20 weeks pregnant

Hey mommy-to-be, are you 20 weeks pregnant? Well, congratulations! You’re already halfway there. You would be happy to know that this week, you will be able to mark another milestone off your pregnancy journey. It’s because, if you haven’t felt your baby’s first kick yet, this is the week for it to happen.

To keep up your joy, here are many more developments to watch out for this week. So, keep on reading to know more!

Your Baby’s Development: 20 Weeks Foetus

At 20 weeks pregnant, your little one is grown to be the size of bell pepper. He would be weighing at about 283 gms and measuring about 9.5 inches from crown to heel. You can view the progress below:

• Skin: The protective layer of vernix keeps on building on the skin.

• Hair: Your baby’s hair follicles start getting longer.

• Sweat glands: Eccrine sweat glands begin to form.

• Gallbladder: At 20 weeks pregnant, the gallbladder starts producing bile, which aids the digestion process of the nutrients.

20 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At 20 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may start experiencing:

Constipation

Expecting moms, this week you might have to face some episodes of constipation. As your hormonal activity is on the rise and your baby is growing, it can start putting pressure on your intestine. All of which can lead to the 20-week pregnancy symptom of constipation. Even though this condition can be a little uncomfortable for you, there’s no need to stress. Keeping yourself hydrated and consuming more fibre can help you fight this condition with ease.

Congestion and nosebleeds

As mentioned earlier, in the twentieth week of pregnancy there is an increase in the level of hormones. This can be accompanied by extra blood volume which can make the mucous membranes in your nose to swell and dry out. Overall resulting in both congestion and nosebleeds. To combat this symptom of 20 weeks of pregnancy, you must make use of a humidifier that moistens the air. Likewise, you should also consume an ample amount of water to stay hydrated at all times.

Lower back pain

Mommy-to-be, let us tell you that this is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. As your 20-week pregnant belly grows it adds to your pregnancy weight which makes your back ache. However, there are a few things that might help you ease this discomfort. It could be wearing low-heeled shoes or doing gentle exercises that strengthen and stretch your back muscles.

Forgetfulness

During this trimester, you might find it hard to concentrate or remember small things like your keys, wallet or phone numbers. So, it might be best to create checklists or reminders to keep things on track. Likewise, giving yourself some extra breaks while doing tasks can help you concentrate better than doing any tasks at a stretch.

Swollen feet

You might notice that your feet have started to swell up. Well, it can be caused due to weight gain and fluid retention. However, there is a hormone called relaxin which also results in this condition. It relaxes ligaments and joints that make it easier for your little one to pass through the pelvis during birth. But at the same time, it also loosens the ligaments elsewhere in your body — including those in your feet, leading to swollen feet.

20th Week Baby: Things to Consider

Here’s what you can consider this week:

• Get an ultrasound done: At this stage of your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend you to do prenatal ultrasound. It will help you understand how well your baby is developing at 20 weeks. Likewise, depending on your will, you can even find out whether you're expecting a girl or a boy.

• Go for a trip: Expecting moms who love to travel, the second trimester is still a good time for you to head out and visit your favourite destinations. It's because, during this time, your pregnancy symptoms are not that intense. Plus, your belly is also not so big, making you uncomfortable getting around.

• Partner up! This week of pregnancy has got many things that you can do with your partner and let him experience more of your pregnancy along with you. For instance, going together to the check-ups and ultrasounds, and decorating the nursery. You both can even attend childbirth classes together so your partner and you can both prepare for the big day.

• Start planning: Get your planners out, as it’s time to conceptualise your little one’s nursery. Start scouring online and create mood boards with the colour palette, aesthetic and decor.

Precautions and Tips for Your 20 Weeks Pregnant Belly

Here are some tips that may come in handy for you:

• Eat healthy food: Your 20 weeks pregnant belly is meant to be flaunted! But you need to be very mindful of what you consume. It’s because the pounds that you are consuming will be delivering nutrients to your baby and you wouldn’t want junk to be in his belly, right? So, go and have your greens!

• Stretch it out with ease: Stretching out is quite important to make sure that your body doesn’t become stiff. But keep in mind that during pregnancy, your body is more prone to injury. Thus, it becomes prudent to stay cautious. Don’t go all out in the name of being fit, rather you should go for short walks or do a series of standing stretches.

• Keep up with your iron levels: By the time you enter the 20th week of your pregnancy, the iron levels in your body get depleted. But this is the time when your 20 weeks baby needs red blood cells the most. This might make you prone to anaemia. Thus, it is important to consult with your doctor about a supplement that can increase the iron levels in your body. Likewise, consuming iron-rich foods accompanied by foods rich in vitamin C can also prove to be beneficial.

• Avoid lying on your back: A 20 weeks pregnant belly is relatively quite heavy. Simply because the uterus and baby are growing. These tend to put pressure on your abdominal organs and on the major blood vessels in your body. This can affect your blood circulation, and thereby lower your blood pressure. Hence, it’s best not to lay on your back.

At Your Doctor's Office

Here's what you can expect from this week’s prenatal doctor visit:

• Routine examination: Your doctor will record your weight, check your blood pressure, take a urine sample, examine the swelling of your hands and feet, and make a note of your 20-week pregnancy symptoms. But most importantly, he will solve your queries.

• Fundal height: Your doctor might also measure the fundal height which monitors your baby’s growth. It is the distance between the top of your pubic bone and the top of your uterus. At 20 weeks, the fundal height will likely be around 20 centimetres.

• Ultrasound: Your 20-week visit may also include a structural ultrasound. In this in-depth ultrasound, the doctor will be able to examine development in various parts including your baby's body parts and organs, the umbilical cord, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid. If you wish to determine the baby’s sex, ultrasounds at 20 weeks pregnancy can also help do so.

• Q&A round: Your doctor will also address all your questions that might cross your mind. So, be ready with a list that may include questions concerning your baby’s development and about your own health.

Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure well-being of both you & your baby during entire nine months journey!

This week is going to be super exciting for you! Right from witnessing your adorable baby bump to feeling your baby’s movements, this week has got a lot for you in-store. So, be prepared to cherish these moments at leisure.