Prenatal Care Book 2023 | Page 10

HOW DOES MY BABY DEVELOP ? ( WEEKS 28-40 )

month 2 month 3 month 4 / 5

3rd TRIMESTER

WEEKS 28-31 ( Month 7 )
The baby ’ s eyelids are now open . The lungs and brain are better developed but still immature . The baby is about 12-16 inches long and weighs up to 3.5 pounds . month 1
WEEKS 32-36 ( Month 8 )
The baby grows rapidly during this time and is about 16-19 inches in length and ranges from 3 to 6.5 pounds . month 4 / 5
WEEKS 37-40 ( Month 9 )
Your pregnancy is now considered to be full-term . When labor starts , the baby undergoes changes that will assist the transition to a new environment . The fluid that once filled your baby ’ s lungs is being reabsorbed , so that breathing can start after delivery . A surge in hormones prior to delivery allows for the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar after delivery . At this time , the baby ranges from 18 to 21 inches long and weighs from 6.5 to 9 pounds .
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