Baby is getting more and more curious and explores their surroundings by touching the cord and feeling their face and hands. Their hands are now much more developed and they can make a fist or clasp as well as getting more familiar with their surroundings.

Your baby’s development

Your baby is now approximately 34cm long.

Their brain is becoming wired to create conscious thought. Connections are forming that will soon enable them to store memories of their time inside the womb.

You may notice your baby’s resting and alert periods more obviously now. They can recognise your voice, hear music and may respond to your partner’s voice with movements or kicks.

Your Body

Weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy: your baby’s growth and development depend on it.

Your recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. As a general rule, if you were a healthy weight before you conceived, you may put on around 9-13kg during pregnancy. Most of this should be gained during the second half of your pregnancy.

If you were overweight before pregnancy, you may be advised to gain less. Your doctor or midwife will monitor your weight at every appointment to help you stay within a healthy range.

Dieting is never recommended during pregnancy. A well-balanced, nutritious diet is necessary to provide the wide range of nutrients your baby needs for healthy development.

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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.