Pregnancy Calendar at Week 20
Mommy, hello!
We got you to the 20th week, and I’m starting to look like a little exotic mango! 🥭 Your belly is already growing more and about 25 centimeters now. Even though it's tiny, it's already so active!
You know, I’ve learned something new — Morgan! 😆 Sometimes I gently nibble on my eyelids, yawn, or even try to smile. Imagine how you look when your cheeks blush because of the tiny cells dividing in their little grid.
My little ones are growing and practicing their breathing; I do over 40 active movements a minute — as if I'm gearing up for that first big breath when we meet. And oh, my little tummy also starts working like an adult's, and you can see little bubbles — it’s such a funny thing to watch, which keeps me smiling inside.
I move a lot more now, twitching and trying out new facial expressions. Sometimes I hear your voice or music, and that makes me smile inside. You are my favorite person, and I’m so happy we’re together! 💖
Thank you for carrying me, Mommy. Your heart — that’s my dearest rhythm, and I hug you tight every time!
With love,
your tiny mango baby 🥭
What happens to a woman during pregnancy
During the 20th week of pregnancy, many women start to notice their baby's neck muscles tightening. This typically happens between the 18th and 21st weeks. Experienced moms and women with a certain body build might feel this baby movement even earlier.
Some future moms notice that a yellowish-white fluid appears from their nipples periodically. This is quite normal — a natural substance that helps prepare the baby's feeding in the first days after birth. Its appearance indicates the start of breast milk production.
Weight
By the end of the 20th week, your weight can increase by about 3–5 kilograms. If you've gained more than 5 kg since the start of pregnancy, it's important to inform your doctor about it. An excessive weight gain can put extra strain on your organs and may complicate the pregnancy.
Baby
Every week, your baby continues to grow. The bottom of the baby’s skull now roughly corresponds to the level of the navel, and this is considered normal even if the indicators slightly deviate from the norm. By the 20th week of pregnancy, the baby might appear a little plump (like a pufferfish or a mandarin) — this is a reduction in the size of the placenta, which isn't a threat to the mother or baby. The size of the placenta is still sufficient, and the baby can change its position several times a day.
Pain
Back pain, especially in the lumbar region, is common and fairly widespread during pregnancy. To make these pains easier, it’s recommended to avoid high heels and platform shoes. If you have sitting work, do some stretching exercises during breaks, which will help relax the spine.
Breasts
With each week, your breasts tend to enlarge. The nipple area now is approximately at the level of the navel, which is a normal point of reference in fetal development. Therefore, you should pay close attention to your health. Watch your diet, avoid excessive physical activities, and take prescribed vitamins for 6 months before planning pregnancy.
Medical examinations
Starting from the 20th week, pregnant women will visit the doctor more often — every two weeks.
Doctors
- A consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is necessary if any complaints arise during pregnancy.
Tests
- If a 'triple test' (prenatal screening II trimester, biochemical screening II trimester) wasn’t performed between weeks 16-19, it’s essential to do it now. This analysis provides information about the genetic health of the baby. In the morning, take blood from a vein to determine the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and estriol (E3). The results help identify some chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome) or the risk of developing heart defects. Do not panic if the results deviate from the norm; it is likely a false positive—since there's approximately a 9-10% chance of error. You should only comment on it after consulting your doctor.
Difficulties of bearing
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is more often diagnosed during the first trimester, although in late pregnancy it occurs less frequently. The reasons can be hormonal disorders, viral infections (like flu), genetic issues, or chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus. Sometimes, even specialists cannot determine the exact cause of pregnancy loss. After a miscarriage, thorough examination of both partners for infections and viruses is necessary. Only after its completion can pregnancy planning be resumed.
Placenta
Placenta insufficiency is characterized by morphological changes in the placenta, which can appear due to improper function of separate organs and systems, acute infections, pregnancy-related diseases, and external factors such as harmful habits, improper diet, and micronutrient deficiencies. Placenta insufficiency can cause concerns in the future mother, but over time it may lead to hypoxia, fetal growth delay, and intrauterine development arrest, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.
What a future mother can and cannot do:
- Support moderate physical activity. Walking, yoga, and swimming help prevent stagnation and improve blood circulation.
- Take vitamin complexes and medications prescribed by your doctor. These support the functions of the body's organs and prevent undesirable pregnancy complications.
- Get into bed slowly: first, relax your legs on the bed, then lie down. This helps prevent quick drops in blood pressure that might cause dizziness or loss of consciousness.
- Lie on a hard mattress. A firm orthopedic mattress reduces strain on the spine and ensures proper breathing and overall relaxation.
What a pregnant woman should avoid:
- Avoid excessive fat, salty foods, and products with preservatives and artificial dyes. These can negatively affect the kidneys and thyroid gland hormones.
- Avoid sharp movements and sudden changes in body position. They can trigger arterial pressure spikes, dizziness, and hypertonus of the uterus.
Proper Nutrition
During the 20th week of pregnancy, it's important to have a varied and balanced diet. Your daily calorie intake should be just enough to cover your body's needs, providing the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and adequate cell growth support the healthy functioning of your organs and help you feel good as a future mom.
Recommendations for the 20th week of pregnancy:
- Proteins: essential for the growth of muscle tissue in the baby, which actively develops in the 20th week. Include lean meats and fish in your diet; these also help replenish vitamin D and iron, which are important for proper fetal development.
- Healthy fats and calcium: these elements can be obtained from meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, and dairy.
- Vitamin A (retrinosis): plays a key role in the proper transfer of genetic information during cell division. It is necessary for the development of the nervous and endocrine systems in the fetus. During the 20th week, it helps prevent congenital immunity disorders in the baby by regulating the immune response, and its sources include: egg yolks, butter, pumpkin, fish, and fish oils.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): participates in the formation of blood and the development of the nervous and endocrine systems in the future mother, and is essential for the growth of bones and teeth in the fetus. Sources include:
- fish;
- liver;
- eggs;
- nuts.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B3 plays a crucial role in regulating cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism. It helps maintain the normal function of the placenta and healthy blood flow. During the 20th week of pregnancy, it is necessary for daily consumption, especially to prevent deficiencies that could cause defects in the osteoarticular system. Main sources of niacin include:
- fish;
- meat;
- beans;
- dairy;
Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for pregnant women starting from the 20th week, as it is necessary for the formation of the fetal bone shell and overall development. Calcium also helps regulate the activity of the nervous system and endocrine glands, including the placenta. Daily calcium intake is important for the health of the mother and fetus because calcium deficiency can lead to brittle nails, hair loss, and dental health issues. Main sources of calcium include:
- milk products;
- vegetables;
- fish;
- eggs;
- beans;
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a vital role in forming the nervous system of the fetus. After the 20th week of pregnancy, this micronutrient becomes essential for the formation of the fetal nervous and endocrine systems and helps prevent the development of fetal hypoxia. Main sources of magnesium include:
- caviar;
- pumpkin seeds;
- nuts;
- granola;
- greens.
Selenium
Selenium is an important antioxidant that helps your body eliminate harmful substances from your organs, preventing their accumulation in the fetus. It supports the function of the placenta and protects the placenta from damage. Deficiency in selenium can manifest as hair loss, weakened nails, and worsening dental health. Main sources of selenium include:
- meat;
- caviar;
- eggs;
- fish;
- vegetables.
Vitamin E or Tocopherol
This vitamin supports the proper development of the brain, heart, kidneys, and the future child's overall health. During the 20th week of pregnancy, it contributes to the formation of the skin and bone tissue, and reduces the risk of hyperplasia in the fetus. Main sources of vitamin E include:
- vegetables;
- fruits;
- seeds;
- nuts;
- olive oil;
- grapes;
- cabbage;
- nuts.
Copper
Copper closely interacts with vitamin B12, so their presence is inseparable. It plays a key role in supporting the health of the nervous and cardiovascular systems in the mother and helps prevent blood clotting and oxidative stress. Adequate daily intake of copper is crucial for the developing fetus because it supports the formation of bone, cartilage, and connective tissues. States of copper deficiency may manifest as:
- mussels;
- caviar;
- eggs;
- sponges;
- seaweed.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential micronutrient that supports the functioning of the thyroid gland in the pregnant woman. It is also involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, regulating the activity of the endocrine system. Beginning from the 20th week of pregnancy, the iodine level influences the growth of the fetal nervous system and the overall development of the child's organs. Iodine sources include:
- milk products;
- seaweed;
- fish;
- eggs;
- cereals;
- peas;
- carrots.
Helpful Tips
If you experience nausea, try not to vomit and avoid leaning forward. Gentle nipple stimulation might help boost your milk supply and create some early pregnancy warning signs. Just shake a saltwater drop on your nipple or use special supplements to encourage breastfeeding.
The most suitable time for traveling before giving birth is now, so you can gather strength for this important milestone. After your baby is born, you'll both need time to rest. Doctors recommend not changing the climate but if you want to relax in warm countries, choose safe places.
If your pregnancy is going smoothly, traveling from 12 to 32 weeks is even allowed. Your future dad can organize time off for his second half to enjoy some quiet moments and recharge emotionally.
Exercises for Future Moms
Every week, your pregnancy progresses a little more, and the strain on your body increases too. That’s why it’s especially important to pay attention to moderate physical activity during this time. It can help your body relax and stay in good shape for childbirth.
Among the most beneficial kinds of exercise for pregnant women are yoga (including special prenatal programs), swimming, walking, and gentle muscle relaxation exercises. These activities can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
However, it’s best to avoid exercises on the stomach, any lying-down positions, and high-impact cardio activities, as they might suddenly increase your blood pressure.
Problems During Pregnancy
Stress in life and pregnancy discomfort
Some discomforts during pregnancy, starting from the 20th week, are considered normal. These so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions help the uterus prepare for labor and get it ready for delivery. If pregnancy discomforts are brief and not accompanied by other symptoms, there's no need to worry.
Problems with the urinary system
Between the 20th and 30th week of pregnancy, many women notice urinary retention. This is related to the fact that an enlarging uterus puts pressure on the bladder, as well as hormonal changes. To improve digestion, it is recommended to increase water intake, limit salt consumption, and do exercises to reduce back strain. If these measures don’t help, it’s important to consult a doctor to find the right treatment.
Swelling
By the 20th week of pregnancy, waste products accumulate in the pregnant woman’s body, and her stomach often becomes bloated. This can cause swelling, especially with excessive food intake. To ease this issue, herbal remedies that reduce stomach acidity can be helpful, but it’s best to only use those approved during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider to select safe options for you.
Back pain
From the 20th week of pregnancy, the mom-to-be may start feeling back pain, and her lower back might even ache. This can be caused by increased load on the spine, and it tends to peak towards the end of pregnancy. Gentle exercises, such as chiropractic care, stretching, and lying on a firm surface, can help ease discomfort. If these measures are not enough, a doctor can suggest appropriate treatment options.
Legs
During the 20th week of pregnancy, a woman’s legs usually swell, gaining between 6 to 8 kilograms. This weight gain affects the functioning of leg vessels. Toward the end of pregnancy, future moms might feel increased heaviness and swelling. In such cases, compression stockings can provide relief, which is prescribed after examining the patient.
Breasts
By the 20th week, pregnancy-related hormonal changes cause the breasts to enlarge, and they may reach their final size. This can sometimes lead to discomfort or tenderness, especially with increased food intake. To make this easier, wearing quality supportive bras, reducing salt intake, and doing exercises to lessen back burden can be helpful. If discomfort persists, consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
Outflow
At around 20 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, and the bladder capacity decreases. This can lead to frequent urination, especially during heavy food consumption. To reduce this problem, avoid caffeine, and drink more water. Peeing regularly can also help prevent uncomfortable sensations or infections.
