Congratulations you are now at the half way point. You will probably feel closer and more connected to baby now that their movements are stronger and more frequent. Try to find a quiet moment or two everyday to talk, sing or play music to your baby. Babies are known to recognise voices that they hear while they are in the womb after they are born.
20 Weeks
You will probably have had your anatomy scan and you may even know the sex of your baby. You may notice that you have some physical symptoms of pregnancy, which can include headaches, feeling faint or hot, sickness and indigestion. Remember to rest, keep well hydrated and ask your midwife about any symptoms that persist.
Week 21
Baby is about 10.5 inches long and growing at a rapid rate. You may start feeling Braxton Hicks which are mild tightenings, this is your uterus starting to tone itself ready for the labour and birth.
Many women also experience changes in their skin during pregnancy such as pigmentation, dryness and itchiness. Use a good moisturiser at least once a day to keep your skin soft and supple, such as boend of Vitamin E oil and Rose oil, or usomg Rose water. However any lotion should help to hydrate your skin.
Week 22
Baby is about the size of a coconut and is about one pound in weight. Your baby is able to swallow and now has fingernails and toenails.
Week 23
Baby’s skin is still translucent and their organs and bones can be seen through their skin. Their lungs are not properly developed yet to be able to breathe air, but they continue to practice the movements needed for breathing. They will also soon start to produce a substance called surfactant, which will help their lungs to inflate and deflate effectively.
Baby is totally supported by the placenta, to receive all the oxygen and nutrients they require, as well as removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
Week 24
Your baby is about 30cms long and the size of a small melon, and is now starting to produce surfactant in the lungs, which is vital to help lung function and breathing when they are born.
Check out our next blog on weeks 24-28
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