Congratulations mama! You're halfway there at 20 weeks pregnant! By this time in your second trimester, your baby may be able to open their eyes and do a lot more activities that are sure to make you super happy.
20 Weeks Pregnant is How Many Months?
20 weeks pregnant is about five months pregnant. When you are 20 weeks pregnant, you are about halfway through your pregnancy and almost through the second trimester.
Pregnancy Week 20: Baby
At this stage, the fatigue and nausea are starting to fade. You're getting used to your new routine, and as your body gets bigger, so does your belly.
You're probably starting to show a little now, too! Your baby's eyes are open, and its brain has developed enough to hear sounds outside its body.
This week is particularly important for developing your baby's lungs because it is the last week your baby will be able to grow lungs inside the womb. After this week, you'll see them growing outside your body instead!
Baby’s Growth
You've reached week 20 of pregnancy. Your baby is now the size of a banana—at about 16.5cm in length and about 299.9g in weight. Your baby's limbs should be fully developed by now, so you will feel them rolling around in your uterus!
Starting this week, your doctor may measure your belly from your public bone to the top of your uterus at every prenatal visit. This is called the "fundal height" measurement, which shows how your baby is growing. If you want to check, the height in centimetres is about equal to the number of weeks you're pregnant.
Baby's Development
In this week-by-week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:
- Your baby's skin is thickening and developing layers this week.
- While most babies still have their eyes sealed, your little one's peepers may be open now.
- They are swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid, which is good for their digestive system.
- A black, sticky substance called meconium is accumulating in his bowels. They will pass this soon after birth.
- Their taste buds are working, so if you catch them smacking their lips during your anomaly scan, they probably like what you ate last!
- If you are having a girl, her uterus is formed while her vaginal canal is developing. If you are having a boy, his scrotum is yet to develop, but his testicles have started to descend.
- You may feel quick, jerky movements from time to time. That's your baby's hiccups and tells you that their development is on track.
Baby’s Hearing
Your baby is growing and developing at an incredible rate, and their hearing is no exception.
At around 20 weeks, your baby can hear sounds outside the womb. The amniotic fluid muffles these sounds, but they can make out familiar voices—perhaps even yours! This sense will continue to develop throughout pregnancy until birth.
Baby’s Teeth
Your baby's teeth will start growing around week 20, but they won't usually fully come in until after birth.
Don't worry if you don't notice the little bumps on your baby's gums right away—they're still developing under the skin, which is why they're hidden from view. But when they do start coming through, you'll be able to see them and feel them with your finger.
Baby’s Movement
Baby’s movements can be felt from the outside of your tummy now!
It’s not uncommon to feel a fluttering sensation in the later stages of pregnancy. The baby is starting to get bigger, and its body is getting closer to yours.
It may feel like a butterfly touching your skin, or it could feel more like soft bubbles bursting under your skin. It might even feel like gentle tapping or tapping on your cervix. Whatever it feels like, it’s a good sign that the baby is getting ready for birth!
20 Weeks Pregnant: Your Body
Your body continues to make adjustments as it adapts to the growing baby. You may have gained up to two pounds since your last appointment, but you might not notice that weight gain because it is likely in your breasts and abdomen. You may also be experiencing heartburn or indigestion, which can make you feel bloated.
If you're still having morning sickness at 20 weeks pregnant, it should be getting better soon. If not, talk with your doctor about some medications that might help.
You may start feeling pressure from your growing uterus on your bladder and rectum this week - some women even experience leakage from these areas due to pressure on them from their growing uterus!
20 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
- You will now steadily gain about half a kilogram per week.
- Do you keep tossing and turning at night, trying to find a comfortable sleeping position? The uterus is aligned with the belly button, making sleeping in one position a little uncomfortable.
- However, you may have noticed that lower back pain has started, as the weight of your tummy is already starting to take a toll on your back at 20 weeks pregnant.
- You probably have increased libido as well, so getting some action between the sheets with your hubby will do you both good.
- You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. It is harmless and will continue until the end of your pregnancy.
- The fatigue and morning sickness from the first trimester has completely faded. (This is, undoubtedly, the best news in this week-by-week pregnancy guide.) However, if you still feel dizzy and the vomiting has not stopped at 20 weeks pregnant, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum, and you need to consult your doctor.
- A few enjoyable pregnancy symptoms: you may notice more growth and strength in your hair and nails.
Maternal Weight Gain
Congratulations, you're halfway through your pregnancy! You've probably gained some weight by now. It's normal to gain about 1 to 4 pounds per week in the first trimester and about 1 to 2 in the second and third trimesters.
Talk to your doctor or midwife if you're concerned about your weight gain. They'll be able to help you figure out if your weight is on track.
Like most women, you've probably gained quite a bit of weight since becoming pregnant. Research shows that, on average, women gain 25 to 35 pounds during their first pregnancy. That's a lot of weight!
But don't worry—you don't have to lose all of it. Most doctors recommend that the mum-to-be gain between 25 and 35 pounds during her pregnancy (and some even say as much as 45 pounds).
20 Weeks Pregnant Belly
At 20 weeks pregnant, your belly should be noticeably rounder as your uterus continues to expand to accommodate your growing baby. The top of your uterus is approximately in line with your belly button, and you may find that your belly button flattens or even pops out, turning your "innie" into an "outie."
It's common for pregnant women to experience sensations of discomfort or weirdness around the belly button area as it becomes more sensitive to touch. However, if you're experiencing severe belly button pain, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider as it could be a sign of an umbilical hernia.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and the size and shape of your belly can vary. Embrace the changes and celebrate the halfway point of your pregnancy!
Nutrition
It's time to start thinking about what you're eating and how you're eating it.
Your body is working hard to create a healthy environment for your growing baby, ensuring you're providing it with the right fuel.
Here are some tips for keeping yourself and your baby healthy as you go through pregnancy week 20:
- Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Fibre helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, which is important for preventing constipation and other problems during pregnancy (not to mention keeping your energy up).
- Get enough calcium from dairy products like milk and yoghurt or leafy green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Calcium helps build strong bones for both you and your baby.
- Choose lean meats such as chicken breast meat instead of fatty cuts of beef or pork; these will provide plenty of protein without adding unnecessary calories or fat grams to your diet.
- If possible, avoid fish with high levels of mercury, such as tuna; these can cause harm to your developing child if consumed regularly during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist For Week 20 of Pregnancy
- Keep your weight in check. If you started your pregnancy underweight, you might need to gain a bit more. If you are overweight, you need to put the brakes on gaining.
- Keep exercising to keep those aches and pains minimal at 20 weeks pregnant.
- Haven't you had an anomaly scan yet? You should. The bonus is that you may witness your baby kick, move or suck his thumb! Do take your partner along. It will be an amazing experience for you both.
- Eat healthy to stock up on essential pregnancy nutrients.
- Take your prenatal vitamins diligently.
- You're halfway through your pregnancy - you deserve to celebrate! Treat yourself to a prenatal massage or a nice facial.
- Thinking about travelling? The second trimester is the best time to plan a trip. Share your travel with the doctor and start packing!
Your next week: 21 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 19 weeks pregnant
Updates from Pheona Ilagan
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