20 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms And Signs

At 20 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a banana and is approximately 6 inches in length. Measured 5 inches from crown to rump and weighed approximately 10. undefined This growth spurt is quite stunning as your baby gets formulated more developed features and starts to gain more weight.

The size and weight of the fetus increase significantly, thus this is the reason why pregnant women start to show around this time.

20 Weeks Pregnant in Months

Your stage in pregnancy is weeks not months thus 20 weeks pregnant is five months pregnant. This is because pregnancy is 40 weeks long, and now it is effectively halfway through.

Every trimester is roughly three months long and therefore 20 weeks is firmly into the second trimester. This stage is usually referred to as the second trimester where many pregnancy symptoms such as nausea start reducing.

Significant milestones characterize your baby's development at 20 weeks. Read on to learn more about baby development at 20 weeks:

a. Hearing

Your baby's ears are mature enough to distinguish sounds within and outside the womb starts at 20 weeks of pregnancy. They can identify your voice and your heart rhythm, and even external sounds such as music or people speaking. This will greatly benefit the development of their brain and also assist in the bonding process even before they are born as they familiarize themselves with the sounds around them.

b. Taste

The buds of your baby start to develop at 20 weeks old so they are able to taste the water that is in which they swim. This fluid has a unique taste depending on the type of food you eat and exposes the baby to different kinds of tastes. It may help them acquaint with different tastes in food though the influence may start right from the womb.

c. Skin

Your baby’s skin is developing multiple layers and is covered with vernix caseosa, a greasy, white substance. This protective coating shields the skin from amniotic fluid, preventing it from becoming chapped or wrinkled. Vernix caseosa also helps maintain the baby’s skin softness and integrity, preparing it for the transition to the external environment after birth.

d. Hair and Nails

At 20 weeks of development the baby’s hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes are developing and so are the nails of fingers and toes. These features are not only cosmetic but also serve to shield the baby for example the skin and eyes from various elements. Pubic hair and nails also help to protect the baby from harm, as soon as the baby is born.

e. Organs

The lungs, liver, and spleen remain an essential development that prepares the infant for breathing outside the womb during this second trimester. The lungs make sample breathing motions, and the digestive system forms meconium, the first baby stool. These developments are important in the life of the baby and the general well-being of the child to ensure organs are fully developed to work as soon as the child is born.

f. Movement

Baby moves and grows in the womb; the first feeling of baby movements, known as quickening, may occur this week. These small movements suggest that your baby is moving his limbs to feel around the environment.

In the later phase of pregnancy, these movements will become more intense and frequent, thus giving assurance about the health and activity levels of the baby. To feel these movements is a sign of achievement, as it gives one a direct link with his or her baby.

At 20 weeks, you may experience a variety of symptoms as your body adapts to the growing baby:

1. Lower Back Pain

This is due to your growing uterus causing pressure on your back as well as the additional weight that you have to push. Hormonal changes also affect the stability of your joints and ligaments as well as causing muscle weakness.

If experiencing this pain, try prenatal massages, applying heat or cold packs on the affected area, and relaxation. Weight training, stretching, and swimming are examples of exercises that can also assist in strengthening your core and back muscles.

2. Vaginal Discharge

Prepare for more frequent and heavier vaginal discharge because of the hormonal changes. This discharge assists in maintaining the vaginal region free from infections. However, if the discharge alters color to yellow, or green or smells bad, you should consult your doctor since it could be a sign of an infection.

3. Itchy Skin

It is normal for your skin to itch, especially your belly and your breasts as they expand to accommodate the growth of your baby. Applying a cold pack and applying moisturizers may help in the alleviation of itch. Do not scratch the affected areas as this will worsen the itchiness. However, if the itchiness is severe, you should visit your physician to have the problem diagnosed.

4. Leg Cramps

Some of the common complaints pregnant women suffer include leg cramps due to added weight and altered blood circulation. To avoid getting cramps, you should drink enough water and also take foods that contain magnesium and potassium. Another preventive measure is stretching, and it is very crucial to ensure that you take a lot of water.

5. Heartburn/Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are experienced because your baby is taking up most of the space in your digestive tract and it has to work differently. For these symptoms, limit foods that are spicy or acidic since these will upset the stomach. One can also make an effort to eat more frequently but in small portions to minimize such sensations.

6. High Energy

Most women feel more energized at some point in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is the best time to prepare for the birth of your baby and may be used as an opportunity to exercise. This burst of energy could enable you to accomplish tasks and engage in activities that you may not be in the mood for in the later stages of pregnancy.

7. Restless Sleep

It may be difficult to get to the right sleeping position. You may want to try lying on your side with the knees contracted and having a pillow between them. Extra cushions placed underneath your abdomen and behind your back can help with pressure relief. Pregnancy pillows can also aid in a more comfortable sleep.

8. Swelling

Some amount of swelling in your feet and ankles is expected because your body retains more fluids when pregnant. To minimize discomfort caused by swelling, a person should try to raise his or her feet as often as possible. If the swelling is acute or is more pronounced, consult the doctor because it may be a sign of a more serious condition.

9. Constipation

Constipation during pregnancy may be due to hormonal changes, inactivity, and expansion of the uterus. For constipation, increase your intake of water, consume foods high in fiber, and engage in physical activities. If necessary, discuss the possibility of using a stool softener or taking magnesium with your healthcare provider. They may also recommend changing the prenatal vitamin to one that contains less iron.

Twenty weeks from now! Here's how to make the most of your health and well-being throughout the latter half of your pregnancy.

Celebrate Yourself

Do not rush through the celebration of the 20-week mark! Whether it is a date with your partner or some quiet me-time, affirm the progress and the awesome transformation your body is going through. It could help lift your spirits and get you in the right frame of mind to face the second half of your pregnancy.

Prenatal Care

Continue booking appointments with your healthcare provider to continually track the development of your baby or the presence of complications. These appointments are essential to detect and monitor changes in your health and that of the baby toward a healthy healthy delivery. They should not be missed, and it’s okay to put forward questions to the doctor or any other healthcare professional.

Use Your Energy

Being energetic at the moment, it is advisable to make preparations for the third trimester and beyond. Develop your birth plan, start packing for the nursery, and perform tasks that would be difficult to accomplish after childbirth. Do not overwork yourself ensure that you combine plenty of work with sufficient rest.

Monitor Nutrition and Hydration

Concentrate on consuming a diet containing foods that nourish both you and your unborn child. Ensure that the foods you eat contain a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Hydration is also crucial, so ensure that you take enough water to enhance digestion and the flow of blood in the body.

Stay Active by Doing Exercise

Low-intensity exercise such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga should be done frequently and in moderation to gain more energy, have a positive outlook, and have a healthy pregnancy. Also, exercising helps prepare your body for labor and delivery. Never select exercises that would give some sort of uneasiness, otherwise, choose exercises that feel right.

Experiment in Bed

This is because blood circulation during pregnancy has a positive impact on the libido and sexual experience. Sex during pregnancy is usually safe for most women and is also beneficial both physically and emotionally. If the growing belly becomes a hindrance, try positions that allow you to enjoy the welcome addition for some fun.

Rest and Relaxation

Make rest a priority so that stress is kept at bay and overall wellness is promoted. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and gentle mobilization to calm the body. Resting and relaxing are very important to the body as it enhances both mental and physical health as the body undergoes several changes.

As we have already mentioned, how important pregnancy time is important, and you have to take care not only of yourself but also of the baby which is going to meet the world in a few weeks. Here's what you need to avoid during 20 weeks of pregnancy:

Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol should not be consumed at all by pregnant women due to the high risk it poses to the growing fetus. Pregnancy-related alcohol consumption has been linked to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can lead to cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities. Pregnant women are advised not to consume any alcohol at all because there is no risk-free limit on their alcohol intake.

Certain Foods

Avoid consuming raw or rare, processed or unpasteurized milk, dairy products, and high mercury concentration fish. The foods contain bacteria such as listeria and salmonella and toxins like mercury that are not good for the health of your baby. However, for meats, it is better to go for cooked meat products, pasteurized products, and fish that have low mercury content such as salmon or tilapia.

Heavy Activities

Avoid heavy lifting and physical activities since these can overstress your body and increase the chance of injury or complications such as preterm labor. Limit your activity to light to moderate, and get assistance with heavy lifting. Pay attention to your body and take breaks as necessary to protect both you and your infant.

Too Much Caffeine

You should not exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day, or about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Caffeine overindulgence might impact your unborn child's development and heart rate by crossing the placenta. In addition to coffee, keep in mind that tea, soda, chocolate, and some medications can also contain caffeine.

Taking Certain Medications

Taking a lot of prescription and over-the-counter drugs during pregnancy may be dangerous. Avoid prescriptions for things like ibuprofen, ACE inhibitors, some cold medications, and acne treatments. There are risks associated with the use of herbal remedies. Consult your doctor before using any medication to ensure it is safe for you and your unborn child.

It's crucial to stay in contact with your healthcare provider and not wait for your scheduled appointments if you have concerns. At 20 weeks pregnant, seek medical advice right away if you experience:

• Severe cramping
• Vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Dizziness or fainting
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe headaches or blurry vision
• Intense heartburn
• Fluid leakage from your vagina or watery/mucus-like discharge (this may indicate premature labor)

While not all-inclusive, this list does point out some important signs to be aware of. It's critical to speak with your doctor to identify the best course of action as these symptoms may indicate a miscarriage or other health problems. Always get advice from your healthcare professional if you have concerns about any other pregnancy-related symptoms.