WEEK 17
The Fat begins to form during this week. Fat is important in heat production and
metabolism. In a newborn baby at term, the fat makes up about 5.25 pounds (2.4 kgs) of the
total average weight of 7.7 pounds (3.5 kgs). The movements become stronger and more
frequent. The crown to rump length is 4.4 to 4.8 inches (110 to 120 mm). Fetal weight has
doubled and is about 3.5 ounces (100 gms). By this week the baby is the size of a hand
when it is spread open.
WEEK
18
The baby is continuing to grow and developing, but the very rapid growth rate slows down a
little. Your baby has a very human appearance now. Your little one's skeleton is still
mostly rubbery cartilage, but its about to start hardening into bone. The crown to rump
length of your grown baby is 5to 5.6 inches (12.5 to 14 cms). Weight of the fetus is about
5.25 ounces (150 gms).
WEEK
19
This week, the baby seems to be very thirsty as he drinks up large amount of amniotic
fluid. Over the next few days the buds for the permanent teeth will begin to form behind
the milk teeth ones. The crown to rump length of your baby is 5.2 to 6 inches (13 to 15
cms). The baby weighs about 7 ounces (200 gms).
WEEK
20
Congratulations ! you are half way through your pregnancy. During this week there
is a formation of a greasy white substance that protects your baby's tender skin in the
womb. There are also other protective substances that guard your baby against diseases in
the first few weeks after birth. These are being transferred to the baby now, through your
bloodstream. The crown to rump length is 5.6 to 6.4 inches (14 to 16 cms). Your baby
weighs about 9 ounces (260 gms).
