Key facts about your baby
- Your baby is now about the size of a mango, approximately 15cm (6 inches), and weighs close to 240 grams.
- A greasy white substance called Vernix is now covering your baby’s body. It is made from a mixture of lanugo, dead skin cells and oil. It protects your baby while its submerged in amniotic fluid.
- Permanent second teeth are forming behind the milk teeth.
- Your baby’s brain is working to develop the areas that control his senses; taste, smell, vision, hearing, and touch
- Your baby will be aware of many familiar sounds and also any stress that you may be feeling. Studies have shown that fetal heart rate lowers when the mum is talking. So not only can your baby hear you, but the sound of your voice calms them
What’s happening with you
- Your abdomen will start growing even faster in following weeks to come. This rapid growth can come with some aches and pains. You may notice that you have some achiness in your lower abdomen, or once in a while there may even be a brief pain that feels almost stabbing. This could happen on one side or the other, or on both sides of the abdomen, and is more likely to happen when you move too quickly. It’s most likely the result of stretching of the ligaments that hold up your uterus. It’s called round ligament pain. Many women experience this pain several times during their pregnancy when there is a rush of growth in the abdominal area. The pain is normal and is not a cause for concern. However, if the pain is intense, you may want to contact your doctor.
- Because of the increased blood flow in your body, you will be warmer than usual and you might notice that you sweat more. Keep your clothing light and cool, and drink plenty of water.
- You may be experiencing pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain in any of the pelvic joints (front or back) when doing things like walking, climbing stairs and turning over in bed.
- Your growing belly has shifted your center of gravity, which can make you more prone to slips and spills
