During my first trimester I found myself frequently checking the online sources where it described the week by week development of little baby mcdonnell. I suppose both because the pregnancy was so new to me at that point, but also because during that period the baby is growing and changing so quickly. Buy lately I realized that since entering the final stretch -- the third trimester -- I haven't checked in on what our little guy has been up to in there. So here's a brief recap:
By week 29 he was moving side to side and tumbling around. Most babies are still head up at this time, but sometime in the next few weeks he will move head down and remain that way until birth (as of the most recent OB visit, they have confirmed that the baby is already head down. What a good baby. No more worries about a breech birth). His little senses are developing, and he is already sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell. Some studies show that babies have likes and dislikes for particular tastes or odors already!
By week 30 he was nearly 3 lbs and a little over 15 inches from head to heel. His head is finally in proportion to his body, and getting larger to accommodate all the brain development that takes place in the third trimester. His little eyes will track a light source shone on my belly, and he may even reach out to touch it. We haven't experimented with this one yet, but it sounds fun to try. His hair may finally begin to develop. I was born with a full head of dark hair (thanks to my Armenian roots), and Terry is a furry dude, so I'm thinking our kid will have some nice hair on him. Finally, by week 30 he can produce tears, even in the womb.
By week 31, he finally started slowing down the physical growth spurt from the end of the second trimester. He won't put on a ton more length, but he will pack on the weight in the upcoming weeks. Bones are growing and hardening. The major organ development is focused on the brain and the lungs. The lungs are the last organs to really get their act together, which is why every additional week inside makes him better prepared to breathe when he finally meets the world. Researchers also say that babies may move to the rhythm of music, and even exhibit preferences for some musics over others. I suggested today to Terry that maybe we should play the little guy some classical music before bed each night. He said he thought our son might be more a fan of German hard metal. We shall see.
And as of today the little guy has officially completed his 32nd week. On average, babies of this age are about 3.75 lbs and a little over 16.5 inches long. All five senses are working, and baby is busy trying them out inside. They say that their movement is supposed to slow down a bit by this stage because he's running out of room, but our little gymnast is still going strong.
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