Can a baby "talk" in utero?

[phoebemommy]

I ask because I was listening to my belly with an old stethoscope I have. I heard a lot of stuff that was clearly digestion, but for a little while there was something very different, and it sounded very vocal. It was a unique vocal sound, though, not something I could positively identify. It was LOUD, too.

I'm about 17 weeks, by the way. I read somewhere that the vocal chords are developed at this point.

[katelove]

Not technically as most vocal sounds rely on air passing across the vocal chords. I'm not even sure that foetal movements would create in utero sounds as there is no air to provide space for fluid to slosh about in. Bowel sounds are usually the product of air and fluid movement. Sorry

[phoebemommy]

Thanks, that's what I thought, actually. Now I'm really curious about that noise. Haven't heard it again since!