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Pregnancy Week Twenty - Pregnancy Week by Week - Pregnancy Calendar

By , About.com Guide

Pregnancy Week Twenty - Pregnancy Week by Week - Pregnancy Calendar

Ultrasound of Baby's Face and Limbs

Mother:

You are half way through your pregnancy! Congratulations! Your belly button may pop out and stay that way as your uterus presses upwards. Some people will have trouble breathing as their lungs become cramped. This will usually continue until the baby "drops." In a first pregnancy this can occur as early as 4-6 weeks before or not until labor. Once the baby drops you will have to urinate more frequently, hard to believe? Remembering to do your pelvic tilts prior to laying down will hopefully allow you a few more minutes before the next bathroom break.

Baby:

Lanugo forms from sebum and skin cells to create vernix. This creamy white substance is believed to help protect the baby. It will cling to the lanugo and in the creases. This is also something that can be seen sometimes after the birth. It is known for its smooth, protective quality.

You may be aware of sleep wake cycles in your little one. The weight is now up to 10 ounces (283 grams) and the baby measures about 25 cms total length, about 9.8 inches. Many moms have an ultrasound at week 20. It may be your first peek at baby.

Dad/Partner:

Take mom out to dinner to celebrate the half-way point in pregnancy. My husband adds that a gift for the baby is also a nice touch. This is particularly true if you're just finding out if your baby is a girl or a boy.

Readers Share:

This week we hear from other readers about finding out the sex of their babies. Did you get really excited? Were you disappointed about it? Who was with you when you had your ultrasound?

How did you feel finding out the sex of your baby?

Twin Tips:

If you're having your first ultrasound, you might be surprised to find that there is more than one in there!

Suggested Reading:

Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper & Suzanne Arms
Information on gentle birth choices such as water birth, home birth and other options.
Click Here to Order

More Pregnancy Weeks:

(Weights vary widely.)

Photo © C. Robinson

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