More good news: Your baby probably recognises your voice over and above all other people. His ever-growing body means he could have a big enough heartbeat for your partner to hear simply by putting his ear to your belly – your baby’s heart will be beating faster than yours, though the loudness of baby’s heartbeat will depend on what position he is lying in.
Baby’s eyelashes are fully grown too, ready to protect his precious eyeballs from harm once he is born. Baby will be opening his eyes for very short periods from now on, and his first visual impressions once he is born will be sorted into light and dark. That’s why so many mobiles and toys for newborn babies are plain old black and white – they are the ‘colours’ a baby can see the easiest.
With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. His lungs are still immature, though capable of functioning if born at this early stage. The five senses are also active and his taste buds are working well enough for him to determine whether your amniotic fluid has been flavoured by a spicy or sweet meal.
Just like adults, all babies are different and develop at varying rates in the womb. This information gives a general idea of your baby's development and progress.
This article was written by Alex Brooks for Kidspot, Australia's best pregnancy resource.
