20 weeks pregnant
Length: 20 cmWeight: 280 g
Baby development
If I'm a girl, there are already around two million eggs in my ovaries, and my uterus is fully developed.
If I am a boy, the testicles have begun to develop, although they still lie nestled in the abdomen, waiting for the scrotum to sprout forth before relocating to their permanent home. My eyelashes have grown out and I may have long strands of hair on my head, some of us babies have that now. The sweat glands are fully developed, but I won’t have any need for them until after I am born.
My swimming skills may not be Olympic standard, but they have certainly improved, along with my karate skills.
Mothers development
There is a lot of activity inside your belly and you may have begun to feel the child's movements.
If you haven’t yet, there is nothing to worry about as that might not happen for weeks to come. It can also be difficult at first to determine whether it is the child moving or the rumblings of your intestines. After a while, you will be able to feel the difference. Once you realise it's the child, that is a major milestone as it allows you to relax and believe that everything is all right in there.
Your metabolism and blood volume have increased, which can lead to positive effects on your hair and nails. It's nice to feel beautiful and desirable, especially since other things may limit you from feeling this way at this stage of the pregnancy. Such as symphysis pubis dysfunction, which can be very difficult and painful. Your pelvic region continues to loosen up as it prepares for delivery. If this is not your first pregnancy, it is common for symphysis pubis dysfunction to occur earlier. One tip is to use a maternity belt, but as always do not hesitate to speak to your midwife or doctor if you are experiencing any discomfort. Help is always available!
Co-parent
You might be feeling as far away from your new life as can be with the coming baby, but now is the perfect opportunity to begin solidifying that new relationship.
Be a lot more involved in everything that happens. Tag along to midwife visits and track the progress of the pregnancy as much as you can. Always have a hand free when sitting or standing next to your partner to feel any kicks or movements from her belly. You’ll have to act quickly as the moment could be over in a flash. It usually takes a little while before you can see and feel the kicks, but take the chance and enjoy it anyway.
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