Baby in The Womb: 24-32 Weeks

The fetus (24-28 weeks) is now about 13 inches in length and weighs about 1.75 pounds. Its skin is thin and shiny, with no underlying fat; its finger and toe prints can be seen. The eyebrows and eyelashes appear. The eyelids begin to part and the eyes open. The skin is quite wrinkled and translucent. With extremely intensive care, the fetus could survive if it were born now. By the end of the seventh month (28-32 weeks), fat begins to be deposited on the fetus and the skin becomes smoother. It may suck its thumb, hiccup, or cry. It can taste sweet and sour and respond to stimuli, including pain, light and sound. The placental function begins to diminish along with the volume of amniotic fluid. There is a good chance of survival if the fetus is born at this time.