Listening and Growing

Baby can hear clearly now and may respond to your voice and music. Weight gain is accelerating to prepare for the outside world.

This week's tip

💡 Supportive footwear makes a real difference now — swap out any unsupportive shoes for something cushioned and stable to ease the strain on your feet and lower back.

Baby this week

🥭

About the size of

a large mango

Length

28.9 cm

Weight

501 g

Development

Baby weighs over 500 grams for the first time.
Hearing is well developed — baby responds to familiar voices.
The lungs are developing, though not ready for breathing outside the womb yet.
Skin is still thin and translucent but becoming more opaque.
Rapid eye movements (REM) occur during sleep cycles.

How you might feel

Swollen feet and ankles are common, especially by end of day.
Increased back pain as your center of gravity shifts further.
You may feel Braxton Hicks more frequently.
Heartburn and indigestion may intensify.

Things to do this week

Elevate your feet throughout the day
Wear supportive footwear — this is not the time for fashion over comfort
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to manage heartburn
Begin discussing your birth preferences with your partner

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if you experience regular contractions before 37 weeks.

Partner tip

Play music near the belly — it's a lovely way to create early shared experiences with your baby.