Monster Update: Week 07

Now almost half an inch long — roughly the size of a raspberry — the Tummy Monster has elbow joints and distinct, slightly webbed fingers and toes. In its oversized head, both hemispheres of the brain are developing. Its teeth and the inside of its mouth are forming, and its ears continue to develop. Eyelid folds partially cover the Monster's tiny peepers. Its skin is paper-thin, and its veins are clearly visible.

The Monster also has an appendix and a pancreas (finally! slacker), which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. Its liver is busy producing red blood cells, and a loop of the Monster's growing intestines is bulging into its umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients. Stef can't feel its gyrations yet, but our little Monster is moving in fits and starts around its watery home.

Text adapted from Baby Center.