Week Twenty Six: Second trimester ends

Hello all we are now at week 27. When it comes to peanuts development his is what is happening: He measures 14 inches long and weighs over 1.7 pound. Hi eyes begin to open around this time. Peanut will make breathing movements, but there is no air in the lungs yet. Hands are active and muscle coordination is such that they can get a thumb into the mouth. Thumb sucking calms the baby and strengthens the cheek and jaw muscles. If we were to get a brain scan for peanut it will show response to touch. Touching and playing with peanut is possible now, as he may respond to our touch through the belly wall. Brain growth continues with brain wave activity for the visual and auditory systems starting to develop. He is probably very active in the womb, as the most active weeks are typically between weeks 24 and 28. My wife may begin feeling her belly tighten and relax at odd moments or irregular intervals. These are Braxton Hicks contractions. They are painless and help the uterus prepare for the birth. Many babies have developed a predictable routine for sleep and active periods. Twins may have entirely different routines from each other. My wife also may be experiencing shortness of breath as the uterus is very close to the rib cage at this stage. Some resources say some moms are not able to fully expand their rib cages; however, this does not negatively affect the baby in any way. This week also marks the end of month six, which is the last month of the second trimester.