You have now been pregnant for over 160 days. Some love it, while others find it a troublesome experience. The baby in your belly can now open its eyes and look around. However, there is not much to see in the dark womb.
An active baby that keeps the expectant mother awake
Many experience a lot of activity from the belly now, especially if the placenta is located behind the fetus, allowing "free" access from the baby's movements to the mother's abdomen.
The fetus is rocked by the mother's movements, and therefore many will experience the most activity when the mother is relaxing, lying down, and generally not moving. This can keep some awake at night because the small movements can be hard to distinguish.
Fortunately, it is often more the life-affirming feeling that fills them, rather than the irritation over the little circus artist bubbling around inside.
What is happening in the belly?
Development is still the focus for the little one. The eyes can begin to open, and the child can distinguish between the sounds coming from inside and those coming from outside.
The small bones of the ear are now developed, so the little one's hearing is also much better than before. The baby can now react to significantly more sounds. Therefore, one might also notice the fetus moving in small jerks if there are loud sounds outside the belly.
Just as the baby can hear more sounds now, it can also differentiate between light and dark. There is of course not much to see in the small and dark womb, but if, for example, the sun shines directly on the belly, the baby will be able to see a little more than before.
Premature birth
Around week 24, the baby begins to develop surfactant in the lungs, which is crucial for the fetus to be viable in the real world. This is the substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing. Therefore, it is also not long until the baby can statistically survive outside the safe womb.
There is, therefore, a small chance that the baby will survive if it is born now. Lung maturation medication can help, but it is of course optimal for the baby to stay inside for a few more weeks.
Size of the fetus
This week, the fetus is now about 28 cm long and weighs around 600 grams. This corresponds to a size and weight similar to an artichoke. Comparing the weight and size of the fetus with fruits and vegetables may seem silly, but it often helps to visualize what size is waiting inside.
Another fun thing to consider is the little one's bones, where the baby this week will have a thigh bone measuring about 4 centimeters.
What until now has looked like a somewhat undefined size now resembles more and more a small human with the right proportions.
Advice for the partner
The baby is most likely moving so much that it can also be felt from the outside by you. It helps to understand this wild situation to feel the small kicks from inside. You can definitely form a bond with the little one, even if you are not carrying it physically.
Talk to and sing for the growing belly, as the baby can certainly hear you. The child will be able to recognize your voice when it comes out, so it's all about starting to communicate with the little one.
Often, it also has a calming effect on the child to hear your voice again and again, as it is associated with safety. At the same time, it stimulates the fetus's nervous system and its development.
