Even though this fetus has been a unique human being since the moment of her conception, a significant outward form of that distinction can now be seen in her unique fingerprints and toe prints. Downy hair known as lanugo can be seen, and vernix, a waxy cream, coats and moisturizes the baby’s skin. The child will likely have established waking and sleeping cycles by this point, and she may have even found a favorite position in which to sleep.
Essential Facts
• Some studies have concluded that the fetus is capable of feeling pain at this stage.
• The skin becomes less transparent as fat begins to deposit.
• The child begins to punch and kick more vigorously, and the mother feels it!
• Eyebrows and eyelashes have appeared.
• Blinking and frowning reflexes have developed.
• The child can now suck her thumb.
• While the lungs have not developed enough to permit survival outside of the womb, breathing-like movements become regular.
• Buffered in amniotic fluid, the child can fully turn from side to side and front to back.
For Further Discussion
Now that the baby’s genitals are mostly formed, an ultrasound can reveal the baby’s sex. And since all body structures and systems are now in place, most of the baby’s energy will go toward gaining weight.