Pregnancy Health Article

Seventh month

By 26 weeks, the eyes are partially open and eyelashes are present. At 28 weeks, the eyes are wide open and a good head of hair is often present. At this age, a fetus can often survive even if born prematurely, presuming it is given intensive care. The lungs and blood circulation are developed, and can provide a better exchange of oxygen. Also, the central nervous system is now more mature, and can manage rhythmic breathing movements as well as assist in controlling body temperature. Toenails are present and more fat is deposited, smoothing the wrinkly skin. At 28 weeks, the bone marrow takes over the red blood cell-making work of the spleen, becoming the major site of this process. At 30 weeks, a light reflex of the eyes can be obtained. The skin is pink and smooth, and the limbs have a chubby appearance. The fetus might weigh as much as 3 lbs (1.3 kg), and is about 14–15 inches (35-37.5 cm) long. The fetus can be observed on ultrasound; it is sucking its thumb and practicing breathing movements. The mother may experience hiccoughs as rhythmic movements when the baby is practicing its breathing.

Eighth month

Fetuses 32 weeks and older usually survive if born prematurely. At 32 weeks, the fingernails reach the fingertips. At 35 weeks, fetuses have a firm grasp and show a spontaneous orientation to light. Growth continues, but slows as the baby begins to take up most of the room in the uterus. Now weighing between 3.5–4.5 lbs (1.7–2.3 kg), and measuring 16–18 inches (40–45 cm) long, the fetus may prepare for delivery by moving into the head-down position.

Ninth month

At 36 weeks, the body appears plump. The hair covering the body is almost gone. Toenails reach toe tips and the limbs are flexed. A full-term baby is one born anywhere from 37–40 weeks' gestation. A baby born after 41 weeks is considered postdate. Adding 0.5 lb (227 g) a week as the due date approaches, the fetus drops lower into the mother's abdomen and prepares for the onset of labor, which may begin any time between the 37th and 41st week of gestation. The expected date of delivery (EDD) of a fetus is 266 days, or 38 weeks after fertilization (i.e., 280 days or 40 weeks after the LMP). Prolongation of pregnancy occurs in 5–6% of women. If the pregnancy continues past 41–42 weeks, the physician will order fetal monitoring to determine the status of the baby. Since the mortality rate increases significantly after two to three weeks postdate, labor is often induced. Most healthy babies will weigh 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg) at birth, and will be about 19–21 inches (47-52 cm) long.