Weeks 26-29

The conclusion of last week also marked the end of the second trimester. While the first trimester brought about the exciting development of all the little baby parts, the second represented a period of continuous growth. He more than tripled his length, from 3 to now 14 1/2 inches, and his weight has gone from an ounce to over two pounds.

For the past six weeks or so, he has been listening to my voice. Apparently, speaking to the baby is not only a key part of prenatal bonding, but may also form the basis of language development. Babies who have been spoken to in utero recognize and turn to familiar voices immediately after birth. There may also be links between prenatal stimulation and the development of speech and IQ. Conversely, studies have shown that songbirds hatched from the nests of silent foster parents don't sing. Although with Franny I was constantly worried about being her in utero environment being too silent, with Zachary/Lucas I definitely don't have this concern--big sister Franny keeps this mama chattering away and reading books throughout the entire day.

Unbelievably, the Little Roo's movements will continue to increase from now until around week 32, when he'll start running out of room to roam. Things are already a bit cramped inside the uterus, so he now has to assume the fetal position, with his legs bent onto his chest. He can still move around, flex his limbs, and make grasping motions with his hands.

Of course, we are starting to wonder what he will look like and what his personality will be. There are 60,000 to 100,000 genes (made up of DNA) in a human being's 46 chromosomes. A baby gets 23 chromosomes from his mother and 23 from his father. With all the possible gene combinations, one pair of parents has the potential to produce 64 trillion different children! Absolutely amazing!

Vision is the last sense to develop. In utero, eyelids remain closed until about the 26-28th week in order for the retinas to fully develop. Around this time, the eyes open and even begin to blink. The pupils will grow larger or smaller in response to changes in brightness. By week 33, the pupils of the eye will be able to detect light and constrict and dilate, allowing the baby to see dim shapes. Studies shining a bright light on the belly of a woman at 37 weeks have shown a baby's heart rate speeding up in response, or the baby turning toward the light. On the eyelids, his lashes are starting to grow. His taste buds are well developed, and he could respond to sweet and sour tastes by changing the expression on his face. He has many more taste buds now than he'll need after delivery.

Dr. appointment summary:

• Fundus measurement 28--this should be 1 inch for each week of pregnancy, so this figure is right on target. With Franny, I was a little smaller.
• Fetal heartbeat: 150 bpm
• Glucose/gestational diabetes screening: normal