WEEK 20
How does the baby grow?
In this week, the fetus weighs almost 300 grams and is about 16cm long from head to butt, and is about 25cm long from head to feet – about the size of a banana. (In the first 20 weeks, the baby’s length is measured from the top of head to butt because the baby’s legs curl up in front of the body. After 20 weeks, it will be measured from head to feet.
Besides, the baby is swallowing more, which is a good exercise for the digestive system. The baby also produces black and sticky meconium, which is a product of the digestive system. This sticky substance will build up in the baby’s intestines and be discharged during the first defecation.
Changes occurring in the mother’s body during the 20th week of pregnancy
Congratulations! Moms have reached half of the pregnancy. The head of the uterus is already around the belly button, and moms have gained about 4.5kg. From now on, each week moms’ goal is to gain about 0.5kg. Besides, it is necessary to make sure that moms are getting enough iron to create hemoglobin carrying oxygen throughout the body and to the fetus.
Moms also may become more difficult to sleep at night due to fetal development and the changes occurring in the body. Moms begin to snore because the increase in estrogen causes swelling of the mucous membranes and an increase in mucus in the nose. Besides, heartburn, indigestion, and cramps can make moms more uncomfortable when sleeping. Another reason is moms’ higher body temperature which is a result of changes in metabolism, hormones, and weight.
