Billions of new brain connections form

What to expect

Your baby’s brain is in hyperdrive this week. Billions of new neurons are forming connections, and those folds and grooves you’d recognize from biology class are deepening. They’re practicing blinking (with newly unsealed eyelids) and developing more coordinated sucking, you might catch it on an ultrasound.

Those hiccups are getting stronger. The rhythmic twitches you feel (like tiny popcorn pops in a steady beat) are baby testing their diaphragm. Some startle easily at loud noises now, while others sleep right through, early personality hints.

Your body’s adaptations

Sleep might feel impossible between peeing and rearranging pillows. Side sleeping gets more crucial now (back sleeping can compress major blood vessels). A pregnancy pillow between your knees and under your belly can help take the pressure off.

• Round ligament adjustments. As your uterus stretches, sudden movements might cause sharp twinges, try rolling onto your side before sitting up.
• Skin changes. Stretch marks often appear now as collagen fibers reach their limit. They’ll fade postpartum, but keeping skin moisturized can ease itching.
• Weight gain shifting. Most providers expect about a pound per week from here out, though exactly where it lands is individual.

Things to be aware of

Braxton Hicks contractions are kicking in. These "practice" tightenings might feel like a sudden squeezing band around your belly. They’re usually harmless, but if they become regular or painful (more than 4–6 per hour), call your provider.

When to mention leg cramps

Middle-of-the-night charley horses are common now. Gentle stretches before bed and staying hydrated can help. But if cramps are severe or one leg swells significantly more than the other (a possible blood clot sign), it’s worth checking in.

• Restless legs at night? Iron or magnesium levels might be low. Some providers recommend supplements or Epsom salt baths.
• Vision changes. Blurriness can happen from fluid shifts and hormones, but sudden spots or flashes need immediate attention (possible preeclampsia).
• Shortness of breath. Your uterus is crowding your diaphragm, but extreme breathlessness or chest pain warrants a call.

What might happen

The glucose challenge test is coming up soon (usually between 24–28 weeks). You’ll drink a sugary solution and have blood drawn an hour later to check for gestational diabetes. Some providers let you eat normally beforehand, others prefer fasting, ask so you’re prepared.

Next prenatal visit prep

Your provider will likely measure fundal height (belly size) at your next appointment. It should roughly match your weeks along, if it’s significantly off, they might order an extra ultrasound just to check positioning.

• Rh-negative? If your blood type is negative and you haven’t had the RhoGAM shot yet, it’s usually given around 28 weeks.
• TDAP vaccine timing. Many providers recommend this whooping cough booster between 27–36 weeks so antibodies pass to baby.