Week by week pregnancy guide: You and your baby at Week 20
Congratulations, mum! You're halfway through your pregnancy. Find out what your baby may be able to do with his eyes and what fun activity you should definitely be doing now.
How Big is Your Baby?
Your 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.
- He is swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid which is good for his digestive system.
- A black, sticky substance called meconium is accumulating in his bowels. He will pass this soon after birth.
- His taste buds are working, so if you catch him smacking his lips during your anomaly scan, he probably likes 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.
Pregnancy Symptoms
- You will now steadily gain about half a kilogram per week.
- Your sleep is interrupted. The uterus is aligned with the belly button, making sleeping in one position a little uncomfortable.
- The fatigue and morning sickness from trimester one have completely faded away by now. (This is, undoubtedly, the best news in this week by week pregnancy guide.)
- You probably have increased libido as well, so getting some action between the sheets with your hubby will do you both good.
- You have vaginal discharge. It is harmless and will continue until the end of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Care
- Keep your weight in check. If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more. If you were overweight, you need to put the brakes on gaining.
- Keep exercising to keep those aches and pains minimal.
Your Checklist
- Haven't had an anomaly scan yet? You should. The bonus is: 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.
- 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
Do you have questions on this week by week pregnancy guide? What are your current concerns, mums? Leave us a comment below!