Week 20 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 20

• Cheers! You've reached the halfway mark of your pregnancy! It may seem like time is crawling or flying; it all depends on how you're feeling and dealing with all of the changes going on around you

• The anatomy scan, or 20-week ultrasound will take place shortly! More significantly, an ultrasound technician will examine the baby's organs, take measurements, and ensure that the baby is growing normally

• Your doctor will likely begin measuring your fundal height shortly. Essentially, they will measure your growing bump

• At this stage, you've most likely gained approximately 4 kg, give or take. Don't get caught up in the numbers; instead, focus on eating a good, balanced diet and getting some exercise!

• If you are in Week 20 of your pregnancy you are in the second trimester and in the fifth month

• 20 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 20

At the midway point of your pregnancy, your foetus has made significant progress but still has a long way to go. There are a few crucial growth phases occurring around this time: the foetus has active taste receptors and a sucking reflex, you could even catch a baby sucking its thumb during the next scan! They consume a significant amount of amniotic fluid every day. Furthermore, regular sleep/wake cycles emerge. When the baby is awake, you will notice that they are more active. The quickening is your baby's way of saying hello!

Baby's muscles are developing rapidly right now, and all of those new muscles need exercise to strengthen and coordinate, which explains all of the punching and kicking. As those muscles interact with the neurological system, including the brain, the infant will be able to perform more coordinated and deliberate motions.

At 20 weeks, the baby's fragile skin is protected while in the amniotic fluid by lanugo (thin, light hair) and vernix (a smooth, white material) that coats its body.

In addition to small fingernails, the baby's fingerprints are developing this week. Even identical twins cannot have the same fingerprints. Fingerprints never change; even if you damage your finger pads, they will return as your skin heals (perhaps with a scar). These ridges occur at about the tenth week of pregnancy, when the middle (basal) layer of skin grows faster than the skin on top of it, causing it to fold and buckle on the surface. The emergent pattern is assumed to be a mix of heredity (you and your baby most likely have some pattern similarities) and environment.

• Baby Weight- Around 290 grammes
• Baby Length- 6.5 to 8 inches long
• Baby Size- Comparable to Banana

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 20 of pregnancy, your body is changing rapidly. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• Pregnancy hormones may be causing your hair and nails to grow at a rapid pace
• Morning sickness is less likely in the second trimester, although indigestion and pregnancy heartburn may still be an issue
• Swelling and oedema are normal at this time
• Your uterus is growing and may press on your lungs, causing you to feel short of breath
• Your sleep may be becoming interrupted. A few simple tweaks like using a pregnancy pillow might help you sleep better throughout pregnancy
• Rising hormone levels might lead to an increase in vaginal discharge
• At 20 weeks, your baby bump will be apparent
• Your belly skin may get itchy as your bump grows
• As "quickening," the fluttery feeling of your baby squirming in your uterus, begins, you may feel butterflies in your stomach
• Your hunger may be increasing as your baby's nutritional needs grow.
• You will continue to gain weight throughout pregnancy

Body Changes This week

If your belly button used to be an innie, it is now an outie due to your growing belly.

With billions of neurons developing, your baby's brain is gaining form, with grooves and folds providing valuable surface space to contain all those brain cells.

At this point, you may experience various sensations, including the possibility of feeling your first small kick.

All that development may be placing strain on your lungs, bladder, stomach, and kidneys.
With your baby (and your belly) developing swiftly, you'll be able to try on some adorable maternity clothes.

20-Week Ultrasound

If you haven't had your mid-pregnancy ultrasound yet, you will soon, since this prenatal test occurs between weeks 18 and 22. The 20-week ultrasound is a deep examination that will reveal aspects of the baby you never would have thought to see, like the kidneys, brain hemispheres and heart chambers. The technician and OB will examine the baby to ensure that everything seems to be growing normally and that his or her development is appropriate for a 20-week-old foetus.

If you're pregnant with twins, the ultrasound technician will check to see whether the infants' weights are about the same. If they are not, more tests will be conducted to ensure that neither twin is experiencing growth issues.

Request prints of the sonogram photographs. These are fantastic mementoes for your fast-growing baby.

Your Baby Bump at Week 20

At 20 weeks pregnant, your belly should measure between 18 and 22 centimetres. It should continue to grow approximately a centimetre every week. A greater or lower fundal height may indicate a pregnancy problem, such as gestational diabetes, a growth issue, or a breech baby, therefore if it does not seem to be normal, more testing may be required.

At 20 weeks pregnant, weight gain is gradual but steady.

You may have gained around 4 kg by now. Remember that you want to gain between up to 1 kg every week. If you're pregnant with twins or other multiples, don't be too concerned about your fundal height measurements—it's difficult to tell what's normal for mothers-to-be carrying multiples. Instead, your OB will most likely focus on your weight gain. If you're pregnant with twins, you should strive to gain a little more weight every week.

Tips for Week 20

Being 20 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• Get things done before you reach your third trimester. Create a birth plan, determine what you'll need for the nursery, and make additional preparations. Make sure you get enough sleep!
• If you have chosen a hospital, now is a good time to arrange a visit to the maternity ward. While you're there, look into the programs available on delivery methods, lactation, nursing, newborn care, and other subjects.
• If you've never had contractions before, they may surprise you. They may be unpleasant, but only for a short time. You won't go into labour with Braxton Hicks, but if you start to feel discomfort and the contractions don't stop, see your doctor as they might be an indication of something else
• Your iron supply is probably depleted right now. Because anaemia is prevalent during pregnancy, you should change your diet to include iron-rich foods or consider taking a supplement

Checklist for Week 20

• Schedule and attend any additional prenatal appointments
• Start considering birth plans and potential birthing options
• Begin interviewing paediatricians
• Decorate the nursery!
• Plan your baby shower logistics (if you're having one)

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 20 of Pregnancy

1. Why should you sleep on your left side when pregnant?
   Your bump is large enough at this time to put a strain on the artery and vein that transports blood between your heart and belly (including the baby). Side-lying lowers pressure on vital arteries. Wake up on your back? Don't worry; just flip back to your side. If you can't get comfortable, consider placing a cushion between your legs and/or under your bump.
2. What is a linea nigra?
   Don't get alarmed if you detect a black line extending from your belly button to your pelvis (and maybe up your abdomen somewhat). This "black line," derived from Latin, is most likely caused by hormones released by the placenta during pregnancy, which boost the body's synthesis of melanin, the chemical that gives skin its colour. (It's the same hormone that darkens your nipples.) In general, the darker your skin, the more visible your linea nigra will be.