Our baby probably weighs between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 pounds. She continues to gain weight at a faster pace than she lengthens. She's about 14-16 inches tall, although individual growth rates vary. She can turn her head from side to side; and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's definitely very active these days!
Lately, our baby's brain has been growing a lot. Until now, the surface of our baby's brain was smooth; now, it is taking on those characteristic grooves and indentations. The reason for this change in appearance? Those wrinkles allow for an increased amount of brain tissue — a necessary change as our developing baby prepares for life outside the womb.
Also, our baby's bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells (before, tissue groups and then the spleen took care of producing the blood cells). This is an important step for our baby, because it means she is better able to thrive on her own once she is born (with a little help from Mom & Dad, of course).
Much of the lanugo — the soft, downy hair covering our baby's body — is beginning to disappear now because both fat and the brain are regulating our baby's body temperature (so no need for that furry coat anymore).
No comments:
Post a Comment