The fetus weighs over 550 grams. Blood vessels, which are still visible through the baby’s wrinkled skin, give the little body a reddish hue. Your baby really enjoys sucking his thumb and does it every time his thumb reaches his mouth. His sense of touch is developing and he is already capable of differentiating tastes. His sense of hearing will sharpen and he might be able to recognize your voice among others sounds. He still has plenty of room to move around in your belly so he is exercising regularly. Your baby’s kicking is sometimes visible from the outside.
From time to time you might experience uterine contractions which means that your belly will become rounder and tighten for a couple of minutes. You will start to feel it more often as your pregnancy progresses. Contractions will come quite frequently after vigorous exercise or sexual intercourse but they are usually not painful.
Drinking water can help calm your uterus. Make sure to consult your doctor or midwife when you experience four or more contractions in an hour, when they become more intense, painful or when they are accompanied by vaginal discharge. The good news is that these contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, help your uterus prepare for birth.