What Your Baby Can Actually Do in the Womb (And How We Capture It on 4D Scans)

That flutter you just felt? It might have been your baby doing a cartwheel.

Most expecting mums know their baby is moving around in there. You feel the kicks, the rolls, the mysterious jabs to your ribs at 2am. But what you might not realise is just how much your baby is actually doing while they're growing inside you. And thanks to 4D ultrasound technology, we can now watch these incredible moments in real time.

Let me share what we see every single day at our Goodwood studio, and why it never gets old.

The Secret Life of Your Unborn Baby

Your baby isn't just floating around waiting to be born. From surprisingly early in pregnancy, they're practicing all the skills they'll need for life outside the womb. And honestly? Some of what they get up to is absolutely hilarious. 

Sucking Their Thumb (From About 15 Weeks) 

This is one of the most heart-melting things we capture on 3D/4D scans. Babies start bringing their hands to their mouths as early as 15 weeks, and by the second trimester, many are proper thumb suckers. 

Why they do it: Sucking is a survival reflex. Your baby is literally practicing for feeding time. They're also self-soothing, which means yes, your baby can comfort themselves even before birth. Some babies are such dedicated thumb suckers that they're born with little blisters on their thumbs from all that practice. 

What we see on scans: During a 3D/4D scan at 24-28 weeks, we often catch babies with their thumb firmly in their mouth, sometimes sucking so contentedly they look like they're in absolute bliss. We've even captured babies who seem annoyed when their thumb slips out and they have to find it again. 

Fun fact: If your baby is a dedicated thumb sucker in the womb, there's a good chance they'll be a thumb sucker after birth too. Some parents tell us they recognised their baby's "signature move" the moment they were born. 

Yawning (Yes, Really)

One of the most debated behaviours we see is yawning. Researchers still aren't entirely sure why babies yawn in the womb (they're not tired, and they're not breathing air yet), but we see it constantly on 4D scans.

What it looks like: A proper, big, mouth-wide-open yawn. Sometimes babies even stretch at the same time, just like you do when you wake up. The yawn usually lasts 4-6 seconds, and occasionally we'll catch multiple yawns in one session.

Current theories: Scientists think yawning might help develop the jaw and facial muscles. Others believe it's related to brain development and regulation. Whatever the reason, it's absolutely adorable to watch.

When we see it most: Interestingly, we tend to see more yawning during scans between 24-28 weeks. After 30 weeks, yawning becomes less frequent, possibly because there's less room to move around.

Smiling and Frowning (From About 25 Weeks)

This one surprises parents the most. Yes, your baby can make facial expressions in the womb, and no, we're not imagining it. 

The smile: We regularly capture what looks like a genuine smile on 3D/4D scans. The corners of the mouth turn up, sometimes the cheeks dimple. Some babies look like they're having the most wonderful dream. Research from Durham University actually studied this and found that babies show "smile-like" expressions more frequently as pregnancy progresses. 

The frown: We see this too. The brow furrows, the mouth turns down, and your baby looks genuinely grumpy. It's usually fleeting, but we've definitely captured some proper little frowns. 

What it means: These aren't emotional responses the way adult smiles and frowns are. Your baby is practicing using all those tiny facial muscles (there are 43 of them in the human face). It's like a workout routine for their face. But still, when you see your baby "smile" on screen, it's impossible not to feel that it's meant just for you. 

Hiccups (And You Can Feel These Ones)

If you've felt a rhythmic, regular pulsing in your belly, that's probably hiccups. Babies get hiccups all the time in the womb, and we can see them on ultrasound scans. 

Why they happen: Hiccups occur when the diaphragm contracts. Your baby is practicing breathing movements (even though they're getting oxygen through the umbilical cord). They're "inhaling" amniotic fluid, which triggers the hiccup reflex. 

What we see: On a 4D scan, you can actually watch your baby's little body jerk with each hiccup. Their chest moves in that distinctive hiccup pattern. Some babies hiccup for just a few minutes, others go for ages. 

When to expect them: Most mums start feeling baby hiccups in the third trimester, but babies can hiccup much earlier. We've seen hiccups on scans as early as 20 weeks. 

Parent reactions: First-time mums often worry when they first feel hiccups, thinking something is wrong. But hiccups are completely normal and actually a sign of healthy development. Some babies are chronic hiccupers and continue the habit after birth. 

Playing with the Umbilical Cord

Your baby's umbilical cord isn't just a lifeline, it's also their first toy. We frequently see babies grabbing, holding, and playing with their umbilical cord during scans. 

What we see: Little hands wrapped around the cord, pulling it, letting it go, grabbing it again. Sometimes they hold onto it like a comfort blanket. It's fascinating to watch because you realise your baby is actually exploring their environment, even though that environment is pretty limited. 

Is it safe? Parents always ask if this is dangerous. The answer is almost always no. The umbilical cord is designed to withstand quite a bit of handling. It's filled with a jelly-like substance called Wharton's jelly that protects the blood vessels inside. True cord accidents are rare. 

What it tells us: This behaviour shows that your baby has developed grip strength and hand-eye coordination (or in this case, hand-to-cord coordination). It's an early sign of the fine motor skills that will develop further after birth. 

Responding to External Stimulation

Here's something really special that we sometimes see during 3D/4D scans: babies responding to the world outside the womb. 

Touch: If you press on your belly during a scan, we might see your baby move away from the pressure or even push back against it. Some babies seem to enjoy the interaction and will "follow" your hand as you move it across your belly. 

Sound: From about 24 weeks, your baby can hear sounds from outside. While we don't blast music during scans (despite what you might have seen on TV), babies can definitely hear voices. Some babies become more active when they hear their mum or dad talking. 

Light: If a bright light is shone on your belly (not something we do during regular scans), babies from about 22 weeks onwards will often turn away or put their hand up as if shielding their eyes. 

What this means for bonding: These responses prove that your baby is aware of the outside world. When you talk to your bump, play music, or rub your belly, your baby might actually be experiencing that interaction. 

Somersaults, Stretches, and Acrobatics

Before about 28 weeks, when there's still plenty of room in there, babies are incredibly active. We're talking full rotation somersaults, big stretches, and movements that would make a gymnast jealous.

What we capture: On 4D scans, you can watch your baby do a complete flip. They'll stretch their arms way above their head, point their toes, arch their back. Sometimes they press their feet against your uterus wall and push off like they're swimming.

Why it matters: All this movement isn't just your baby burning energy. They're developing muscle tone, coordination, and spatial awareness. Every kick, every roll, every stretch is building the strength they'll need after birth.

The timing window: This is why we often recommend 3D/4D scans between 24-28 weeks. There's still enough space for dramatic movements, but your baby is developed enough that we get clear facial images. After 30 weeks, space becomes limited and babies tend to settle into position for birth.

Swallowing Amniotic Fluid

This one might sound odd, but your baby is constantly swallowing amniotic fluid, and we can sometimes see it happening on ultrasound. 

Why they do it: Swallowing amniotic fluid helps develop the digestive system. Your baby is literally practicing eating and digestion. By the third trimester, babies swallow about 500ml of amniotic fluid per day. 

The taste factor: Here's something amazing. What you eat can flavour the amniotic fluid. Studies have shown that babies swallow more amniotic fluid when it tastes sweet (like after you've eaten something sugary) and less when it tastes bitter. This is actually your baby's first experience with different flavours, and it might influence their food preferences after birth. 

What we see: On scans, we can sometimes see the swallowing motion in the throat area. It's subtle, but when you know what you're looking for, it's there. 

How 4D Scans Reveal What Your Baby Does in the Womb

You might be wondering what the difference is between 3D and 4D ultrasound. Here's the simple answer: 3D gives you a still, three-dimensional image of your baby. 4D adds the element of time, so you're watching your baby move in real time. 

Why 4D is special for capturing behaviour: 

When we do a 4D scan, you're not just seeing what your baby looks like, you're seeing what they're doing. You watch the yawn happen. You see the smile spread across their face. You witness the thumb go into the mouth. It's the difference between a photo and a video, and for many parents, it's the difference between knowing their baby exists and feeling like they've actually met them. 

What we include in your session: 

At our Goodwood studio, a 4D scan session typically lasts 20-30 minutes (depending on the package). During that time, we're not just taking pretty pictures. We're watching your baby's behaviour, narrating what we see, and capturing these special moments on video for you to take home. 

We've recorded babies: 

• Waving at the camera (okay, probably coincidence, but it looks intentional) 

• Sticking their tongue out repeatedly 

• Having a full stretch and yawn combo 

• Appearing to dance to the music their mum was playing 

• Looking startled when their sibling shouted during the scan 

  
  

The Science Behind What We're Seeing 

All these behaviours aren't just cute, they're crucial for development. Here's what researchers know: 

Brain development: Every movement your baby makes creates neural pathways in their brain. When they practice sucking, stretching, and grasping, they're literally wiring their brain for life after birth. 

Muscle development: Those kicks and rolls and somersaults are building muscle tone. Babies who move frequently in the womb tend to have better muscle strength at birth. 

Sensory development: When your baby responds to touch, sound, and light, they're developing their sensory processing systems. This is how they'll make sense of the world once they're born. 

Self-regulation: Behaviours like thumb sucking show that babies are learning to self-soothe even before birth. This is an important skill that will help them regulate their emotions as newborns and beyond. 

What Your Baby's Movements Tell You 

Every baby has their own personality and movement pattern, even before birth. Some are constantly active, others are more chilled out. Some are thumb suckers, others never bring their hands near their face. 

Active babies: If your baby is always moving during scans, doing flips and kicks, they might continue to be an active, energetic child. Many mums tell us their "active" bump baby became an active toddler who never stops moving. 

Relaxed babies: Some babies barely move during scans. They're content, chilled, maybe sleeping. These babies often have calmer temperaments after birth too. 

Thumb suckers: As mentioned earlier, babies who suck their thumbs in the womb often continue the habit. It's a self-soothing behaviour that can actually help them sleep better as newborns. 

The shy ones: Some babies seem camera shy. As soon as we get into position for a good face shot, they turn away or cover their face with their hands. Parents often find this continues after birth, with their baby being more reserved or cautious around new people. 

Of course, these are observations, not guarantees. But it's fascinating how often we hear from parents months or years later saying, "You were right, she's still covering her face in photos!" or "He's still got that thumb in his mouth!" 

The Best Time to See These Behaviours 

If you want to maximise your chances of seeing your baby doing something amazing during a scan, timing matters. 

24-28 weeks: The golden window 

This is when we see the most dramatic movements and clearest facial expressions. There's still enough amniotic fluid and space for your baby to move freely, but they're developed enough that we get beautiful images. This is prime time for capturing yawns, smiles, thumb sucking, and somersaults. 

28-32 weeks: The expressive phase 

As babies get bigger, their movements become more restricted, but their facial expressions often become more pronounced. This is when we see the most defined smiles and frowns. They're also more likely to respond to external stimulation at this stage. 

32-36 weeks: The cosy phase 

By this point, space is limited. Big movements are rare, but we often see babies with their hands near their face, sucking their thumb, or looking very settled in their position. These scans show you how your baby is positioned for birth and what their face will look like when they arrive. 

Creating the Right Environment for an Amazing Scan 

Want to see your baby showing off during your 4D scan? Here are some tips from our sonographers: 

Timing: Book your appointment when your baby is usually active. If you know your baby tends to move around in the evening, book an evening appointment (we offer these specifically for this reason). 

Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your scan. Good hydration means good amniotic fluid levels, which means clearer images. 

Have a snack: Eating something sweet about 30 minutes before your scan can encourage your baby to be more active. The sugar gives them an energy boost. 

Bring your support crew: Babies sometimes respond to familiar voices. Having your partner or other children at the scan means your baby might react to their voices. 

Relax: Babies can sense stress (your stress hormones cross the placenta). The more relaxed you are, the more likely your baby will be in a good position for viewing. 

What Happens When Baby Won't Cooperate 

Despite our best efforts, sometimes babies just won't play ball. They're facing your back, or they've got their hands covering their face, or they're sleeping soundly and refuse to wake up. 

Our policy: At our Goodwood studio, if we can't get good images during your scheduled session, we offer you the option to come back within a week at no extra charge. We want you to have those beautiful memories, and sometimes babies just need a second chance to show off. 

Why positioning matters: After about 30 weeks, babies start settling into their birth position. If your baby is facing your back (posterior position), it can be harder to get clear facial images. This is nobody's fault, it's just anatomy. But we'll always do our best to work with whatever position your baby is in. 

The Memories You'll Treasure 

Years from now, when your "baby" towers over you or heads off to university, you'll pull out that USB with your 4D scan videos. You'll watch your child yawning in the womb, sucking their thumb, maybe pulling a grumpy face. And you'll remember this incredible time when they were all yours, safe inside you, doing their secret baby things. 

Parents often tell us that these videos become some of their most treasured possessions. They show them to their children ("Look, this is you before you were born!"), they share them with family overseas, they watch them on difficult days when they need reminding of how much they love this person who's currently refusing to eat their vegetables or clean their room. 

The Magic of Movement 

Every kick, every yawn, every hiccup, every thumb suck is your baby saying, "I'm here. I'm growing. I'm getting ready to meet you." And with 4D ultrasound technology, you don't just have to imagine what's happening in there. You can actually watch it unfold. 

That's the real gift of these scans. Not just pretty pictures (although they are pretty), but a window into your baby's secret life. A chance to see the personality emerging, the behaviours developing, the little human taking shape. 

Because long before your baby takes their first breath, before their first cry, before you hold them in your arms for the first time, they're already busy being themselves. And we get to capture that magic for you. 

Want to see what your baby is up to in there? Our 3D/4D ultrasound packages at Had Me At Hello Imaging in Goodwood are available from 24 weeks, with evening and Saturday appointments to suit your schedule.   

We guarantee facial imaging from 28 weeks and offer complimentary return visits if baby is camera shy. Book your scan today and discover the secret life of your little one. 

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