Week 27

My Baby's Development

By this week, your baby looks similar to what he or she will look like at birth (except thinner and smaller). The lungs, liver and immune system still need some time to fully mature. But if your baby is born by now, he or she would have a very good chance to survive.

As hearing continues to develop, your baby may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's voice. However, the sounds may be muffled because the ears are still covered with vernix (a thick waxy coating that protects the skin from becoming chapped by the amniotic fluid).

My Body

Your body instinctively nourishes and protects your baby during pregnancy, but caring for a newborn is a skill to learn. Try to sign up for childbirth classes through your local community center or hospital. You’ll start to learn about topics such as labor, options for pain relief, what to expect before and after delivery, common newborn problems, babyproofing, breastfeeding and formula feeding, and infant CPR. Learning all you can about childbirth and care will help you feel more confident, especially if you're a first-time parent.