The baby measures about 5 cm from crown to rump and weighs about 8 grams (0.28 ounces), nearly doubling in size during the last week!
Baby now has a limited ability to suck and swallow, although this action is not fully mature until 24 to 28 weeks.
Their taste buds have developed enough to taste the amniotic fluid that surrounds them and their kidneys are now functioning and secreting fluid into their bladder. The baby will soon pass a type of clean urine into the amniotic fluid, in a continuous cycle of swallowing and urinating this fluid to keep their kidneys functioning until birth. The baby also breathes amniotic fluid into their lungs to strengthen the muscle under them and to regularly practice rhythmic expansion of their lungs.
Their stomach now produces gastric juices and they have about 20 baby teeth in their gums! The baby's sex organs are still developing and their typical male or female characteristics are not obvious yet.
Baby's movements are now more coordinated and purposeful. Regular movement is now important for your baby's growth and development. Without it their muscles would waste, their joints would seize and their bones would become brittle. Movement of some description is now a daily part of the unborn baby's life (when they are awake!)
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