How Safe is My Baby in My Womb?

The womb provides a wealth of natural shields for your baby both from internal and external pressures. The womb can be trusted to keep your baby safe because it is designed as the ideal baby carrier. Within the womb are umbilical cord, uterus, placenta and different bones and muscles all working together to protect your unborn child. However, it is important to avoid alcohol, smoking, and high impact sports to help support your womb in doing its job properly.

Function

The womb (your uterus) is an extremely strong muscle found only in women and designed for providing your baby with a safe, protected environment to grow in. This pear-shaped muscle lies between the rectum and the bladder. It’s thick muscular walls expand as baby grows. It receives nutrients from blood vessels and passes them onto the baby and when it’s time for baby to be born the womb, contracts and pushes the baby out.

Features

The baby is linked to its mother in the womb by the placenta which gives baby the food and oxygen it needs. The umbilical cord links the baby to the placenta. A mucus plug seals the womb and also stops infections. The baby is also protected from germs by the amniotic sac which has amniotic fluid to keep baby cool and protected from pressure.

A Concern

There is a condition that could possibly upset your baby within the womb called placenta previa. Although, unpreventable, this treatable condition is caused when the placenta lies low in the uterus. It usually happens in the second or third trimester and doesn’t normally cause problems. However, if bleeding occurs, it could cause problems so you should call your doctor at the first signs of any bleeding.

More on protecting the womb:

– Traveling by Land While Pregnant

– What is a Tummy Shield Anyway and Why do I Need One?