Maybe you’ve noticed… Pudding is a stupendous grower! Pudding will be gaining a substantial amount of weight this week, and has already achieved fruit-size-status comparable to a plum.
Nearly all structures and organs are formed and beginning to function – these will continue to grow and develop until delivery.
Fingers and toes have separated – how cute to see Pudding’s little fingers and toes.
Pudding’s hair and nails begin to grow this week.
Our little scientist is already starting to explore his/her body, focusing most intently on touching his/her head, especially face and mouth. The mouth in particular will provide Pudding with hours of entertainment. This happens not only because our baby is gaining coordination (must get that from his/her Dad) , and is therefore able to move a hand on command, but also because his/her palms have gained sensation and can actually “feel” what they touch.
The genitals begin to take on their gender characteristics (Who will be right: Arky or Clare?).
Pudding is also developing the ‘swallow’ reflex this week.
Amniotic fluid begins to accumulate as Pudding’s kidneys begin to function and excrete urine – This fluid, consisting primarily of water, helps provide a cushion for our baby while nestled within my womb.
The muscles in Pudding’s intestinal walls begin to practice contractions that digest food.
And lastly, our baby’s smelling and other olfactory senses begin developing this week, which when combined with the maturing taste buds, will provide our baby with their first experiences of taste and smell.
Pudding is about 1.61 inches (4.1 cm) long and weighs 0.25 ounce (7gm).
