathing is steady, it’s a good sign their brain is developing like it should.

2. It Checks if Their Lungs Are Ready

Lungs usually mature entirely around 36 weeks. Practising breathing helps get them ready for when they’re born.

3. It Indicates Your Baby's Overall Well-being

Reduced breathing movement can sometimes be linked to:

Placental issues
Low level of oxygen

Maternal health concerns, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. That’s why sonography is a great tool for keeping tabs on things.

When Would Doctors Pay Extra Attention to Breathing?

Your doctor might keep a closer watch on breathing if:

You've a high-risk pregnancy
There's not enough amniotic fluid
You feel the baby move less
Your baby is smaller in size
You've gestational diabetes or high blood pressure

In such instances, an ultrasound becomes a way to ensure your baby is safe and healthy.

What Happens During a Sonography?

Your sonography for monitoring breathing movements is usually simple and comfortable.

When you lie down, the expert moves a handheld device over your womb.
You might even see the baby’s chest moving on the screen.
The doctor monitors breathing for up to 30 minutes during the BPP.

How Can You Support Your Baby’s Lung & Growth Development?

Even though breathing practices naturally happen, you can support your baby's overall growth through simple steps:

Eat foods rich in protein, calcium, and iron
Avoid smoking or second-hand smoke
Drink plenty of water
Try simple exercises to manage stress
Go to all prenatal appointments

What’s Next?

Attend all your scheduled sonography.
Regularly track your baby's movement.
Discuss your fears openly with your doctor.
Maintain a calm and positive environment around you.
Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in check.

Social & Emotional Support

Seeing your baby’s breathing on a sonogram can be a really emotional moment. It's when you and your partner start to feel a stronger bond to the baby you’re about to welcome into the world. It’s important to feel good emotionally when you’re expecting. Talking with your partner or family about what's worrying you, going to all your appointments, and getting answers to your questions can make you feel more ready.

Keep in mind that you’re doing great, and every check-up gets you closer to meeting your baby.

A sonogram lets you dive into your baby's world so you can check important developments, like how they’re breathing. These tiny movements mean your baby is getting ready for a good start. Monitoring things early with sonography and taking care means you can stay in the loop and relaxed throughout your journey. Trust what’s going on, pay attention, and call your doctor if something feels off.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on How Sonography Helps Track Your Baby’s Breathing Practice

When does the baby inside me start practising breathing?
Around 9 or 10 weeks, early breathing movements begin, and during the third trimester, the tendency becomes more rapid.
If the ultrasound fails to show breathing of my foetus, what could it mean?
Sometimes the baby takes a short rest. The specialist might wait a bit and try the scan again, or verify other signs to make sure everything is okay.
Does a shortage of breathing practice always mean there’s a problem?
Not necessarily. However, the doctor may want to check things like the placental condition and oxygen saturation if they don’t see breathing for a while, just to make sure everything’s okay with the baby.