Pregnancy Week 20: A guide for asian mothers during this pregnancy stage

Wondering what to expect during your 20 weeks of pregnancy? We got you covered mommies. We listed the development of your baby inside your womb and what symptoms to expect during this stage. You can also know what things you should do to take care of yourself during your pregnancy at week 20. 

How big is your baby?

Right now, your baby is a size of a banana. They weigh about 10 ounces and measure about 6 or 7 inches from head to rump.

The vernix caseosa, a thick, milky covering that protects the skin from the amniotic fluid it is submerged in constantly, is the newborn’s main developmental milestone. In addition, they are starting to grow lanugo, the downy hair that newborns have at birth. (They shed it fairly fast after giving birth.)

The kid is developing some coordination at this point in addition to learning to suck their thumb, twist and turn inside the uterus (more on that in a moment), yawn, blink, and react to outside stimuli like very loud noises.

20 weeks pregnant baby weight in kg

Your baby weighs between 9 and 11 ounces and is more than 6 inches long from the top of his head to the bottom of his bum.

5 months pregnant baby position and movement

You may have sensed the fluttering and bubbling of your unborn kid by this time. If not, that’s perfectly fine! 

The majority of first-time pregnancies see those initial movements, known as quickening, between 16 and 20 weeks; however, every baby is different.

Inside the womb, the infant has a lot of space to move around. As a result, throughout this month, the baby does not achieve any specific position.

Occasionally, as early as 13 or 14 weeks, quickening can be identified, but this is not usually the case. Depending on your baby’s size, position, and location of your placenta, it could be more challenging to feel movement.

In either case, you can anticipate feeling something by the fifth month if you haven’t already.

Your baby’s development at 20 weeks pregnant

In this week-by-week pregnancy guide, you’ll learn that:

• Your baby’s skin is thickening and developing layers this week.
• While most babies still have their eyes sealed, your little one’s peepers may be open now.
• He is swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid which is good for his digestive system.
• A black, sticky substance called meconium is accumulating in his bowels. He will pass this soon after birth.
• His taste buds are working, so if you catch him smacking his lips during your anomaly scan, he probably likes what you ate last!
• If you are having a girl, her uterus is formed while her vaginal canal is developing. If you are having a boy, his scrotum is yet to develop but his testicles have started to descend.

5 months pregnant symptoms

• You will now steadily gain about half a kilogram per week.
• Your sleep is interrupted. The uterus is aligned with the belly button, making sleeping in one position a little uncomfortable.
• The fatigue and morning sickness from trimester one have completely faded away by now. (This is, undoubtedly, the best news in this week-by-week pregnancy guide.)
• You probably have increased libido as well, so getting some action between the sheets with your hubby will do you both good.
• You have vaginal discharge. It is harmless and will continue until the end of your pregnancy.

You will also have the following symptoms — which is completely normal! If you seem bothered by some symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

• Slightly swollen hands and feet
• Lower back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Increased appetite
• Stretch marks
• Constipation
• Itchy skin
• Varicose veins
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Spider veins
• Difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep in

5 months pregnant belly size 

You should anticipate gaining around a pound or two per week during the second trimester, even if it can be difficult to predict how much weight you should have added by month 5. 

If your weight was normal before becoming pregnant, it is advised that you gain 25 to 35 pounds.

Pregnancy Care at 20 weeks pregnant

1. Remember to give your body some rest.
2. Keep your diet healthy.
3. Keep your weight in check. If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more. If you were overweight, you need to put the brakes on gaining.
4. Never lift anything that is excessively heavy.
5. Keep exercising to keep those aches and pains minimal.
6. To strengthen your pelvic muscles, think about walking and using Kegel exercises.
7. Refrain from being stressed.
8. Keep on hydrating.
9. Give up smoking and drinking.
10. Take prenatal vitamins frequently.
11. You should always see your doctor before taking any drug.
12. Put on light, flowing attire and comfortable, flat shoes.
13. Eat smaller meals, but frequently.
14. Try to adopt sleeping positions while seated that encourage good posture and restful sleep. Standing up or sitting down quickly can cause blood pressure to drop, which might result in fainting or dizziness.

5 months pregnant? Your Checklist

• Haven’t had an anomaly scan yet? You should. At 20 weeks of gestation, the genitalia of your unborn child are now visible on an ultrasound. The bonus is: you may witness your baby kick, move or suck his thumb! Do take your partner along. It will be an amazing experience for you both.
• Eat healthy to stock up on essential pregnancy nutrients.
• Take your prenatal vitamins diligently.
• Thinking about travelling? The second trimester is the best time to plan a trip. Share your travel with the doctor and start packing!

Additional information from Margaux Dolores

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.