| Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life. Nothing | | | | Pregnant women experience frequent kicking (and |
| is more exciting than the thrill of the third trimester | | | | perhaps punching) at this time as the baby begins to |
| (weeks 28 to 40). This is a busy time for the growing | | | | use his or her newfound motor skills, such as turning |
| baby, who is preparing for his or her entrance into the | | | | his or her head or grasping his or her hands. One of |
| world. | | | | the last things to develop is the skeleton, which |
| Every baby develops at his or her own pace, even in | | | | continues to harden throughout the last trimester. The |
| the womb. The baby will grow from 2 pounds in | | | | baby's skull, however, remains soft in order to allow |
| weight and nearly 15 inches in length at 28 weeks to | | | | him or her to pass through the birth canal. Most |
| just over 6 pounds and 19 inches at 37 weeks, which | | | | newborns weigh about 7 pounds and measure about |
| is considered full term. During the third trimester, | | | | 20 inches from head to heel. |
| eyesight is developing along with body fat. All of the | | | | There is no greater anticipation than waiting to meet |
| baby's organs are growing larger in size, including the | | | | your baby for the first time. Understanding your baby's |
| brain, kidney, liver, and lungs. Details such as eyelashes, | | | | development in the third trimester might make the wait |
| nails, and hair also develop during this stage. | | | | a little bit easier for expectant mothers. |