{"id":1318,"date":"2022-01-28T20:57:03","date_gmt":"2022-01-29T02:57:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=1318"},"modified":"2023-04-21T13:40:22","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T19:40:22","slug":"20-weeks-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/week-by-week\/20-weeks-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Weeks Pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"

20 Weeks Pregnant: The 20th Week Of Pregnancy<\/h2>\n

You are 20 weeks pregnant, you have made it halfway through your pregnancy<\/b>! Keep reading for more information about the 20th week of pregnancy. Get the Fetal Life App for Apple<\/a> and Android<\/a> endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.<\/p>\n

What Changes Are Occurring With Your Body When You Are 20 Weeks Pregnant?<\/h3>\n

The top of your uterus is now at the same level as your belly button. You may have gained around 8 to 10 pounds by this point. Expect to gain \u00bd a pound to one pound (.23 to .45 kg) per week<\/strong> during the rest of your pregnancy. The amount of weight may be more or less depending on your pre-pregnancy weight. Your doctor or midwife<\/a> should let you know if you are gaining weight<\/a> at a healthy rate and if you need to make any adjustments in your eating and activity level.<\/p>\n

How Big Is Your Baby?<\/h3>\n

Your baby is about 7 \u00be inches (19.7 cm) long<\/strong> and weighs approximately 9 ounces (.26 kg)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What Is Happening With Your Baby?<\/h3>\n

When you are <\/span>20 weeks pregnant<\/b>, your baby is covered in a white substance called vernix caseosa<\/em><\/span>. This substance helps protect your baby\u2019s skin from becoming irritated while submerged in amniotic fluid. It also aids the baby’s passage through the birth canal during labor<\/a>. Your baby is beginning to produce meconium, a dark green or black, sticky substance that will constitute your baby\u2019s first messy diaper. A few babies pass meconium while in the uterus or during labor<\/b>. Meconium consists of cell loss, the amniotic fluid that has been swallowed, and digestive secretions.<\/p>\n

What Should You Plan For Pregnancy Week 20?<\/h3>\n

It is time to begin thinking about the delivery of your baby. This will be one of the most memorable, life-changing, and exciting experiences of your life. You will want to spend some time thinking through your hopes and wishes for this special day. Starting with a journal, try to write down as many of your thoughts and plans for your delivery. Your journal will help you prioritize and articulate your ideas. Creating a birth plan<\/a> can help you communicate your desires clearly with all the people who will provide support to you during your labor.<\/p>\n

Tips for Making Your Pregnancy Better<\/h3>\n

Remember that it is vitally important to make sure that you get enough nutrients in your diet,<\/a> especially iron. An increase in iron intake is necessary as it assists in the production of hemoglobin in your baby and prevents anemia<\/a>, low birth weight, and premature delivery. While you are pregnant, you need to have a daily intake of 27 to 30 mg of iron<\/strong>. Iron is also important because your blood volume has expanded to compensate for your baby. Good sources of iron include:<\/strong><\/p>\n