|

Pregnancy: Weeks 23-26

In the sixth month, your baby's brain is growing rapidly and hearing is well developed. (In fact, studies have found that unborn babies can communicate a preference for classical music over rock.)

A human fetus at 26 weeks. At this time, your baby will weigh about 1½ pounds and be 9 inches long.

Week Number 23

  • Eyebrows and eyelashes are forming.
  • Lips are becoming more distinct.
  • Eyes are becoming more developed, but they still lack color.
  • The first signs of teeth appear beneath the gum line.

Week Number 24

  • Blood vessels in the lungs are developing.
  • The head is still large compared to body size.
  • The baby can swallow.

Week Number 25

  • The body is beginning to become plump.
  • The skin becomes wrinkled.
  • If the baby were born now, it would attempt to breathe.
  • Taste buds are forming.

Week Number 26

  • The face and the body generally assume the appearance of an infant at birth.
  • Baby begins to make breathing movements although there is no air in the lungs.
  • Will respond to touch.

As your second trimester ends, take some time to sit back and enjoy it. Very soon your pregnancy will be over and all the days you dedicated to creating a new human being will be only a vague memory. Cherish them now.

Back to Weeks 19-22 Continue to Weeks 27-30
|

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth © 2004 by Michele Isaac Gliksman, M.D. and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit Amazon's website or call 1-800-253-6476.


Pregnancy Day by Day

Tell us your due date to receive our daily newsletter and find out what is happening in this day of your pregnancy!

Already a member? Log-in here

Name of the Day

Quick Polls

Q: How do you feel about all the doctor appointments?

Look forward to them

Tired of them

Neutral

View Results

stay connected

highlights

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.

© 2000-2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.