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Weeks 26 to 29

By 26 weeks (the 28th week of pregnancy), the lungs are ready to breathe air. The brain has developed enough to control breathing and body temperature to some extent. So from now on the fetus stands a good chance of surviving even if it's born early. It has eyelashes and fingernails. It appears less wrinkled, as more and more fat is laid down under the skin.

The hands and mouth of a fetus around six months old.
The hands and mouth of a fetus around six months old.
Petit Format, Nestle/Science Photo Library

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