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Parentpedia
Third Trimester Growth
These final weeks are largely about the finishing touches, as your baby's brain and lungs continue to develop, and she packs on extra ounces for the rocky ride to the outside world.
Final Trimester Highlights
Weeks 28 through 30: Your baby is roughly 15 inches long and weighs around 2 1/2 pounds. The eyes are starting to open and close. Mothers often can feel the baby shifting or kicking when they are lying or sitting down. The baby can sleep for 40-80 minutes at a time. Toward the end of these weeks, your baby's movements may begin to feel like a tiny boxer is sparring inside you. The baby's bones are fully formed, but remain pliable.
Weeks 31 through 33: You can start to relax. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly all fetuses who reach 32 weeks survive the rigors of premature birth. The baby's lungs are developing rapidly, but are not quite mature. If she's born now, she will likely need a ventilator to assist her breathing. Now, the baby weighs up to 4 1/2 pounds and is up to 17 inches long. The lanugo begins to fall off. If you put a flashlight up to your belly, your baby's pupils can detect the light.
Weeks 34 through 36: Your baby is on a weight-gain binge, packing on fat. It gets so crowded in the uterus, the baby can no longer punch. Instead, you might feel rolling movements. The baby weighs up to 6 1/2 pounds and is up to 19 inches long. Ideally, your baby will take a head-down position.
Weeks 37 through 39: Your baby has reached full term by the end of Week 37. This period largely consists of rounding out the body with a layer of fat. The baby's brain and nervous system function better as the days pass. The placenta continues to provide antibodies to ward off infection.
Due date: Your baby is up to 21 inches long and weighs as much as 8 pounds in Week 40. Remember: Due dates are approximations, so don't fret if yours comes and goes.
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