A protective waxy coating starts forming on the skin
Baby this week: about 15.3 cm — crown to rump · about 240 g
≈ 15.3 cm — about the size of a tomato
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
Your baby this week
- Vernix caseosa, a waxy protective coating, starts forming on the skin
- Brain regions responsible for the five senses are developing rapidly
- In female fetuses, the uterus and ovaries have formed, and egg cells are already present
- Arms, legs, and body proportions are becoming more balanced
Your body this week
- The belly is often clearly visible by now, and movement may be felt more consistently
- Stretch marks can start to appear on the belly, hips, or breasts as skin stretches
This week's tip: Moisturizing regularly can help with skin comfort, though it won't necessarily prevent stretch marks — genetics play a big role too.
When to get help now
Call emergency services now or go to an emergency department now if you have sudden, severe tummy pain, pain in the tip of your shoulder, feel very weak, faint or dizzy, or have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad soon after putting it on. For lighter bleeding or spotting, or pain low down on one side, contact your doctor, maternity unit or an early pregnancy unit today.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.