The child
Your baby measures about 11 inches (28 cm) from head to foot and weighs about 1.25 pounds (565 gm) at the start of the week and about 1.5 pounds (665 gm) at the end of the week.
White blood cells that help the baby to fight infection have started to form. The airways have taken shape and the lungs continue to develop. The inner ear balance mechanism is fully developed.
If your baby were to be born now, there’s a chance she would survive outside the uterus—though usually the lungs aren’t sufficiently developed.
Mother
You’re more than halfway through this pregnancy! You may be feeling calmer and happier now. If you were very anxious in the beginning, you might now start to believe that you will actually have another little one in your family in just a little while!
You can now feel your baby moving many times a day, and these movements get stronger and stronger as your baby grows. Are you feeling your baby’s body parts through the wall of your belly—a tiny foot or a knee? There is plenty of space in the uterus for your baby to lie whichever way—and even do somersaults. You may even start to notice this baby’s very own circadian rhythm.
Your uterus grows as your baby grows and takes up more space. It’s common for your belly to feel different during pregnancy. You may experience pain or discomfort without there being any cause for concern. Do you remember this from the other times you were expecting? You could feel a “pull” in your belly, particularly on the sides of your uterus, down toward your groin. The ligaments that hold up your uterus stretch as your uterus and baby grow, sometimes causing discomfort on the side of your belly. You could call it growing pains. This discomfort should subside when you rest. Contact your midwife or physician otherwise.
