The baby is about 61/2 inches long and weighs 4 ounces. The umbilical cord becomes stronger, thicker and longer as the weeks advance and carries blood and nutrients to the growing baby. The baby’s sense of hearing is progressing as the ears move to their final position and the internal parts are well developed by now. The baby develops adipose tissue which helps in regulating the baby’s body temperature. The baby has distinctive features now and holds up the head more erect. The body and limbs of the baby are longer than the head by now making the whole body more proportionate. The baby develops pads on the tiny fingertips and toes. The eyes are well developed now but remain firmly closed. Meconium or the excretory waste is formed which consists of a black gooey substance. If the baby is a male fetus the prostate glands start developing. The skeleton transforms from cartilage to bone and the bones remain flexible to be able to pass through the birth canal. The baby’s skin develops further but is transparent as yet. A protective cover starts developing around the baby’s skin called vernix. Brown fat deposits will start forming under the skin which will help to maintain the body temperature of the baby when the baby is born. The baby now weighs more than the placenta and loud noises can actually startle the baby.
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