Yes they can! Flavors in Amniotic Fluid: Molecules from the mother’s food pass through her bloodstream and into the amniotic fluid, which the fetus swallows. Taste Bud Development: Fetal taste buds mature as early as 13 weeks, meaning they can start developing a taste for food early in the second trimester. Taste Preferences: Studies suggest that fetuses can react to different tastes, with sweet tastes like carrots eliciting “laughter-face” expressions, while bitter tastes like kale can cause “c