Your Baby's Growth and Development in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Month 7 of Pregnancy

At the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, fat begins to be deposited on your baby. Your baby is about 14 inches long and weighs from 2 to 4 pounds. Your baby's hearing is fully developed and he or she changes position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light.

The amniotic fluid begins to diminish.

If born prematurely, your baby would likely survive after the seventh month of pregnancy.

Month 8 of Pregnancy

Your baby, who is now about 18 inches long and weighs as much as 5 pounds, will continue to mature and develop reserves of body fat. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. Baby's brain is developing rapidly at this time, and he or she can see and hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.

Month 9 of Pregnancy

Towards the end of the third trimester, your baby continues to grow and mature: the lungs are nearly fully developed. Your baby's reflexes are coordinated so he or she can blink, close the eyes, turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light, and touch.

You may notice that your baby moves less now since he or she is more confined in your uterus. Your baby's position changes to prepare itself for labor and delivery. The baby drops down in your pelvis, and usually his or her head is facing down toward the birth canal.

By the end of this month of pregnancy, your baby is about 18 to 20 inches long and weighs about 7 pounds.,

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Birthing Services and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.