As your baby and your belly continue to grow, the extra weight may take a toll on your back. Stretching, exercise and resting can all help relieve back pain.
You may start noticing your uterus practicing for delivery with painless contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions. Don’t worry if you experience them — they usually aren’t dangerous or harmful. However, if the contractions become more frequent, painful or intense, contact your health care provider — regular, painful contractions may be a sign of preterm labor.
Your baby is the size of a papaya. Your baby measures about 10.9 inches (27.8 cm) long from head to heel. At this point, your baby weighs about 12.25 ounces (347.3 grams).
Your baby is developing the senses it will use in the outside world. Taste buds have started to form on the tongue. The baby's brain and the nerve endings are also developed enough so that the baby has a sense of touch. Your baby may begin testing its sense of touch by touching its face or sucking its thumb.
Your baby’s reproductive system is developing, too. In boys, the testes have begun to drop from the abdomen while, in girls, the uterus and ovaries are in place and the vagina has developed.
You may notice your baby kicking and turning as well. Its heartbeat can also be heard with a stethoscope.
| Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center |
 What Is Hepatitis C? Learn about this treatable virus. |
 Diagnosing Hepatitis C Getting tested for this viral infection. |
 Just Diagnosed? Here’s What’s Next 3 key steps to getting on treatment. |
 Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment 4 steps to getting on therapy. |
 Your Guide to Hep C Treatments What you need to know about Hep C drugs. |
 Managing Side Effects of Treatment How the drugs might affect you. |
 Making Hep C Treatment a Success These tips may up your chances of a cure. |
