The sixth month of pregnancy is the time when intensive lung development takes place, so even if the baby was born now, it would have a certain chance of survival. They also spread apart the fused eyelids.
The sixth month of pregnancyis primarily characterized by lungs - around the 22nd week of gestation, changes occur in the child's lungs to allow air to be inhaled and exhaled. First, they develop blood vessels and follicles that will supply oxygen to all parts of the body after birth. Second, the lungs begin to produce the so-called surfactant - a substance that fills the alveoli from the inside. This is extremely important because there is no air in the fetus' lungs, so they could collapse like a punctured ball. But thanks to the surfactant, the alveoli do not collapse or stick together and in the event of premature birth, the lungs will be prepared for breathing. When a baby is only 22 weeks old, it is not yet able to breathe on its own, but its lungs are developed enough to survive in the neonatal intensive care unit (the odds are 20-25%). The male hormone testosterone inhibits the production of surfactant, so boys have less than girls, so they are at a disadvantage in preterm labor.
In the 22nd week of gestation (i.e. in the 24th week of pregnancy), the body begins to produce white blood cells that help fight infections, which also increases the chances of survival of a premature baby.
ImportantWhat does the baby look like in the sixth month?
At the beginning of the month, it is 22 cm (from the top of the head to the end of the torso), and weighs about 400 g, and at the end: 24 cm and a kilogram! The low amount of body fat makes the skin look like a jumpsuit that is too big at first, but towards the end of the month that slowly changes and the baby becomes rounder. Finally, the eyes open.
Sixth month of pregnancy: baby has small but strong hands
During this period, the baby's muscles are well-developed, and his movements are more and more coordinated - by "pedaling" with his feet and pressing them against the uterine wall, the baby practices walking. The hand muscles are also well-developed and strong - the baby is able to grab his own feet with them and clench them into fists. One of his favorite games is to grab the umbilical cord. Apparently some toddlers can tighten it so tightthat the oxygen supply is temporarily cut off! Fortunately, such situations are very rare, because the umbilical cord - through which the blood vessels that supply vital substances pass - is tight and stiff enough to withstand these "strength exercises."
Sixth month of pregnancy: what is your baby playing?
One of the baby's favorite activities at this time is thumb sucking. This strengthens the facial muscles and is believed to have a calming effect and, according to some researchers, gives the baby a sensual pleasure. It has been noticed that male fetuses often experience an erection when sucking their thumb.
Sixth month of pregnancy: the road to independence
In the 23rd week, permanent tooth buds appear deep in the gums - they will emerge only at the age of about 6, when the baby's milk teeth begin to fall out. The nerves around the lips become more and more sensitive, which prepares the baby for a very important task - looking for the mother's nipple after birth.
24-week-old toddler weighs approx. 900 g and has a body length of 23 cm (from the crown to the end of the body). It slowly starts to round as more and more fat is deposited under the skin.
The spine becomes stronger and stronger and supports the baby's body well.
After 24 weeks of gestation, the baby is ready to inhale and exhale on its own. If he was born now, although he would still have trouble breathing, his chances of survival increase to 80%.
The baby begins to see In the 25th week of gestation, the fused eyelids open so far. Baby's eyes close and open, and what's more - they react to light! The baby sees! Of course, this cannot be compared to the eyes of an adult, but there are many indications that the unborn child can distinguish changes in light intensity. Research has been carried out, which shows that the fetus reacts to the light of the flashlight directed towards the mother's belly.
It is interesting that although the eyes are fully formed, their color remains a mystery to everyone for a long time. All white babies are born with dark blue eyes, and the final color of the irises will not be established until … within a year of the baby's birth
ImportantEnroll in birthing school
It's time to shop around for a good birthing school. It is worth signing up for it, especially if you are pregnant for the first time, because the benefits are enormous: you will get to know the hospital and midwives (if it is a hospital school), you will learn how the delivery takes place (thanks to which you will tame anxiety) and how to prepare for it (special exercise, breathing, pain relief methods). Classes will also help your partner -thanks to them, it will be easier for him to find himself in the role of a father and maybe he will convince himself to give birth to him, giving you the support you need. Doctors and midwives say that after giving birth, women cooperate better with them, and as a result they give birth easier and faster.
monthly "M jak mama"