How big is your baby during the 20th week of your pregnancy?

During this week your baby will be comparable to the size of an Artichoke. Your baby’s weight will be approximately somewhat around 10.2 ounces. Your baby is still quite tiny at this moment and hence you are not going to feel heavy discomfort in your body. So enjoy these times because difficult and uncomfortable days are coming up in the next months.

Symptoms to experience during the 20th week of your pregnancy.

These are the major symptoms you will be experiencing in the 20th week of your pregnancy.

• Leg Cramps: It is really quite painful and uncomfortable and you should start certain calf stretches before it becomes a problem. You can also have certain magnesium supplements so as to reduce such occurrences. However, make sure you talk to your doctor before having it.
• Swollen feet and ankles: Since during pregnancy your body accumulates an excessive amount of fluid and since your body requires extra fluid to support you, you may find your feet and ankles to swell. Now, this happens because the fluid tends to pool there. Try and keep your legs elevated when you can so as to avoid such pooling.
• Dizziness: Since your uterus is growing, this puts pressure on your blood vessels which reduces the blood flow to your brain causing dizziness. Try to relax when you feel so and exercise caution so that you don’t hurt yourself.
• Heartburn and Indigestion: It is quite common to feel heartburn and indigestion during this period. In order to reduce it try and chew certain sugarless gum as increased saliva helps in reducing the gastric acid.
• Occasional Headaches: You might find that you are having occasional headaches. Try to go out for a walk which shall reduce such occurrences.
• Navel pushing outward: You will also see your belly button pushing forward, relax this is normal. It will go back to the same position after delivery.

Changes happening in your body during the 20th week.

Your baby bump is quite developed now, as you are halfway through your pregnancy. However, don’t try to compare your baby bump with the others, as each one is unique. Due to pregnancy hormones, you will start noticing that your nails are stronger and your health is growing thicker. Also, since you have an increased appetite, try and eat four-course meals and engage in healthier meals rather than junk.

Medical Care this Week

• You will have your scheduled prenatal visit this week. Here your physician will record your weight, take your blood pressure, ask you for a urine sample, examine your body for swelling.
• Your physician will measure the fundal height i.e., the distance between your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. This is done so as to check your baby’s growth.
• This week you are going to have your structural ultrasound. This looks at your baby’s body parts, umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic fluid.

Tips for the 20th week of your pregnancy.

• Sound sleep

Sleep as much as you can. Once your baby will arrive you will have no time to relax. So whatever time you are getting during your pregnancy spend it relaxing and sleeping as much as you can.

• False contractions

Know about Braxton Hicks contractions. These are weird contractions that will go away once you change your position of sleep or while sitting. You need to understand the difference between the Braxton Hicks contractions and regular contractions. If your contractions persist then you need to talk to your doctor immediately.

• Hydration is important

Keep yourself hydrated and focus on your diet at this point. Make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. You can visit a dietician who will specifically design a diet for you according to your requirements.

• Keep in touch with your doctor

Keep in touch with your doctor. Follow every little detail your doctor is providing you. Know that your health is directly linked with the well-being of your child. If you keep yourself healthy and positive your baby’s health will never be hampered.

• Relax yourself

Do things that uplift your mood. At the initial stage, you need to keep your mind relaxed and free from any negative thoughts. Hence it is advised to do things or watch movies which imparts a positive effect on your mind. This is very important in order to keep your mood light and positive. A healthy and happy mother always gives birth to a healthy and beautiful child. 

To-Do List this Week

• Try and eat more healthy foods and embrace your hunger. You can indulge in treats once in a while but do not overindulge yourself in junk food.
• Exercise a bit so that you keep your back pains and leg cramps under control.
• Try and avoid lying on your back.
• If you have any concerns related to your weight gain do consult your doctor.
• Research more about childbirth classes.