Baby’s Developments
This week is an important week for your baby because its eyes that have been sealed shut up to now will open for the first time and it will start to blink. The foetus has 2 perfect sets of eyelashes now and more hair. The brain is also much more developed and sophisticated now. This would mean that if there is a sound or light near your belly, you may feel more foetal activity in response to it. Although the foetus is about 900 g now it would still look a bit wrinkly because the fat hasn’t fully filled out the frame, but it will steadily gain weight during the following weeks.
Changes in the Mother
During this week you would feel strong kicks. The foetus can make a variety of movements now such as kicking, punching and even peddling (a precursor for walking). The movements will steadily become more co-ordinated as the baby’s brain develops. Sometimes the kicking can become so aggressive that it will actually hurt you. Sometimes the foetus may stretch a foot so far that it becomes lodged in your ribs, which can be quite painful. You can minimise pain and change your baby’s position by doing some stretching yourself, or even gently pushing your tummy with your hand where you can feel the kicking going on.
You may also notice that you are increasingly forgetful and clumsy. This is because of your hormones as well as the fact that you’re bigger in size, more awkward in shape and your muscles and ligaments have all relaxed.