Future mom

The so called Braxton Hicks contractions may take place during this period. They appear in the form of unexpected sensations of pain and light spasms in the uterus and are part of its preparation for future birth. These contractions gradually intensify in the process of development of pregnancy, but they should not be confused with real labor contractions. You can feel these easy pains on earlier periods by putting a hand on your stomach.

During regular checkups the doctor will feel your stomach to determine the baby’s position. By measuring the uterine fundus or bottom of the uterus with a tape measure, the doctor can find out a proximate size of the baby. Some pregnant women worry about whether their stomach is too big or too small and accordingly about the baby’s size. But do not worry though. The size of a stomach is rather individual and could vary greatly for different pregnant women.

In spite of the fact that, the baby start to grow fat at an accelerating pace; he’ll still look red and wrinkled. It happens because the skin integument is set much more quickly than sufficient fat is deposited under it; therefore the skin still looks flabby. The redness though is a result of the accumulation of pigments in the skin that makes it less bright.

The child shows more and more activity, but his kicks and pushes are still very soft. By looking at the video of the fetoscopy, you can see how the baby, being in the uterus, grasps by the umbilical cord with his hands and pushes himself back to the amnion, a watery environment of the fetus representing the world he is surrounded by.

The child keeps swallowing small amounts of the surrounding liquids and releasing them from the body in the form of urine. Liquid and sugar, which he takes from the amniotic fluids, are another important source of nutrition alongside with what he receives through the placenta and umbilical cord. Swallowing of the liquids can cause hiccups which you will feel as if the fetus starts to jump up inside of you.

Due to the skin pigmentations, the baby’s arm skin is a pinkish red color. Until recently he was sticking his thumb in the mouth, but now he is really sucking it. The nails on the baby’s fingers are completely formed. The baby keeps continues to grow and prepares for the birth. He feels very comfortably in the uterus and Braxton Hicks contractions do not bother him.

Length from crown to sacrum - approximately 12 inches.

Weight - approximately 18 ounces.