The baby’s brain is developing rapidly
The baby is growing quickly, and their internal organs are continuing to develop. They are also looking plumper, as subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate.
The baby's skin is covered with a lubricant that protects it, as well as a light lanugo fluff that helps keep them warm. Gradually, these layers will begin to disappear [1].
The baby is now more active, they can stretch, kick, and make grasping movements [2]. The brain is developing rapidly, nerve cells have formed, and the brain’s surface area is growing thanks to new convolutions (surface area folds), and boron, an element found in foods such as nuts [3]. Between this stage of pregnancy and the time of birth, the brain will increase in size by a third.
Between weeks 28 and 33, boys’ testes will descend [4]. In girls, the ovaries and vagina have already developed, and are visible because the lower labia are still small and do not cover them. This will happen closer to childbirth [5].
If your partner is expecting twins
If your babies have a common fetal sac, then your doctors will probably want to monitor the expectant mom very closely because there is a greater risk of entanglement of the umbilical cords. Your pregnant partner may even be admitted to the hospital early so they can readily perform ultrasounds and monitor the babies’ heartbeats.
What we can see on an ultrasound
The picture shows a close-up of the baby's face. They are lying on their right side. Facial features, including eyes and eyelashes, are visible, and their eyes are closed. The baby’s hand is also visible and extended forward.
