You should gain 1 pound a week this month. Start childbirth education classes soon. Most health care providers do a blood test for maternal diabetes at 28 to 30 weeks. By the end of the 7th month, the fetus is about 15 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds. Month 8 Your Baby Rapid brain growth continues.
Fetus is too big to move around much but can kick strongly and roll around.
You may notice the shape of an elbow or heel through your abdomen. Bones of the head are soft and flexible to make it easier for baby to fit through the birth canal. Lungs may still be immature. If born around 37 weeks, fetus is premature but has an excellent chance for survival. Fetus is now about 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds.