Length: 220 mm
Weight: 770 g
All measurements are approximate. Click here to see how we calculate baby's length and weight.
Baby:
Your baby is now about the size of a large eggplant.
As she grows and grows, your baby is starting to fill your uterus. You may think it’s quiet and still in the uterus, but not so: There’s actually a constant barrage of sounds reaching baby’s ears. She can hear your breathing, the pulsing of the main artery that runs behind your uterus and the rumblings of your digestive system.
But what exactly do all of these things sound like to her? No one really knows. After all, she’s surrounded by amniotic fluid, which also fills her ears.
This week represents another milestone of sorts: If your baby was born now, he would have greater than a 50 percent chance of survival with proper medical care. The chances of survival improve every day.
Mom:
You may have noticed that your sense of balance seems a little off lately. When you’re pregnant, your center of gravity shifts forwards.
Many pregnant women unconsciously start leaning backward to counterbalance the weight of their growing bellies. This can result in back-muscle strain, which in turn can result in backaches.
To make matters worse, some of the new hormones of pregnancy are also loosening and stretching your ligaments, particularly those around your sacrum (which connects your pelvis to your spinal column).
But there are some simple steps to preventing back problems. Small things can help, like going for daily walks and watching your posture. Use a lumbar support in your car or on your chair if you sit for long periods of time, and bend at the knees when picking something up from the floor.
When you are getting out of a car or up from a seated position, use your hands and arms more for support. You can also try prenatal yoga, and if you’re still having trouble, consider a pregnancy support belt, which can relieve some pressure from your lower back.
If these don’t help or if you’re having severe lower-back pain, talk to your practitioner; he may suggest that you see a physiotherapist or pregnancy-specialized massage therapist.