Week 20: The Halfway Point!
Your baby is now about the size of a banana.
Avg. Length: 25.6 cm
(Crown to Heel)
Your Baby This Week
Your baby's nails are forming and the brain's sensory areas are starting to develop. Baby is covered in vernix to protect delicate skin. They are sleeping and waking regularly and getting more active with kicks and punches.
Your Body This Week
You're halfway there! You might feel your baby's first movements, like fluttering, known as quickening. You may also get sudden leg cramps, especially at night. Try stretching or gentle exercise to help prevent them.The mid-pregnancy ultrasound is routinely performed around weeks 18 to 22 to assess fetal growth and development.
Tips for Your Partner
Constipation can be a real issue. Help her beat it by stocking up on high-fiber foods like prunes and ripe bananas. Encourage her to get up and move around every so often. A little nudge to avoid long sitting sessions can make a big difference for her comfort.
References
[1]
Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Stages of Pregnancy - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
[2]
20 weeks pregnant guide - Best Start in Life - NHShttps://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-20/
[3]
Quickening In Pregnancy: First Movements & What To Expect - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22829-quickening-in-pregnancy
[4]
Leg cramps during pregnancy: Preventable? - Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/leg-cramps-during-pregnancy/faq-20057766
[5]
20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan) - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22644-20-week-ultrasound
[6]
Pregnancy Constipation: Pain, Causes, Treatments & Relief - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21895-pregnancy-constipation