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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

26 Weeks!

According to ParentsConnect.com, air sacks are developing in baby's lungs, which means it just might be possible for baby to take a breath at the end of this week. The air sacks (technically called alveoli) will continue to grow for the next nine years. The membrane that keeps the alveoli separate from the blood vessels is now thin enough to allow for that oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange we call breathing. Other highlights this week:
The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week—all the better to see you with. Well not you, per se, because her eyes are still sealed shut and it's really dark in there, but your baby's eyes are now fully developed.
Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable in baby's noggin this week. That means baby's brain is registering things like sound and light. She can't understand what any of it means yet, but she's on track to comprehend an entire episode of Blue's Clues in no time!
As hearing continues to develop, your baby will start to recognize your voice. Baby will also start to recognize your partner's voice. S/he may feel silly talking to your stomach, but assure her that somebody other than you is definitely listening. Research has shown that newborns actually recognize familiar sounds after birth. Proof that your baby has been paying attention all along.
Break out the sparkling apple juice—baby has now completed two-thirds of her stay in Hotel Womb. Your baby is about 1 2/3 pounds and is 14 inches long head-to-heel, or about the length of a burp cloth (otherwise known as your primary wardrobe accessory for the next several months).
Photos by babycenter.com

1 comment:

Sal and Trace said...

yay!!!! 26 weeks is considered viable.
Lets hope Emi isn't born yet, but i remember breathing a sigh of relief when we got to that stage.

Only 14 weeks to go..... wow!!