The baby’s brain and higher nervous functions are developing
The baby’s development is non-stop. Thanks to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, the baby is becoming plumper with nice, rounded cheeks [1].
The digestive system is already formed, but it will take time for it to function fully. The lungs are not mature enough to work on their own yet; they are likely to be ready to breathe on their own from about week 36 [2, 3].
The maturation of the baby’s cerebral cortex and related higher nervous functions continues. An interesting fact is that the baby’s brain grows unevenly. In most unborn babies, the left hemisphere is larger than the right [4, 5].
While the layer of protective lubricant that covers the baby’s body becomes thicker [6], the skin is still very thin and transparent. At this age, the skin remains colorless, and we can see the blood vessels through it. Genetic skin pigmentation will begin in the third trimester. This process will continue after birth, up through the first year of life. But in the womb, all babies tend to look the same, regardless of their parents’ skin color [7].
If your partner is expecting twins
The babies are now pretty cramped inside the uterus. It's getting harder for them to roll over. Nearer the due date, the doctor will talk to your partner about how the babies may be born: if the baby nearest the cervix is head down and there are no other complications, she should be able to plan a vaginal birth if she chooses, whatever the position of the second baby.
What we can see on an ultrasound
The picture shows the baby’s head. Their nose, ear, and upper and lower jaws are also visible. The white arches in the head area are the frontal and occipital bones. You can see the arms bent at the elbows and folded towards the chest. Below, you can see the spine, which looks like a white strip. The dark area in the chest is the heart.
hands
head
spine
heart
