The 20th Week Of Pregnancy
The 20th week of pregnancy indicates half of the gestational process. At that moment the main exams are done and through ultrasound, we can already know the baby’s gender. Today we’ll talk about everything that happens to your baby and mommy’s body in the 20th week of pregnancy.
The baby in the 20th week of pregnancy
The nine months that a pregnancy lasts means a real miracle. Week by week, both the fetus and the maternal organism are transformed. Therefore, it is important to follow what is happening.
In the 20th week of pregnancy, you have already covered half the way. The baby’s morphology and proportions are already completely human and we can notice its movements, as well as some kicks.
What is the weight and size?
When we reach this moment, the baby measures approximately 21 centimeters, something like the size of a banana. It weighs between 250 and 300 grams. From now until the end of the pregnancy, your weight will increase about ten times and will reach twice your size.
What the baby feels and how it develops
Inside the mother’s womb, the child can already hear, albeit a little distorted by the amniotic fluid that protects it. He listens to the beating and voice of his mother and his own heart. You can even sense the mother’s emotions.
The areas of the senses develop in the brain : smell, taste, sight and hearing. That’s why the baby sees the light, swallows, urinates and is able to recognize music.
Organs and their appearance
In addition to the senses, the baby’s brain already has 30 billion neurons. The stomach , liver and intestines are already positioned in the abdominal cavity and the lungs and digestive tract are maturing.
He already has his toes and fingers formed, they are very flexible. The bases of your teeth are in place. Besides, she already has hair on her small head and thin eyebrows.
Baby with hiccups?
It is normal for the mother to feel rhythmic beats from time to time. This is because the baby may have hiccups inside the tummy. Don’t worry too much about it. The hiccup occurs because the diaphragm has not yet matured and, for this reason, the baby has spasms.
What happens to the mother?
At the 20th week of pregnancy, the maternal uterus measures triple its original size. Generally, the upper part reaches the same level as the navel. The belly swells, grows and can already be noticed.
Symptoms in the maternal body
- Greater tiredness. This is normal as the baby and uterus grow and the force of gravity shifts. The mother may also feel more sleepy and need to rest more often.
- Hypotension. It is low blood pressure due to the force that the uterus exerts on the aorta artery.
- Appearance of varicose veins. They appear mainly if the woman is prone to it. To avoid this, it is recommended that you wear relaxing socks and rest your legs regularly.
- The heart rate speeds up because the heart pumps more blood around the body.
- Gums become inflamed and bleed. Hormonal changes cause the gums to react differently to bacteria.
Ultrasound and exams
In the 20th week of pregnancy, a detailed ultrasound is performed to assess the baby’s morphological parameters. In this anatomical scan, the doctor checks the development of organs (heart, head structure, kidneys, spine, stomach). It also controls placental and amniotic fluid levels.
On the other hand, this exam can show the baby’s gender. A blood test and detection of anti-toxoplasmosis antibodies are also done .
Recommendations
- Do not stand for more than three hours and rest whenever necessary.
- Eating foods with iron helps your baby’s development and maintains adequate oxygen levels.
- Listen to music and sing to the baby. Music can be a great way to connect with the mother. It is a source of encouragement and well-being for both.
- Maintain correct oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.
Above all, it’s important to remain calm. It will be a sensation that the baby will already be able to perceive since it is still in the mother’s womb. If the mother suffers from anxiety and nervousness, this is what she will pass on to her baby.
Finally, it is very gratifying to take care of your baby and your own body to enjoy the gestation period.
