Can My Baby Dream?
Babies experience REM sleep — the stage linked with dreaming — from around the third trimester, and possibly earlier. Whether they truly "dream" is unknown, but their brains are highly active during REM sleep in the womb.
REM sleep in the womb
By the third trimester, babies cycle through sleep stages including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the phase associated with dreaming in older children and adults.
What it means
Lots of REM sleep is thought to support rapid brain development. We cannot know what — or whether — a baby dreams, but the active brain state is a healthy sign.
Frequently asked questions
Do babies dream before birth?
They have REM sleep linked to dreaming, but whether they dream is unknown.
When does REM sleep start?
REM sleep is seen from around the third trimester, possibly earlier.
Why is REM sleep important?
It is thought to support the rapid brain development happening before birth.
Follow your baby week by week 💜
See exactly how your baby grows in the complete 40-week guide.
40-Week GuideJoin The CircleReferences
- WHO. Antenatal care recommendations. who.int
- ACOG. Fetal development. acog.org
- NHS. You and your baby, week by week. nhs.uk
- Tommy's. Baby movements & development. tommys.org
- CDC. During Pregnancy. cdc.gov