Babies Show Predictive Abilities While Still in Womb

While still in the womb, babies learn how to anticipate touch, according to new research published in Developmental Psychobiology, which reports that fetuses have for the first time been observed predicting, rather than reacting to, their own hand movements towards their mouths.

The find highlights the developmental differences of fetuses in the later stages of the human gestation cycle compared to earlier in pregnancy.

Researchers Durham and Lancaster universities used 4-D scans to assess the development of 15 fetuses while in the womb at 24 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation.

Younger fetuses were more likely to touch the upper parts and sides of their heads, while at 36 weeks the babies were increasingly observed touching their mouths.

The results could help indicate how well-prepared babies are for feeding.

"Increased touching of the lower part of the face and mouth in fetuses could be an indicator of brain development necessary for healthy development, including preparedness for social interaction, self-soothing and feeding," said Nadja Reissland, who works in the Department of Psychology at Durham University

"What we have observed are sequential events, which show maturation in the development of fetuses, which is the basis for life after birth," she said. "The findings could provide more information about when babies are ready to engage with their environment, especially if born prematurely."

The find could also improve our understanding about babies, especially those born prematurely, their readiness to interact socially and their ability to calm themselves by sucking on their thumb or fingers, the researchers said.

Brian Francis, a professor of social statistics at Lancaster University said: "This effect is likely to be evolutionally determined, preparing the child for life outside the womb. Building on these findings, future research could lead to more understanding about how the child is prepared prenatally for life, including their ability to engage with their social environment, regulate stimulation and being ready to take a breast or bottle."