Can a fetus taste and smell in the womb?

Yes, a fetus can taste and smell in the womb. By approximately 13 weeks of gestation, taste buds develop, and amniotic fluid becomes flavored by the mother's diet, allowing the fetus to experience different tastes. Additionally, around 24 weeks, the olfactory system begins to function, enabling the fetus to detect scents in the amniotic fluid. This sensory exposure may play a role in early development and preferences after birth.