Development Calendar

Your Pregnancy Month 7

What's Your Baby Up to This Month?

MONTH 7: 27-30 weeks gestational age

Your Pregnancy Month 7: 27-30 weeks gestational age

He gains his sense of smell
He'll start putting on baby fat
He'll weigh between 1½ pounds and 5 pounds, and be 12-18 inches long

The Sweet Smell of Everything

Although your baby developed the nerve cells that relate to smell, called olfactory neurons, some time ago, this month they will finally be able to detect odors. Smell is yet another way your baby can recognize and make sense of the world around him. During the third trimester, his smelling talents will greatly improve. Soon, he'll be able to react to strong odors by grimacing or moving his head. And after birth, he'll be comforted by the familiar smell of mom.

Growing Brain, Growing Personality

Will your baby be quiet and creative? Or the life of the party? Will he be the athlete, or the Math-lete? As his brain grows, his personality develops along with it.

For the most part, you'll have to wait and see who your baby grows into. But you can look to what he's doing now for some early clues. Is he active and rambunctious in there? Or is he calm and relaxed most of the time?

You can also help nourish your dreams for your baby right now by getting the proper nutrition at this critical stage of his development. Know what you need, and be sure to get it every day.

Bundling Up with Body Fat

This month, your little one begins to trades in his skinny, wrinkled appearance for a plumper, more baby-like one. He'll start gaining the body fat layers, and not just to look cute in his baby pictures. Babies need this fat to regulate their body temperature and provide energy stores after birth.

Healthy Hints: Month 7

Do some baby shopping.

Diapers. Onesies. Nursing bras. Formula and bottles. And a crib and car seat, of course. Now's the time to stock up for the big day.

»Some Tips to Get You Started