What your baby's up to
This week marks the beginning of what is referred to as thefetal period, which lasts until birth. Your baby's body systems, such as circulatory, nervous, reproductive and digestive, are fully formed during this time. Your baby's heart is beating approximately 160-170 beats per minute. Your baby is growing fast and is now approximately 27 - 35 mm or 1.06 - 1.38 inches with 1/2 of that length being attributed to the head. He weighs between 3 - 4 grams, or less then 1/2 an ounce -- that is about as much as four paper clips.

Also, your baby will become much more active then before, but unfortunately, still too small for you to notice. He will be moving his arms and legs, which can only be seen on an ultrasound. Your baby's joints are fully formed, as are his tiny hands, feet, fingers and toes. Even this young, he would be able to grab an object if it were placed in his hand. Your baby's eyes are openly most of the time but they will not remain that way. The eyelids are beginning to fuse, and they will stay shut until you reach approximately 25 to 27 weeks. The external genitalia is beginning to be able to show your baby's sex, however it will be many weeks before even an ultrasound can tell if you are having a boy or a girl. Both the external ears and upper lip are completely formed now. However, your baby's biggest accomplishment this week is the disappearance of the tail!

Also, your baby is now taking breaths. This breathing activity is noticeable as he "breathes" amniotic fluid. Oh, and he is beginning to urinate as well.

About you and your body
There's some good news this week – you my notice your morning sickness beginning to ease and give you some relief. However, you will still be tired, moody and nauseated. You may also start seeing some blotchiness on your face at this time. These signs can be attributed to the change in hormones.

This is the week you have been waiting for where you may begin to show every so slightly. You may notice your abdomen begin to pooch out, however it will be more from bowel distension than the uterus. Ready or not, your waistline is slowly disappearing. Your blood volume is also increasing by 40-50 percent. You will start to notice veins on your breasts, legs and tummy more easily. These veins will usually subside shortly after delivery, when your blood volume returns to normal range.