Good news for you! You have now completed exactly half of your beloved pregnancy journey, that is, 20 weeks. It is hard to imagine how far life has come since it started with a tiny cell! These 20 weeks are a very special milestone for you and your baby. Let's take a look at how your little one is developing and growing this week, what is happening to your body, and what you should be especially aware of during this time.
Your baby's growth in these 20 weeks is amazing!
The little wonder in your womb is growing so fast now. You'll be amazed to hear what's going on inside his world!
How is the size and weight?
This week, your baby weighs 312 grams (about 11 ounces) . He's about 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) long. He's about the size of an orange, big enough to hold in your hand. But he's growing very quickly. He's starting to take up more and more space inside your uterus. So as he continues to grow, you may feel a little pressure on your lungs, stomach, bladder, and kidneys. That's normal.
The little mischievous one has now started working!
Do you remember the first time you felt your baby move, like butterflies fluttering around in your belly? By 20 weeks, that feeling should be getting stronger. Some moms may even feel like they're kicking a football around in their belly by now! These movements are what tell you that your baby is doing well and is active. If you feel these movements several times a day, that's a good sign. But not all babies are the same, so don't worry if you don't feel them as much as others. Talk to your doctor about this.
The amazing protector of the skin: `(Vernix Caseosa)`
We have already mentioned that the baby's skin has a white, thick, waxy coating called `(Vernix Caseosa)` on it. Simply put, this is what protects the baby's skin from getting wet and wrinkled from the fluid in the womb (i.e. `(Amniotic Fluid)`). This helps prevent the skin on our hands from getting wrinkled when we stay in water for too long. Also, this slippery nature helps the baby to come out easily when it is born. Isn't it amazing how nature works? Underneath this `(Vernix Caseosa)`, the baby's skin has gradually thickened and started to form layers.
Hair, nails, even eyebrows!
Your baby's little head is starting to grow hair. He may also be covered in fine hair (`(Lanugo)`) all over his body. This layer of hair called `(Lanugo)` also helps protect your baby's skin, and as he gets closer to birth, most of it will fall out. Tiny fingernails are also starting to grow on his hands and feet. He may even have tiny eyebrows and eyelashes.
The baby can hear now!
This is something very special. By 20 weeks, your baby will start to hear sounds very well. He can now recognize the sound of you talking, the sound of your heartbeat, and even the sounds outside. So talk to your baby, sing songs to him. It is very important for him to become familiar with your voice.
Just imagine, when your husband talks to you while you're close to your belly, your baby might respond. It would be a wonderful experience for both of you.
What else is going on?
- Even though the baby's lungs are not fully developed yet, he is making small movements as if he is learning to breathe. This means he is taking in and expelling ``Amniotic Fluid''. This helps the lungs develop.
- Your baby's brain is also developing very quickly. His taste buds are also developing now. The flavors of the food you eat are probably being transmitted to your baby through the amniotic fluid.
- During the ``Anomaly Scan'' performed at 20 weeks, you may even be able to find out the baby's gender, if you wish.
Mom, how are you doing these 20 weeks?
There are a lot of changes happening in your body and mind this week, as well as your baby. Let's take a look at what they are.
The joy of saying "Half a dozen!"
For many mothers, these 20 weeks are a very happy and relaxed time. The morning sickness has subsided to a great extent. The belly looks beautiful and the heart feels very hopeful.
I can see changes in my body.
- Growing belly: Your uterus is now right up to your navel, or close to it. So your belly is now clearly visible. It's time for you to wear clothes that are suitable for pregnant women.
- Weight gain: You may have gained about 4-6 kilos by now. This varies from person to person. Try to maintain a healthy weight as advised by your doctor.
- `Linea Nigra`: Have you noticed a dark line running down from your navel? That's called `(Linea Nigra)`. This is caused by hormonal changes and will gradually disappear after you have a baby. So don't worry.
- Stretch Marks: Stretch marks can appear as pink or purple marks on areas like the stomach, breasts, and buttocks as the skin stretches. Some people get these, some don't. It doesn't matter if they do, they are beautiful signs of your motherhood.
Some minor inconveniences
- Back pain: As your belly grows, the way your body's weight is distributed changes, which can lead to back pain. Maintain proper posture, avoid lifting heavy objects, and sleep with a pillow between your legs.
- Heartburn: The valve at the top of the stomach becomes a little loose, allowing stomach acid to come up. Eat small meals instead of large meals. Reduce spicy and oily foods. Don't lie down after eating.
- Leg swelling and pain: Sometimes the legs and ankles may swell a little. Don't stand for long periods of time, keep your legs elevated. If you have varicose veins, tell your doctor .
- Difficulty breathing: As your uterus grows, it may feel like you are having a hard time breathing. Take deep breaths. If it is very difficult, tell your doctor .
- Frequent urination: This is also something else that happens because the uterus is pressing on the bladder. This is normal.
Happiness in the heart, a little worry
You may experience a variety of emotions during this time. You may feel very happy at one time, and a little sad or anxious at another. This is normal as you are going through hormonal changes and major life changes. Talk about your feelings with your partner, family, or a trusted friend.
There is something called ``nesting instinct.'' It means that there is a great desire to clean the house and prepare the baby's room before the baby arrives. That is also something that many mothers feel at this time.
What specifically do you want to do this week?
Keep these things in mind for your and your baby's health.
The extremely important `(Anomaly Scan)`!
An Anomaly Scan (also known as a Level II Ultrasound) is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks. This is a very important ultrasound scan. With this, doctors check the baby's growth, whether the organs are developing properly, whether there are any problems with major organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys, the location of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
You will be asked to drink some water and hold your urine before this scan. This is because the uterus can be seen better when the bladder is full. Don't worry, this is not painful.
Don't forget about nutrition.
What you eat is what your baby eats, so it's very important to eat a nutritious diet.
- Iron: To prevent anemia, eat iron-rich foods (spinach, meat, fish, lentils) and take the iron tablets prescribed by your doctor.
- Calcium: Calcium is needed for the development of baby's bones and teeth. Eat milk, yogurt, cheese, and green vegetables.
- Folic Acid: This is important from the beginning of pregnancy. Take as recommended by your doctor.
- Fiber: Eat foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, bran rice) to prevent constipation.
- Water: You should drink plenty of water throughout the day. At least 8-10 glasses.
Shall we do some exercise?
If your doctor has given you permission, light exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga, which is specifically designed for pregnant women, is good for your body and mind. But don't do it until you're exhausted.
Rest is also essential.
If you feel tired, rest. Get a good night's sleep. Try to sleep on your left side, as this helps the baby get better blood flow.
Stay in touch with your doctor regularly.
If you have any questions or doubts, don't be afraid to ask the doctor. Be sure to go to the scheduled `(Clinic)` days.
Be a little careful about these things.
Even though everything is going well during pregnancy, sometimes minor problems can arise. If you have any of these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor right away:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding.
- Unusual vaginal discharge (especially with a foul odor).
- Severe stomach pain or persistent stomach cramps.
- Severe headache, blurred vision.
- Sudden swelling of the limbs.
- Fever or chills.
- After the baby's movements start to feel better, those movements suddenly decrease or disappear.
- Burning or pain when urinating.
Not all of these symptoms are caused by something dangerous. However, if you have something like this, it's best to see a doctor to make sure it's not something serious.
Some more questions that mothers ask
- Can you have sex at 20 weeks?
In most cases, if your pregnancy is going well and without complications, it is okay to have sex. However, if you have a condition like placenta previa (placenta previa) or have had a previous miscarriage, your doctor may say no. It is best to ask your doctor for advice.
- Is it good to travel during this time?
For most moms, the second trimester (weeks 14-27) is the best time to travel. This is because there are fewer morning sicknesses and the belly is not as big, making it easier to move around. However, if you are going on a long trip, especially by plane, talk to your doctor first. Don't stay in the same position for long periods of time, and get up and walk around every two hours.
Whatever you want to keep in mind
So, we've talked about 20 weeks in great detail. The most important thing is that you're not going through this journey alone. Your husband, family, friends, and especially your doctor are with you.
Every change, every experience adds a new color to your life. There will come a day when you will even feel the baby's tiny breath. So spend this time as happily and relaxed as possible. Listen to your body. Eat well, sleep well, and be happy. You are a hero who is ready to give another little life to this world!
"Every pregnancy is unique. Your experience may be different from others. So don't compare yourself to others. Trust your doctor and follow your gut."
` Pregnancy Week 20, Baby's Development, Mother's Health, Anomaly Scan, Pregnancy Nutrition, Pregnancy Care, Pregnancy Week 20
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