My lungs feel great!

Your baby's lungs most likely now contain surfactant. This substance prevents the walls of the alveoli, the air sacs responsible for ventilation, from sticking together after the air has been expelled. Babies born very prematurely receive surfactant in intensive care. Its presence in your baby's lungs means that the risk of breathing difficulties at birth has greatly decreased.

Your baby weighs around 2 kilograms and is approximately 42 centimetres long. Toes (1), heel (2)

Hormones secreted by your baby's adrenal glands may trigger milk production in you.

Your baby now behaves like you when sleeping, keeping the eyes closed during sleep and open while awake. The nails reach the fingertips.

The immune system is developing and has acquired the ability to fight simple, mild infections.

From this week, you may legally begin your prenatal maternity leave.

Weakness and fatigue are among the most common complaints at this stage. Difficulty sleeping, weight gain and reduced mobility may cause problems. You may lose interest in sex. Although it has not been shown to cause harm, if you do not want sexual intercourse, ask your partner to be understanding.

Another issue at this stage is anxiety about labour and delivery. The approach of your partner and doctor is very important. Remember that thousands of women give birth every day, and only a small proportion experience problems. Even while you read this, more than a thousand babies have given their first cry.