Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are clearly defined
Baby this week: about 27.8 cm — head to heel · about 430 g
≈ 27.8 cm — about the size of a papaya
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
Your baby this week
- Facial features like the lips and eyelids are now clearly defined
- The pancreas is developing steadily, an important step for hormone production
- Grip strength is developing, and the fetus may grasp the umbilical cord
- Skin still looks wrinkled since fat layers haven't built up yet
Your body this week
- Braxton Hicks contractions — mild, irregular tightening — can occasionally start this early for some
- Backaches may become more frequent as the belly grows and posture shifts
This week's tip: Gentle prenatal stretching or a short walk can help ease general aches, if your provider has given the go-ahead for exercise.
When to get help now
Contact your maternity unit now, even at night, if your baby is moving less than usual or the pattern has changed, you have any vaginal bleeding, fluid leaks from your vagina, you have regular or painful contractions before 37 weeks, or you have a severe headache, vision changes, pain just below the ribs or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. Do not wait until the next day.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.