At the beginning of this month, your baby does not grow as rapidly other than
weight gain. The defense systems will build as the following weeks unfold.
The nerves of the spinal cord develop a sheath to protect them as they grow.
The nipples of your baby begin to grow at about nineteen weeks. Your male
baby actually has mammary glands as a fetus!
You may be able to detect your baby's hiccups, kicks and other movements.
Your baby is now about 8 inches long from head to bottom and weighs about 1 1/2
pounds - so hold six sticks of butter in your hands to feel the weight of your
little one!
Your baby's heart is pumping about 144 liters of blood through his or her
body. His or her body is covered with vernix caseosa which will protect
the skin from harm and chapping. You may see this on your baby at birth.