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Third Trimester
24 weeks - The unborn child is covered with a fine, downy
hair called lanugo. Its tender skin is protected by a waxy substance
called vernix. Some of this substance may still be on the child's
skin at birth at which time it will be quickly absorbed. The child
practices breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid into developing lungs.
30 weeks - For several months, the umbilical cord has been
the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from
the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical
cord to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such
as drugs or alcohol, the baby receives these as well.
32 weeks - The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes
experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.
40 weeks - The baby, now approximately seven and a half
pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb. At birth the
placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical
cord will cease working as the child takes his first breaths of
air. The child's breathing will trigger changes in the structure
of the heart and bypass arteries which will force all blood to now
travel through the lungs.
About the Photos
Many of the amazing pictures shown here were taken from the very
excellent Nine Month Miracle CD ROM, by A.D.A.M. Software, Inc.,
the book A Child Is Born by the famous Swedish photographer Lennart
Nilsson, and the handbook When You were Formed in Secret, by Gary
Bergel. Complete references are listed on the following web page,
titled, “Sources.” More
about how these photos were taken.
Photos appearing on this web site are reproduced under "fair
use" terms for the purpose of public education. For permission
to use these photos for commercial purposes, please contact the
sources indicated above. No pages on this web site may be reproduced
in their entirety without permission, but your links are appreciated.
Source: Reprinted from Epigee
Pregnancy Resource. Copyright Terwilliger Web Development Services, 2005. Used with permission.
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