You’re showing more now, with an obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. A five- to 10-pound weight gain is typical by now. You also may be noticing an increase in appetite.
A mid-pregnancy ultrasound may be performed between now and 22 weeks to assess fetal growth and development and to verify the due date. If the baby is in the right position, the ultrasound may even be able to determine whether it’s a boy or a girl. Your heart has to work 40 percent to 50 percent harder now to support your pregnancy.
Your Baby
The fetus is now about 8 inches long, the size of a small bunny. Your baby’s skin is protected by a waxy coating called vernix, and downy hairs called lanugo cover her body. Kidneys are producing urine, which is excreted into the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby.