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Weeks 30 to 34

The baby's skin is now pink and smooth, and its arms and legs are fatter. The eyes have opened, and by 30 weeks (the 32nd week of pregnancy) the pupils will dilate and contract in response to light. The mother may feel the baby hiccuping, after it has swallowed too much amniotic fluid. By 34 weeks, most babies have their heads downwards, ready for birth.

A woman in her eighth month of pregnancy.
A woman in her eighth month of pregnancy.
Petit Format, Prof E Symonds/Science Photo Library

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