This is usually an exciting period for moms, their partners, friends, and family. First, you’re already halfway through your pregnancy without any complications which is a big deal by itself. More excitingly, an ultrasound done by your doctor in Kenya this at pregnancy week 20 can show whether the little munchkin that is growing inside you is a boy or a girl. This usually marks an important point on your pregnancy journey because you can start purchasing your newborns’ essentials, such as clothing, with more certainty.
Baby’s Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 20
While your baby started moving about when he was around six weeks, they are is now big enough and you can feel him kick and squirm in your belly. That must fill you with so much joy. Your midwife or obstetrician will demonstrate how to count these exciting fetal kicks so that you learn about your baby’s patterns and you can tell when they’re unwell. These periods are also an ideal time to start bonding with your baby before they’re here.
Your baby is now about the size of a banana. He measures about 25 cm long from crown to toe. If it is a girl, her uterus is now fully formed and her tiny ovaries now hold millions of little eggs. If it is a boy, his testicles are fast growing. He is now looking more and more like a newborn baby with slowly growing hair, a set of nails, toes, and eyebrows.
Related: Body Changes and Baby Growth Milestones at Pregnancy Week 19
Your Changing Body at Pregnancy Week 20
You are now obviously pregnant and your tummy is near the size of a melon. If you are lucky, those days of queasiness and morning sickness are now long gone. At this point, you may be experiencing a huge appetite which you should embrace and eat well as your little one sure needs all those nutrients. Just remember to keep doing light pregnancy-safe exercises to keep your energy levels up.
Still on feeding, you may be experiencing heartburn due to the growing baby causing pressure on your upper abdomen and the pregnancy hormones known to relax stomach muscles, causing a backflow. Avoid eating greasy and highly acidic foods to reduce the heartburn. You can also try having smaller spaced-out meals rather than eating the whole meal in one sitting so that your stomach is digesting slower portions at a time.
You may also be experiencing lightheadedness or even headaches in crowded, closed-in places. This does not mean that you are sick. Try wearing loose fitting clothes and staying in places with lots of fresh air. The growing bump may be making it harder to find comfortable sleeping positions. Try using extra regular pillows to help you sleep and rest better.
Pregnancy week 20 tips: If you are a working mum, 20 weeks pregnant is the right time to start talking with your human resources department regarding maternity leave. It may still seem a long way off but with the many things that will be happening over the next few months, this discussion may slip your mind.
How long will the maternity leave be? Will it be paid or unpaid? With answers to these questions, you will be able to put your finances in order and budget for your baby with more certainty. If you work for yourself or don’t work, it’s still useful to start planning around your self-granted ‘maternity leave’.
Next Week: What to Expect at Pregnancy Week 21: Symptoms and Baby Development
Personalized Maternity Care at Malaica
Malaica Maternity Hospital is dedicated to walking with you throughout your pregnancy journey from when you find out you’re pregnant till postpartum. Whether you join us at preconception or at pregnancy week 20, our personalized and holistic maternity care remains the same.
You’ll get maternity care personalized to you and your baby’s needs along with multiple layers of support such as an online community of expectant mums, a virtual psychologist, a nutritionist specialized in maternal health, 24/7 midwife hotline, and antenatal clinics led by an OB-GYN.
Reach out to us at +254 746 610643 to learn more about our holistic maternity care. You can also fill out our online booking form and we’ll call you back.