Baby's Developing Senses

Just before the eighth week of gestation, an embryo develops its first sensitivity to touch. The first parts of its body to experience sensitivity are the ones that are the most sensitive in adults. It starts in the cheek and then quickly extends to the genital area (10 weeks), palms (11 weeks), and soles of the feet (12 weeks). By 17 weeks, the abdomen and buttocks are also sensitive. Your baby may experiment with this newfound sense of touch by stroking his or her face or sucking on a thumb, as well as feeling other body parts and seeing how they move.

By 32 weeks, nearly every part of the body is sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, and pain.