Lung development is nearly complete!
What's Happening With Your Baby This Week?
- The baby is building its own immune system; antibody transfer from mom via the placenta is at its peak.
- IgG antibodies received from mom are being stored to protect against infections in the first months after birth.
- The pupil can dilate and constrict in response to light.
- Bones continue to harden, but the fontanelles (soft spots) between skull bones will remain open.
- The baby is gaining about 200 grams per week; fat accumulation continues rapidly.
This Week's Tips for Mom
- Practicing breathing techniques would be wonderful; you can learn to relax by inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 6 seconds.
- Making rest your priority is very important; your body needs energy to prepare for delivery.
- You might consider meeting with a lactation consultant; getting information before birth can help increase breastfeeding success.
- You may feel groin pain (round ligament pain) in the pelvic area; avoiding sudden movements can help.
- Pre-washing your baby's items (clothes, sheets) with baby detergent would be a nice touch.
Tip of the day: Breathing techniques like Lamaze can greatly help with pain management during labor. Regular practice helps you internalize these techniques so you can apply them automatically during delivery — it can make a real difference.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Length and weight values are averages; every baby grows at their own pace.