Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 20

Baby Development

Your baby is about six and a half inches in the crown to rump length and weighs 10 ounces. Though the baby is now relatively big, there is still enough space for it to move around. The development this week is mainly focused on the reproductive organs. If your baby is boy, his testicles will descend from the abdomen as soon as the scrotum finished growing. If it’s a baby girl, there would be 7 million tiny eggs in her little ovaries, which would decrease to 1-2 million as she grows up.

Changes in mother

You are now nearly halfway through your pregnancy. You would now be sporting a big baby bump, wearing cute maternity wear, having an increased appetite, and feeling little kicks. Your hair would be shinier, and your nails would be long. However, remember that the shiny hairs are temporary and can disappear after delivery. Your appetite would be on the higher side. According to studies, mothers with five small meals and snacks are more prepared for a successful delivery.

If you have any heartburn after a meal, have a piece of sugar-free chewing gum to soothe the stomach’s digestive juices. Take some fresh air, or you will get occasional headaches and dizziness. Your belly button might turn outwards as the expanding uterus brings the abdomen forward. There is no need to worry as it’s temporary and will return to normal after delivery.

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Pregnancy Week 20 symptoms

A few symptoms that a mother experiences this week are listed below

Dizziness:- you may feel dizzy as your expanding uterus reduces the blood going to the brain by putting pressure on the blood vessels. Relax or take a rest when it happens.
Ligament pain:- It’s a common recurring pain that a mother has been experiencing for the last few weeks. It is because of the stretching of ligaments as the uterus increases in size due to the baby’s rapid growth. This pain usually is a dull ache in the abdomen, but it typically develops sharp pains when the mother makes some movement or changes position.
Leg cramps:- This is caused primarily by suppressed blood vessels in the leg area.
Swelling in the feet and ankles:- This is typically caused by water retention in these areas and decreased blood flow due to tight shoes and clothing.

Important Tips

What to do

Take regular breaks to have fresh air
Wear loose-fitting clothes to be more comfortable
Wear comfortable shoes to reduce the swelling in the feet and ankles by keeping the blood flowing.

What to avoid

Avoid staying in a closed space for a longer time.
Avoid wearing tight clothes as it will reduce blood flow

When to Consult a Doctor

Suppose you want to know the sex of the baby. In some countries, it is illegal to know about the prenatal sex of the child.
If you don’t feel any movement inside your belly

Takeaway

At 20 weeks, the baby would be 6 and 1/2 inches in length, weigh 10 ounces and kick like a champ. The mother would have cramps, dizziness, and ligament pain. Do have fresh air, wear loose clothes and shoes.

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