Friday, January 16, 2009

Yes Virginia, Babies Pee & Sometimes Poop Inside Mommy's Tummy

I was probably better off not knowing this little fact about pregnancy: babies do pee and possibly poop inside the womb. However, curiosity got the best of me and I did what all good 21st century women do and 'googled' the subject. Here's what I found (the information came from a newspaper/online columnist):

The peeing is a good thing, it's natural and fetal urine is not like post birth urine. It starts late in the first trimester (so that's why I'm starting to show more . . . ). Though I could have lived a 1000 lifetimes not knowing that my babies are swallowing the stuff (but then so did I--and you, dear reader, most likely did too).

Apparently during the second trimester baby's urine is an important part of the amniotic fluid composition. Interesting side note, by the time the babies are ready to come out each should be passing a liter a day of 'urine'.

As for the poop, it is not common (or good) for a baby to start pooping into the womb. This condition even has its own official medical-ese name. It's called meconium and typically only affects babies that are postterm.

It's unclear why I decided to write this post right before lunch . . .

PS - I just got back from spending a wonderful week in Austin, TX with my best girl Shannon. I'll start posting regularly again.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

meconium happens! ha ha ha....

Zoo Keeper said...

they pee a litter? I had a mental image of a litter of kittens...

I suppose you meant a liter ; )

emily said...

ah, you're right jules. however, peeing a litter is very creative!

Zoo Keeper said...

I mean, really! what all do they expect for you to hold in that, there uterus??!! 2 children, a litter of kittens, pee pee, poo poo... might as well throw a rattle in there a wee bit early to keep 'em entertained too!

Meig said...

So when your water breaks...its baby pee? Oh dear...

I need to sit down...maybe rethink this whole pregnancy thing.

;)