You're almost halfway through your pregnancy. Congratulations! By now, your belly is starting to look a little bigger and you're starting to feel like you're about to become a mother . Your little one is growing at an incredible rate during these weeks. So let's take a look at what's happening to you and your baby in your womb during these 17, 18, 19, and 20 weeks.
Week 17: When the baby is growing fast
What's wrong with the baby?
Just think, your baby's weight has doubled in the last two weeks! He is now starting to accumulate fat. This layer of fat helps regulate his body temperature and build strength. His lungs are now getting used to expelling amniotic fluid . His circulatory system and urinary system are now working well.
The hair on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes are now growing. The baby is starting to grasp its hands and put them in its mouth. The heart is beating fast, pumping about 100 pints of blood a day. Your little one is probably kicking and rolling around in the womb right now.
How is mom?
Your belly is now clearly visible. You have probably gained about 2-4.5 kilos (5-10 pounds) by now. You may also be feeling a little more hungry. Your uterus is getting bigger, so it may be difficult to sleep comfortably at night. If this is not your first baby, you may have started to feel the baby move. Your legs may also be slightly larger due to the weight gain, hormonal changes in your body, and some swelling. You will feel a lot of energy and be very relaxed during these few weeks.
A little tip: To prevent yourself from feeling dizzy or faint, take turns changing positions. Be especially careful when getting up from a lying position or from sitting. If you feel faint, sit down quickly and lower your head, or lie down for a while.
Week 18: Baby's organs start to function
What's wrong with the baby?
Although the baby's rapid growth has slowed down a bit, his reflexes are starting to work well. He can now open his mouth, twist his body, make facial expressions, and even snort. Taste buds are starting to develop, and he can distinguish between sweet and bitter tastes. If someone touches his lips, he will start to suck. He can also swallow and develop a larynx.
The retina of the eye is now sensitive to light. This means that if a bright light falls on your belly, your baby may close his eyes and move away from that side. His little ears are also working now! Your voice and all the sounds your baby hears now.
How is mom?
Your uterus is now about the size of a small watermelon. You can feel it just below your belly button. You may have a mid-pregnancy ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks. This will check your baby's development and confirm your due date. If the baby is in the right position, this scan may also tell you whether it's a boy or a girl.
During this time, your heart has to work about 40% - 50% harder than usual. You may feel more sore at the end of the day. Your doctor may do a vaginal ultrasound to check the length of your cervix and the position of the placenta. You may notice a dark line (linea nigra) running down your belly button. This is normal for most people, so don't worry.
A little tip: If possible, bring your husband to the scan . It will be a great pleasure for both of you to see your baby for the first time together.
Week 19: The baby's skin is developing
What's wrong with the baby?
The baby's skin is developing now, and it is very transparent. This is why it looks red because the blood vessels are visible through the skin. The main airways (bronchioles) in the baby's lungs are starting to form. Also, a creamy white coating called vernix is forming to protect the baby's skin. These are the best times to see the baby's organs clearly on a scan.
How is mom?
If this is not your first pregnancy, you may have started to feel the baby's kicks by now. As your baby grows, you may experience some mild cramping in your lower abdomen, nausea, sore breasts, constipation, leg cramps, mild swelling in your ankles and feet, and back pain. These are all normal conditions. You may also notice small red spots (spider nevi) on your face, shoulders, and arms due to dilated blood vessels. These will also go away after delivery.
Week 20: Halfway through the journey!
What's wrong with the baby?
Your baby can hear sounds now - not only your voice, your heartbeat, your stomach , but also sounds from outside. If you hear a loud noise near you, your baby may cover his ears with his hands or jump up and down. Your baby is now constantly moving - twisting, rolling over, playing tricks, and kicking his legs. If you have twins, they are constantly moving around and stimulating each other. Your baby is now sleeping, but may also wake up to noise and movement.
How is mom?
Congratulations! You are now halfway through your pregnancy. Your uterus is now at the level of your navel. Your waistline is almost gone. Some of the muscles in your urinary tract are relaxing, making you more likely to get a urinary tract infection. So drink plenty of water and don't hold your urine. It's a good idea to start doing Kegel exercises to help with urinary control. Ask your doctor about this.
Your thyroid gland is more active during this time, so your breathing may become deeper and you may sweat more than usual.
| Possible difficulties during this time | Simple remedies you can do |
|---|---|
| Backache | Sit/stand up straight. Avoid standing for long periods of time. When sleeping, turn to your side and place a pillow between your legs. If you are lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and lift. |
| Swollen ankles/feet | When sitting, keep your feet elevated, such as on a chair. Avoid standing in one place for long periods of time. |
| Dizziness | Move slowly when changing positions (especially when getting up). If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately. |
| Risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) | Drink plenty of water daily. If you experience symptoms such as burning during urination or frequent urination , see your doctor immediately. |
Other amazing things happening inside your body
As your baby's hair grows on his head, a very fine, soft down called lanugo will cover his shoulders, back, and cheeks. This protects the baby and usually falls out by the end of the first week after birth.
The baby's skin is also covered with a white, cheese-like coating called vernix caseosa . This is to protect the skin from damage as the baby spends a long time in amniotic fluid. This coating also falls off shortly before birth.
The reason you start to feel your baby move is because his muscles are developing and he's using them to exercise. We also call this feeling of first movement "quickening."
Take-Home Message
- You're now halfway through your pregnancy! This is an important milestone for you and your baby.
- Your baby's senses, especially hearing, are developing well now. This is a great time to talk and sing to your baby.
- Back pain, leg swelling, and fatigue are common during this time. But if they are too much for you to bear, talk to your doctor .
- The ultrasound scan between 18-22 weeks is very important. It can provide a lot of information about the baby's development.
- Take care of your body. Drink plenty of water, eat nutritious foods, and get enough rest. All of these are very important for you and your baby.
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