You are still in the prime of your second trimester at 20 weeks pregnant. This is the “hump week”…you have half of your pregnancy behind you.
MOM
Your growth will be steadily increasing from here on out until the end of the pregnancy. You will feel bulky
and uncoordinated. Your growing belly may become itchy. In severe cases the health care professional will prescribe an anti-itch cream. Lotion can help relieve the symptoms. A few women will develop red bumps on their belly during this time and rashes on their skin.
For a pregnant woman, 20 weeks pregnant means that stretch marks may start to develop. It comes with the privilege of creating a new life, go ahead and be proud! The stretch marks can be reduced with the help of a dermatologist. Prevention includes adequate protein to keep the skin elastic, drinking enough fluids, and topical lotions and creams. Aloe and vitamin E may reduce the scaring of the stretched skin.
BABY
At 20 weeks pregnant your baby has reached nearly 9 oz and may be as long as 6.5 inches. Your little son or daughter is practicing breathing and swallowing regularly. Your baby’s head is becoming more proportionate to the rest of his or her body.
The skin of your baby is becoming more complex and has four layers including a layer with ridges on the feet and palms that will create a unique print. Baby boy’s testes are beginning their decent from the pelvis to the scrotum. Baby girls are forming their parts and have a fully formed uterus.
There are lots of measurements that are done in an attempt to predict the health of the baby. For the condition of Intrauterine Growth Retardation, early detection can help manage risks to the baby.
Sleep patterns and even a favorite sleeping position are beginning to be established. The sleep patterns will be similar to the sleep patterns of your baby after it is born.
LIFE
Your life will be easier after the baby is born if your home is organized. Remove clutter, create a place for like things (all photos in one area), and clean those hard to reach places while you still can. If you haven’t used it in 6 months, you probably don’t need it around. Give it to someone who can use it. Put those little clothes you use to wear to the back of the closet and put your early maternity clothes near the front. Even if you miraculously get into your old clothes the day after you give birth, you will probably want loose comfortable clothes as you recover and after you give birth.
Keep taking pictures of your various stages of pregnancy with different people especially your partner and children.
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