20 Weeks Pregnant

bowelskin uterus You are now 20 weeks pregnant (or in your 21st week if that's how you prefer to count it).

How your baby's growing

Your baby measures about 6.5 inches/ 16.5 centimetres from crown to rump and is steadily gaining weight. A whitish coat of a slick, fatty substance called vernix caseosa begins to cover your baby and protects the skin during its long immersion in amniotic fluid. It also eases delivery. Some babies are still covered with this whitish goo when they're born. The baby's swallowing more this week, good practice for the digestive system. After your baby takes in amniotic fluid, his body absorbs the water in the liquid and moves the rest into the large bowel.

How your life's changing

Out of breath? Most women start to feel a bit like a steam engine, huffing and puffing up a short flight of stairs. Some breathlessness is normal and may get a little worse as your expanding uterus pushes up against your lungs, but tell your doctor if it gets out of hand. Also, make sure you're getting enough iron. Your baby needs it to make red blood cells, among other things. Babies born to mothers who are low in iron tend to be small. A good iron level also helps reduce bleeding at the birth It's almost impossible to get too much from food alone, as long as you're not overeating. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, spinach, green leafy vegetables and iron-fortified cereals. Why not try our iron enriched meal plan.


Pregnancy tip: A pineapple a day makes heartburn go away

"Fresh pineapple (eaten in small amounts) has helped reduce my heartburn." – Janet

Poll of the week

Boy or girl - what do you secretly wish for? Vote now!

Things to consider

Common worries

I have heard that UTIs are common in pregnancy. What is a UTI and how can I prevent it?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections, otherwise known as thrush, are fairly common in women whether they are pregnant or not. Unfortunately, the changes that pregnancy brings to your body can make you more susceptible to them. You can avoid getting these infections in the first place by drinking lots of water and other fluids, such as lassi, coconut water, juice, soups.

In summer, many pregnant women complain of a slight burning sensation while passing urine. If the burning sensation is due to dehydration, drinking plenty of water and other fluids reduces it. However, if the burning sensation persists, it could be a urinary tract infection and you would need to contact your doctor immediately, who can prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy. Find out more:

BabyCenter tip: If you want to do one good thing for your baby this week, get as much rest as you can, even if you are still going to work. Move away from your desk at lunchtime. Have something to eat and drink and go outside in the fresh air. If you are at home with small children, rest with your feet up when they have a nap.

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