Baby Movement and Development

I've waited a few days to report the movement of Baby Kevin. I think it's official now....I can feel him move. I wasn't sure if what I was feeling was him but it's been pretty consistent for the past few days. Funny enough, I feel him move more at night than any other time.

Here's what is happening this week:

Going forward, growth and refinement of your baby's existing systems and organs occurs. Your baby's ears stand out from his head. (More or less depending on heredity.)

At 12 centimeters crown to rump, your baby is large enough to give you a good kick in the belly. Within the next month, you should be able to feel this five-ounce wonder throwing his weight around.

Unique fingerprints and toe prints are developing.

Meconium, your baby's first bowel movement is beginning to collect in the colon. Your baby is actually digesting swallowed amniotic fluid. At this time, fat deposits will appear under your baby's skin. This fat will help your baby to regulate his or her temperature after birth.

Circulation of blood is now established and the umbilical cord lengthens and thickens in response to the rapidly growing needs of your baby. The placenta and baby are now almost equal in size.