Swallowing and Tasting

Baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and can taste its flavors — which shift based on what you eat. A reminder that nourishment is deeply connected.

This week's tip

💡 A pregnancy pillow can transform your sleep quality — even a regular pillow tucked between your knees and under your bump makes a significant difference.

Baby this week

🥕

About the size of

a carrot

Length

26.7 cm

Weight

360 g

Development

Baby swallows up to 300ml of amniotic fluid per day, supporting digestive development.
Taste buds are developed — baby may taste the flavors of foods you eat.
The liver and spleen are producing blood cells.
Bone marrow is beginning to take over blood cell production.
Limb movements are fully coordinated.

How you might feel

Your appetite may increase noticeably.
Leg cramps and hip pain are very common.
Some women notice Braxton Hicks contractions — painless tightening of the uterus.
Sleep can become more difficult to find comfortable positions for.

Things to do this week

Eat a varied, nutrient-dense diet — flavor variety now may influence baby's palate later
Use a pregnancy pillow for better sleep comfort
Begin pelvic floor exercises if not already — they benefit birth and recovery
Explore cord blood banking options if you're interested

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if Braxton Hicks contractions become regular, painful, or more than 4 per hour.

Partner tip

Cook a variety of flavorful, healthy meals together — it benefits baby's palate development and is a lovely shared activity.