Baby keeps growing
Due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, the baby’s skin becomes smoother and acquires a soft pink hue, their body is also better at retaining internal heat.
As their brain develops, the baby’s movements become even more refined and coordinated [1]. They can now freely turn over, settling in the uterus, then turn upside down and even completely across.
The baby’s nervous system activity is also developing. Periods of activity — usually 10 to 15 per day — are alternating with deep sleep [2]. During wakefulness, the baby’s heartbeat becomes more frequent, respiratory movements increase and short-term muscle contractions are noticeable. But during deep sleep, which averages about 18 hours a day, activity decreases.
This week, taste buds form on the baby’s tongue, and soon they will be able to distinguish between sweet and salty, sour and bitter [1].
If you are expecting twins
We can say that each of the twins is now the size of an average banana. But children, like bananas, come in different sizes! Almost certainly one of the babies is slightly larger than the other. Your care team checks both babies’ growth on the scans it schedules and will tell you if the difference needs closer monitoring.
What can be seen on ultrasound
The baby is lying on their back and has taken a finger from the left hand to the mouth. Their position indicates that they are calm and comfortable.
The right hand is resting alongside the body, and the palm of the left hand and forearm are visible. The outlines of the head and contour of the forehead are also clear. Along with their tiny mouth and eyes, which are hidden under the eyelids.
head
hand
In the following picture, the baby is lying on their back. The head is turned to the screen, and the outlines of the eye sockets are visible. The small dark oval on the chest is the heart. Below, in the abdominal cavity, we can see the outline of the intestines.
In the image, you can see the baby’s hip, the right leg which is bent at the knee, and the lower leg and left foot with its rounded heel and metatarsal bones. The left arm is bent at the elbow, and the palm reaches out to the ear. The dark outline shown in the photo is amniotic fluid.
head
hand
legs
