The baby turns to a head-down position
The baby’s body is fully formed now, but it needs to gain more subcutaneous fat [1] to maintain a stable temperature outside the womb.
As the baby grows, there is less space in the uterus for them to move around [2]. Soon, they will turn head-down, which is the ideal position to start labor. This shift can happen this week but may not happen until week 36 [3].
The hair on the baby's head becomes thicker at this stage. After birth and up to six months of age, however, the hair normally thins out due to fluctuations in hormone levels [4].
The baby now has fully formed fingernails and can use them to scratch itchy areas of the skin. The toenails are still underdeveloped, but they are visible [5].
If your partner is expecting twins
Labor may well start this week. Twins are often born early, whatever their sex, so if your partner thinks labor is starting, she should call her doctor or maternity unit right away. Statistically, the risk of a very early birth is lowest for twin girls. In a boy-girl pair, the risk is slightly higher. But if your partner is having two boys, then they need to be closely monitored, as they are more likely to arrive ahead of time [6].
What we can see on an ultrasound
The baby has their left side to the screen. The head is visible on the right. We can also see the forehead, nose, and left eye. To the left, we can see the arms bent at the elbows. The placenta, which has provided the baby with everything they need to develop, is at the top of the image.
hands
placenta
head
