Your Baby Your baby now measures between 1⁄2 and 2⁄3 of an inch in length (13-17 mm). It might be tight, but two babies the size of yours could play in the cap of a liter-size plastic bottle.
Your baby now displays a reflex response to touch - if an object touches the baby’s head, your baby will turn away. The tissue that will form the brain hemispheres is prominent. Semicircular canals that sense balance and body position are beginning to form in your baby’s inner ear.
By now your baby’s trunk and limbs will begin to make spontaneous movements, as the connection improves between its brain and its tiny muscles and nerves. You won’t be able to feel any of these movements yet, because your baby is still so small, rarely comes into contact with the uterine wall, and the motions involve little actual force.
As development proceeds, structures literally get pulled from one location to another. Your baby’s ears will not stay low-set (unless that is a family trait). They will be pulled to their normal position as the head grows in size and shape. Likewise, the eyes, although well formed, are located on the sides of your baby’s head, much like a rabbit, but they, too, will migrate forward as head development continues.
Did You Know?
The baby’s arms at [the end of this week] are only as long as this printed 1. |
For Your Information
Even though your baby is surrounded by fluid, it does not drown because it does not depend on its lungs for air. Oxygen comes to the baby from you through the umbilical cord blood. |
You As in previous weeks, you may continue to notice some heartburn and indigestion after you eat. Eat small, low-fat meals and snacks. In general, the spicy, greasy, or fried foods and chocolate that you may crave now but just can’t eat will be just fine after the baby is born.
During this time, any diseases you have can be communicated to your baby, so avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other illnesses. If you think you have a cold or the flu, consult with your practitioner before you take anything for symptom relief.
