Your baby blinks and practices breathing

Baby’s getting ready, and you’re feeling it

Your baby’s practicing breathing. Tiny air sacs are forming in their lungs, and they’re gulping amniotic fluid like it’s lap swim day. Those adorable hiccups? Just part of the rehearsal.

That face is getting expressive. Eyebrows are filled in, lips are more defined, and those little eyelids can finally blink. They’re also gaining baby fat, smoothing out wrinkles.

• Hearing is sharpening. Loud noises might startle them now (car honks, your partner’s off-key shower singing).
• Fingernails are almost done. Tiny manicures in utero.
• Movements feel stronger. Less butterfly flutters, more ninja jabs, especially when you’re resting.

Your body needs extra iron now to support all this growth. If you’re craving red meat or spinach, listen up. Pair it with vitamin C (OJ, strawberries) to help absorption.

When to speak up (and when to just sigh)

Your uterus is expanding fast. That upward growth can press on your lungs (hello, breathlessness), bladder (nights are fun), and ribs (ow). Leaning back sometimes helps.

Braxton Hicks are normal, but call your provider if they come regularly before 37 weeks, hurt, or intensify with movement or hydration.

• Swelling beyond mild puffiness, especially with headaches or vision changes, could signal preeclampsia.
• Itchy palms and soles might mean cholestasis, a liver condition needing quick attention.
• Pelvic pressure that feels heavy, like the baby might fall out, is common, but sudden intense pain isn’t.

The big conversations (and one test)

The viability talk. Around now, many providers discuss what viability means at your hospital, though outcomes improve dramatically with each passing week. It’s okay to skip this chat if it spikes your anxiety.

Glucose test prep. That sugary drink is coming (usually between 24–28 weeks). Some offices let you opt for jelly beans or other alternatives, ask ahead.