Congratulations mama! You’re halfway there at pregnancy week 20! By this time, your baby may be able to open his/her eyes and do a lot many more activities that are sure to make you super happy.
How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby is now the size of a banana—now 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 him/her 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.
Image courtesy: Stock image
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/she is swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid which is good for his/her digestive system.
- A black, sticky substance called meconium is accumulating in his bowels. He/she will pass this soon after birth.
- His/her taste buds are working, so if you catch him/her smacking his/her lips during your anomaly scan, he/she 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.
- You may feel quick jerky movements from time to time, that’s your baby’s hiccups and tells you that his development is on track.
Pregnancy 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.
- You probably have increased libido as well, so getting some action between the sheets with your hubby will do you both good.
- You may have vaginal discharge at pregnancy week 20. It is harmless and will continue until the end of your pregnancy.
- The fatigue and morning sickness from trimester one has completely faded away by now. (This is, undoubtedly, the best news in this week-by-week pregnancy guide.) However, if you are still feeling dizzy and the vomiting has not stopped, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum, and you need to consult your doctor.
- A few more enjoyable pregnancy symptoms: you may notice more growth and strength on your hair and nails.
ALSO READ:
How To Deal With Pregnancy Fatigue
Pregnancy Pampering: 11 Tips For The Mum-To-Be
Husband’s Support During Pregnancy: A Guide for All Expecting Fathers
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist For Week 20 of Pregnancy
- 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 at pregnancy week 20.
- Haven’t 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 at halfway point of 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
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
