20 Weeks Pregnant (Fetal Age 18 Weeks)

Your baby is now both swallowing and breathing in the amniotic fluid

19 weeks pregnant

21 weeks pregnant

You are now half way through your pregnancy and it is time for many to start increasing their intake of iron to avoid anemia. Learn more about how to eat healthy during pregnancy here.

What to expect about...

• Your Baby
• Mom's Body
• 20 Weeks Pregnant Video
• Diary of a Daughter
• More Pregnancy Week 20 Diaries

Your Baby

Half way through! Congratulations!

20 weeks pregnant, your baby now measures approximately 6.5 inches in length and weighs in at 10 ounces.

Other changes include the development of vernix caseosa, which is the protective, waxy skin covering which helps protect the baby's skin from being in the amniotic fluid all of this time and will serve an important purpose during the birth process to help pass through the birth canal easily.

If you could peek inside of your belly you may even see the delicate eyebrows forming on your little one's face or the hair that is growing on the scalp.

Your baby is swallowing more this week as well as breathing in the amniotic fluid. This helps prepare your little one for the time outside the womb and helps the digestive system practice functioning.

Now that the ears are fully functional, your baby is now enjoying all of the uterine sounds that it hears each day, from your own heart beating to louder sounds from outside the womb.

If you want to test a baby training system, designed for babies-to-be, this is a perfect time to get started. Check out the most popular program here.

All of the other organs and structures are developed and ready so now is the time for your baby to grow and gain weight.

Some waiting parents will want to hear the heartbeat of their little one every day, and this can easily be done now with a regular stethoscope. This is a great way to get Dad involved in the growing process so that he can feel and hear the baby as well.

Mom's Body

Image by Inferis

You may notice that taking deep breaths or becoming short of breath will only be a temporary problem until your baby drops into your pelvis before you give birth and will relieve the pressure on your organs considerably. "Temporary" is however quite a while - until week 36 or so... But you'll get used to it (promise)!

Iron rich foods are extremely important during this time of your pregnancy since your baby needs the extra iron to make red blood cells along with many other developments. Lean red meat, poultry, fish, spinach and lentils as well as iron-fortified cereals can help add to your already healthy diet.

Eating a balanced diet will also help avoid anemia that can lead to low birth weight in your baby or premature delivery. For tips on how to eat healthy during pregnancy, click here.

In addition, anemia makes you extremely tired. It can be a challenge even to walk up the stairs. If you do feel weak and tired, make sure you test your iron blood levels at your next check-up. Some degree of anemia is very common at this stage and the weeks to come and iron supplements may be needed.

You may have already gained anywhere from 8-10 pounds now, and can expect to gain anywhere from 0.5 to a full pound of weight per week now as your baby continues to flourish inside.

Other common pregnancy ailments during this time include frequent urination, heartburn, constipation or indigestion. These may be only slight right now and will increase as your pregnancy progresses, so be sure to get enough fluids daily to help prevent some of these annoyances.

Some women will talk to their health care provider about natural treatments available to them during this time to help alleviate constipation or heartburn, as well as other problems that arise such as dry, itchy skin.

For your skin, if it itches or is dry, try Bella B Tummy Honey Butter It helps!

20 Weeks Pregnant Video

Diary of a Daughter

19 weeks pregnant

21 weeks pregnant

Related Content

• Weight gain during pregnancy, what is normal and not
• Healthy eating during pregnancy
• Poll: How is your body changing during pregnancy?

Now what's it like for you to be 20 weeks pregnant? Share your situation by leaving a comment below.

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What Pregnancy Week 20 Is Like For Other Moms

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References:
MayoClinic (2011), Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Joanne Stone MD and Keith Eddleman MD (2008) The Pregnancy Bible: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood
Nilsson, L; Hamberger, L. (2004) A Child Is Born.
Soderberg, L. (2010) Mammapraktika. B Wahlstroms.

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