Expressions and Movement

Baby is making facial expressions and moving constantly — you may start to feel those first gentle flutters soon.

This week's tip

💡 Sleep on your left side this week — it improves blood flow to the baby and your kidneys, and a pillow between your knees can ease any hip discomfort.

Baby this week

🥑

About the size of

an avocado

Length

11.6 cm

Weight

100 g

Development

Baby can make facial expressions: squinting, frowning, yawning.
Eyes can move from side to side even though they are still closed.
Baby's heart pumps about 25 quarts of blood per day.
The skeleton is shifting from cartilage to bone.
Baby is very active — flipping, rolling, and stretching.

How you might feel

Some women notice their first fluttery fetal movements (quickening) — like butterflies or bubbles.
Your center of gravity is shifting as your belly grows.
Back pain may begin as posture adjusts.
Skin may have a healthy glow — increased blood circulation.

Things to do this week

Ask your care provider about quad screening (weeks 15–20) if you're interested
Begin sleeping on your side — especially the left — for optimal blood flow
Start researching pediatricians in your area
Note any early fetal movements in a journal

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if you feel severe or one-sided back pain.

Partner tip

Place your hand on the bump regularly — you may not feel kicks yet, but building that habit now is meaningful.