You can hear the baby's heartbeat yourself
The baby is becoming very active, but increasingly cramped. The uterus restricts their movements, but they can still jerk their legs as if riding a bicycle. Later, this skill will help the baby roll their head upside down to get into position for childbirth.
The baby is also developing reflex reactions. Hearing a sharp, loud sound or feeling unusual movements can cause them to fold their arms over their chest and shift their legs [1].
By this time, the baby has fully formed eyelashes. The central nervous system now regulates body temperature and rhythmic breathing movements [2], while subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate [3].
The baby's heart rate is around 120 to 160 beats per minute; lower than at an earlier stage but still much higher than an adult’s. The heart is still very small, so it needs to work hard to pump blood through the vessels.
Your doctor can listen to the baby’s heart rate with a stethoscope. You can hear it by just placing your ear to your partner’s belly. It may not work the first time, but you should be able to hear it in a quiet setting [4].
The baby already has the foundation for teeth, which are covered with enamel. About six to nine months after birth, they will erupt through the gums [5]. When that happens, it’s normal for your baby’s sleep patterns to change or regress because of the discomfort caused by teething.
If your partner is expecting twins
Twins’ hearts do not always beat in unison. Doctors note that twins react to each other, like when one makes a sudden movement, the second one gets startled and their heart beats faster [6].
What we can see on an ultrasound
The picture shows the baby’s right hand. The elbow joint, forearm, and hand are also visible, with clearly marked finger bones.
