By the end of this week, your baby will be about seven inches long from head
to bottom, and will weigh about one pound. He or she is capable of feeling
touch, and can sense taste as well. Still small but able to move about,
your baby is doing quite a bit of calisthenics in his or her still roomy home.
Your baby is practicing movement, and with a new sense of touch may be stroking
his or her downy skin. Since your baby can hear, you can sing to your baby
or play a soothing song. When your baby is born, sing or play the music to
comfort your baby.
Mom, you may be noticing stretch marks on your legs, abdomen or even
breasts. Some women develop spider naevi, which are tiny red marks on the
skin. These should fade after you give birth. Dental visits may be a
bit sore for you, as your gums are more sensitive during pregnancy. You
may also be experiencing heartburn as well as constipation. Be sure to
drink plenty of water, and speak to your OB/GYN about what you can take for your
heartburn.