Settling into the bump
The baby is now practicing breathing motions using amniotic fluid instead of air, a rehearsal for life outside the womb. Eyes can open, and a startle reflex to sudden sound may appear. This month often includes the glucose screening test, a routine check for gestational diabetes, alongside a noticeably rounder bump and increasingly strong, regular movement.
Baby this month: about 32 cm — crown to heel, close to the length of a papaya · about 900 g
≈ 32 cm — about the size of a papaya
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
What's developing right now
Begin practicing breathing motions using amniotic fluid, an early rehearsal for after birth.
Can open and close, with eyelashes and eyebrows now visible.
Balance structures mature, and a startle response to loud noise may develop.
Becomes less transparent as fat starts to accumulate underneath.
What your body is doing
- Braxton Hicks contractions, mild and irregular tightening, may start being noticed.
- Swelling in the feet and ankles can appear, especially by the end of the day.
- Stretch marks may become more visible as skin stretches to accommodate growth.
- Sleep can become harder as the bump makes finding a comfortable position trickier.
Eating for this month
Calcium and vitamin D both matter now as the baby's bones continue mineralizing quickly. This is also the month gestational diabetes screening typically happens, so steady blood sugar from balanced meals, rather than large sugar swings, is worth paying attention to. Doctors will advise on any dietary adjustments based on individual results.
Checkups commonly done this month
- The glucose screening test for gestational diabetes, commonly done between weeks 24–28, schedules vary by country and doctor
- A blood count check to reassess iron levels as pregnancy progresses
- Routine growth and blood pressure checks at prenatal visits
Contact your doctor promptly if…
Signs of preeclampsia, such as sudden swelling, severe headache, or vision changes
Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks, which could signal preterm labor
Reduced fetal movement compared to the usual pattern
Vaginal bleeding or a sudden gush or trickle of fluid
Questions people ask
What happens if the glucose screening comes back abnormal?
An abnormal result usually leads to a follow-up test with more detailed blood sugar measurements, not an immediate diagnosis. Many people who need follow-up testing turn out not to have gestational diabetes, and those who do are usually managed well with dietary changes and monitoring guided by a doctor.
Are Braxton Hicks contractions something to worry about?
Generally not. They're irregular, usually painless or mildly uncomfortable tightenings that don't get closer together or stronger over time, unlike real labor contractions. They tend to ease with rest or a position change. Contractions that become regular, painful, or frequent before 37 weeks are worth mentioning to a doctor.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.