Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though they don’t necessarily coincide with my own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.
Baby is about two and a half pounds and would be between fifteen and seventeen inches tall if he could stand. Baby's adrenal glands are producing a chemical which will be made into estriol (a form of estrogen) by the placenta. This estriol is thought to stimulate the production of prolactin by my body, and the prolactin makes me produce milk. So even if Baby comes early, I'll still be able to breastfeed. Each passing week improves the likelihood that Baby will be born strong and healthy. His brain can detect rhythmic breathing and control body temperature, so he's less likely to need breathing assistance should he be born early. He's growing eyelashes, adding fat, and developing his brain. Because of brain wave activity, researchers have speculated that babies can even dream at this time!
REMINDER: THINGS NOT TO SAY TO A PREGNANT WOMAN
- "You are so big/huge." Yea, I kinda take it offensively, and it makes me sad. It makes me think about what I eat and how much I eat.
- "Your baby is going to be huge," or "You sure you're not having twins?" Again, doesn't matter if you're male of female...it's not funny. And I hate having to explain myself. Look, every woman is different, and she is pregnant in a different way from the next.
- "You look ready to pop, I can't believe you still have (insert time frame here) to go." Thank you. So what you're saying is I'm fatter then what I should be? Uh, thanks, jerk.
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