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Pregnancy: 20 weeks
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
How the child grows:
Your child weighs about 300 grams, and his length is 16.5 cm. He works a swallowing reflex and secures meconium - a black, sticky product of digestion. This sticky substance accumulates in the intestines, and you can see it on the first day after birth.
Important: the development of each child is strictly individual. Our information is designed to give you an idea of the development of the fetus.
Changes of the future mother
Congratulations! You are already halfway there. The upper part of the uterus is at the level of your navel and you probably recovered at 4.5 kg. Each week your weight will increase by 0, 5 kg. Be sure to get enough iron - the mineral needed to produce hemoglobin (part of the red blood cells that carry oxygen). During pregnancy, the body needs more iron to match the increasing volume of blood. Red meat is one of the rich sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially dark meat) and mollusks also contain iron. Also, doctors recommend beans, soy products, spinach and raisins.
If you have not already signed up for courses for future parents, do it now. Structured classes will help you and your partner prepare for childbirth.
Complete sleep
As the gestation period increases, women may have difficulty sleeping. You may be surprised, but in pregnancy, often appears:
- Snore. Partly it is caused by a large amount of estrogen, which contributes to mucosal edema.
- Heartburn and indigestion. Try to avoid foods that cause heartburn, and also do not eat immediately before bed.
- Leg cramps.
- Restless sleep. Do you often wake up and try to find a comfortable position? Place the pillow on your sides and between your knees.
- Abundant sweating in the middle of the night. Due to hormonal changes, sweating is characteristic of pregnant women.
Activity of the week: Pamper yourself. You have already gone half way, so you can pamper yourself for it.
- Buy beautiful pajamas, do prenatal massage or create a romantic atmosphere in the house with aromatized candles.
- Make yourself a gift for memory: contact a professional photographer or artist.
- To feel attractive, buy a beautiful underwear or sign up for a make-up artist.
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