The fetus starts to build up layers of fat
Baby this week: about 31.8 cm — head to heel · about 660 g
≈ 31.8 cm — about the size of a head of cauliflower
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
Your baby this week
- Fat is accumulating under the skin, which will gradually smooth out the wrinkled look
- Capillaries are forming and filling with blood, giving the skin a pinker tone
- The nostrils, previously plugged, begin to open
- Hand movements are becoming more coordinated
Your body this week
- Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable; they are usually irregular and painless or mildly uncomfortable
- Sleep can become harder to find a comfortable position for as the belly grows
- Contractions that become regular, painful or stronger before 37 weeks, any fluid leaking from the vagina, or bleeding: contact your maternity unit now.
This week's tip: A pregnancy pillow or extra cushions can make side-sleeping more comfortable as the bump gets bigger.
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.