When do babies open their eyes in utero?

Vision is the last sense to develop. In utero, eyelids remain closed until about the 26th week in order for the retinas to fully develop. Around week 26, the eyes open and even begin to blink! At birth, a baby's vision is perfectly focused from 8 to 12 inches. As soon as their eyes open in the womb, twins seem to have no trouble locating each other and touching faces or holding hands.

Just as the womb isn't completely quiet, it isn't totally dark, either. As early as week 18, when the eyes are still closed, a baby's retinas can detect a small amount of light filtering through a mother's tissue if she's out in the bright sun or under strong lights. By week 33, the pupils of the eye can now detect light and constrict and dilate, allowing your baby to see dim shapes. Studies shining a bright light on the belly of a woman at 37 weeks have shown a baby's heart rate speeding up in response, or the baby turning toward the light. (Note: Exposing a fetus or premature infant to bright light before it's ready can damage its eyes.)

Post by: By Karin A. Bilich