Starting around week 20, doctors may focus on any abnormalities in your baby's size or weight. If you appear to be unusually large, your doctor may believe that your due date has been miscalculated, that you will have a larger-than-average baby, or that you might be having twins. If your baby is unusually small, it may also be a result of a miscalculated due date, smaller-than-average baby, or possibly a more serious condition called intrauterine-growth restriction. This condition can result in later medical problems for your baby. If you haven't had an ultrasound to this point, an ultrasound may be done for the first time in week 20, and the reason for your baby's irregular size may be determined more specifically.
Week 20 Of Pregnancy
At 9 ounces, your baby will respond to sharp sounds and you will feel it wiggling, punching, and kicking. This is the halfway point of the pregnancy and it is now very obvious that you are pregnant.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 AnswersDuring week 20, you may start to feel the stress of your baby on your body. Your bladder, kidneys, stomach, and lungs may feel increasingly pressed-upon as your baby continues to grow. You may be experiencing leg cramps or heartburn. You may also have started to snore while sleeping, even if you never had before. Sleeping on your left side may help you to stop snoring if the noise is disturbing your partner. Sleep apnea in pregnancy may be a sign of hypertension, however, and habitual snoring in pregnancy is linked with smaller babies and increased need of C-section, so let your doctor know if you start snoring. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredYour baby's hearing organs and brain are still developing. During week 20, the connections that link your baby's brain to its ears and other sensory organs are becoming stronger and faster. Still, your baby's hearing is not believed to be active for another month. At 24 to 25 weeks, the baby can most strongly hear your heart, though it may also be aware of the sound of blood pumping around it and the sound of air in your lungs.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 AnswersDuring week 20 of pregnancy, you have reached the halfway point! Hair, fingernails, and toenails will continue to grow during this week. As the white, wax-like film (called vernix caseosa) has developed, covering and protecting your baby, the skin will continue to grow and become thicker. The different layers of the skin will start to form. If you haven't yet been able to determine the baby's sex, at this point that information should be clear. Your baby's digestive system is developing right along, too; week 20 is often the first week your baby will begin producing a sticky, dark material called meconium.
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By week 20, the halfway point, your baby has grown to be about 6 to 8 inches long. At this point in development, the fetus still weighs less than a pound - about 10 ounces. Your baby is large enough now that you may be feeling some stress on your bladder or stomach as it grows.
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By week 20, you should have already established a diet rich in the nutrients that will help you deliver a healthy baby, and be avoiding harmful foods and substances. Continue to take in ample amounts of calcium and iron to promote strong bones and teeth in your baby and to help prevent a premature birth. If you have not yet had an ultrasound, week 20 is a good time to consider this test, as the sex of the baby is typically evident at this point. During an ultrasound this week your doctor should also be able to identify irregularities in your baby's bones or organs, if present.
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Week 20 is the halfway point of your pregnancy. By now, you have probably gained up to 10 pounds and have noticed a definite "baby bump." You and your baby will now be steadily expanding, and you can look forward to gaining roughly one additional pound every week or two until the end of your pregnancy. One exciting change is that week 20 typically marks the first week you will be able to feel your baby move; these initial movements are known as "quickening."
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You've probably gained about 10 pounds by week 20 of your pregnancy, though this number may be different depending on your pre-pregnancy weight. The highest point of your uterus is now sitting at about the same height as your belly button. You probably have a noticeable "baby bump" and may start to notice your bump as you move about your day. You and your baby will continue to expand as you gain about another pound every week or two.
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Week 20 marks the halfway point of your pregnancy, so you may start to think about what's going to happen as you get closer to your due date. As you feel your baby move and wiggle in your womb for the first time, you may start thinking about how to prepare for the birth with birthing or breastfeeding classes. As you continue to gain weight and expand, remember that getting enough nutrients is essential to your baby's health. It is particularly important that your iron intake continues to increase as your body continues to create more blood for you and your baby.
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Halfway through your pregnancy, it may become difficult to keep up all the healthy habits that are recommended for an expecting mother. Remind yourself that avoiding alcohol and smoking, eating nutritiously, and avoiding harmful food is important to your baby's health and future. Keep up your healthy routine, and consider upping your iron intake. As you and your baby grow, your body will be producing more blood, meaning that you need extra iron in order to keep that blood rich in hemoglobin. Not consuming enough iron may result in anemia for you or your baby and may cause you to deliver too early. To ensure you're getting enough iron, eat plenty of beans, spinach, dried fruit like raisins, and red meat that is as lean and low in fat as possible.