Thursday, December 07, 2006

Twenty Eight Weeks

What Baby is Doing:

Loud and clear
Your little one's sight isn't the only sense that's working. His brain wave patterns indicate that he's responding to sounds in the environment. What's he able to pick up? The sound of your voice, the growl of your stomach when you're hungry, even noises outside your body. His brain waves are also starting to show differences during sleep. These sleep cycles will become clearer and more distinct as he gets closer to his due date.

Breathe easy
This is a vital stage in your baby's lung development. Blood vessels are forming throughout both lungs. When he takes his first breath of air, his lungs will absorb the oxygen, then send it into these vessels, which will circulate the oxygenated blood throughout his body. Your little one is also just starting to manufacture a substance, called a surfactant, which keeps the air sacs in his lungs from sticking together. The surfactant will allow him to breathe properly after birth. The bronchial tubes are also maturing, dividing into smaller and smaller branches.

Measuring up
Your baby is gaining weight rapidly now—he may weigh about 2.3 pounds. Crown to rump, he measures 10 inches, but if you were to stretch him out he might be around 15 inches long.

Mommy’s Commentary:

Pregnancy still isn’t as hard as I thought it would be, even after all these weeks! I hope caring for a newborn will also be easier than I expect. I’m terrified at the thought of being solely responsible for a little person, but I can’t wait to see Squirt. I feel confident knowing that Chris will be there to help and support both of us. I can’t wait to meet our baby!

A new pregnancy development that just started last night: My ribs ache. Chris says the cartilage in my ribs is expanding to make more room for Squirt.

Hey, Baby, don’t forget to leave some room for Mom! I was here first!

baby