20 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is still growing at 20 weeks pregnant. By now, it is likely that you baby weighs around 10 ounces and is about 6.5in in length. There is still a long way to go for weight and length though.

Your Baby’s Development

At pregnancy week 20, your baby’s eyebrows have started to become thicker and will be more visible. The eyes remain fused shut at this time but there is still a lot going on in the development.

Lanugo hair is now covering your little one’s body. This is a lair of hair that will help with the regulation of heat since your baby has very little fat. During the last trimester, this hair will start to disappear as your baby will have enough fat to regulate his or her own temperature on the outside.

You will likely have an ultrasound at 20 weeks pregnant. This will show your baby looking more human like and you will be able to see the vertebra – yes, every single one! This ultrasound is also likely to show any deformities. The technician will be able to inform you of anything irregular. If there are any problems, a specialist will be informed and you will be welcomed back for another scan. If there are no problems, this will be your last scan, unless one needs to be arranged for the final trimester.

The baby teeth and adult teeth are now sitting in your baby’s mouth. The buds in the gums will now form. While it takes, on average, six to eight months for your baby’s teeth to grow through, there are some babies who are born with teeth.

Your wriggling baby now has all abdominal organs developed and in place. They are now just practising for use on the outside.

Changes in You a Pregnancy Week 20

It is likely that you have a large bump now. It is unlikely that you can hide your pregnancy so show off and be proud of it.

This is the halfway mark. You have 20 weeks to the expected due date. However, be aware that only 5% of babies are born on their due date. Many first time babies are late but your baby can be born, safely, anywhere from week 37 of pregnancy.

Your baby will start taking a lot out of you if you are very active. Your little one will be using the majority of the nutrients that you eat so you need to make sure that you remain fuelled. Eat little and often and make sure you drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. If you work on your feet, there is nothing wrong with asking your boss to accommodate you during this time – legally he or she should do anyway. If you need to sit down, don’t be afraid to ask for somewhere. You should not be docked pay for this needed break.

Symptoms at 20 Weeks Pregnant

By pregnancy week 20, you may find that your skin has changed. Some of it will become darker in places. The most common places will be the areolas, which is to help your baby know where the breasts are for feeding, and down the centre of your stomach. This is due to an increase in melanin in your body due to the pregnancy hormones.

You may start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These are known as false labour pains but do not be fooled by “false”; they can feel just like regular labour pains although most women just feel light pain, if anything at all. You will notice that these happen more often later on in the pregnancy. They will not be regular and will not last for a long time at 20 weeks pregnant; long and regular contractions are a sign of labour!

You will need to have your blood pressure checked from pregnancy week 20 onwards and look out for any swelling. Swelling in the ankles, feet and hands is common due to water retention but this should ease off when you elevate your feet. Severe swelling in the feet, hands and face is a sign of pre-eclampsia. You will have your urine checked at each antenatal appointment, which will also check for protein, which is another sign of pre-eclampisa, along with high blood pressure. This is extremely dangerous. For more information, read my post aboutpre-eclampsia, something that I was checked for regularly in the last three weeks or so of my pregnancy due to elevated blood pressure and severe swelling.