Your baby is now around 28cm long.
They continue to exercise their developing lungs by breathing amniotic fluid. Meanwhile, well developed hand muscles are able to grasp the umbilical cord.
Their skin is becoming thicker and your baby’s oil and sweat glands start to work. Even though fat is beginning to accumulate on your baby’s body, their skin still hangs loosely, giving a wrinkled appearance.
As your baby grows stronger, you’ll start to notice more defined kicks and rolls. Hiccups can occur frequently: you may feel them as tiny rhythmic pulses within your belly.
As your belly grows, you may start to experience twinges or pain in your back. Support your joints and spine by wearing flat, comfortable shoes instead of heels. Elevating your feet on a stool or chair when you rest can provide some relief from back ache.
Please note: These pregnancy week-by-week articles, are meant to give you a general sense of the growth and development going on within you. However, it’s important to remember that every baby develops differently, even during pregnancy.