24 weeks - Seen here at six months, the unborn child is covered
with a fine, downy hair called lanugo. Its tender skin is protected
by a waxy substance called vernix. Some of this substance may still
be on the child's skin at birth at which time it will be quickly absorbed.
The child practices breathing by inhaling amnionic fluid into developing
lungs.
30 weeks - For several months, the umbilical cord has been the
baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred from the mother's
blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord to the fetus.
If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as drugs
or alcohol,
the baby receives these as well.
32 weeks - The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes
experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.
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