What does baby moving feel like at 18 weeks

18 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development

18 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

This week, your little one is developing a unique characteristic: fingerprints. Pads of fat accumulating on the fingertips and toes will turn into distinguishing swirling lines.

The developing digestive system has been going through its paces for several weeks already. Your baby swallows amniotic fluid, which makes its way through the stomach and intestines. That fluid will combine with dead cells and secretions in the intestines to form meconium — a black, tarry substance you'll see at the very first diaper change.

Around 18 weeks, your baby’s ears will begin to stand out from of the sides of the head and may even begin to register sounds.

Your baby will need bile to digest nutrients, and at 18 weeks, the gall bladder may begin to work.

RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL

Baby Name Generator

By gender:

Unisex

By theme:

Nature

Mythology

The Size of the Fetus at 18 Weeks Pregnant

When you’re 18 weeks pregnant, the fetus is around the size of a sweet potato, measuring about 5 and a half inches long from crown to rump, and weighing around 7 ounces. The illustration below shows how things may be looking inside your belly this week:

Mom’s Body at 18 Weeks Pregnant

If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel the baby begin to move inside your belly sometime soon. This fluttering feeling is known as quickening.

As your baby gets bigger, you may notice stronger movements and maybe even kicks in the weeks to come. Because each mom is different, you may feel this movement earlier (this is common if this is not your first baby) or in some cases even later. So, even if you don’t feel any movement at 18 weeks pregnant, there is no need to worry.

At this stage of your pregnancy, your body is going through a lot of circulation changes, such as increased blood volume and rapidly expanding blood vessels, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. This can leave you feeling lightheaded if you’re not getting enough blood flow to your head and upper body.

You may also notice around 18 weeks that your feet are getting bigger. A part of this is due to swelling caused by water retention, known as edema, which can occur from the second trimester onward.

Hormones also play a part in growing feet. The pregnancy hormone relaxin, which relaxes your pelvic joints so your baby can fit through the birth canal, loosens the ligaments in your feet, causing the foot bones to spread. You can relieve the swelling with a footbath of cool water and by keeping your feet raised; don’t worry (and have fun!) if you need to head out shoe shopping for a bigger size.

If you’re wondering how many months pregnant you are at 18 weeks, the answer is you have probably now just turned 5 months pregnant.

18 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 18 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

Dizzy spells. Your heart is working 40 to 50 percent harder than it did before you were pregnant. This effort, combined with the pressure of your growing uterus on blood vessels, can occasionally leave you feeling faint, particularly when you get up quickly. Be sure to rest frequently. Lie down on your side when you feel faint or dizzy. Low blood sugar can also lead to wooziness. Resting, lying down on your side, or eating a piece of fruit will help boost blood sugar levels and settle dizzy spells.
Mini moves. Most women first feel their little one's movements between 16 and 20 weeks. Your baby is still small, so at around 18 weeks pregnant, it'll be more of a gentle flutter than a forceful kick in your belly.
Leg cramps. You may find that leg cramps strike at 18 weeks pregnant, usually at night. Try to stretch your calf muscles before bed and stay hydrated. A warm bath, hot shower, or a massage may help, too.
Nasal problems. Thank s to a surge in hormones and increased blood volume during pregnancy, which causes mucous membranes to swell up, you might experience nosebleeds and congestion.
Aches and pains in the back. Your growing belly and hormonal changes can lead to aches and pains in your lower back area.

18 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

Follow a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Getting the nutrients you and your baby need is important, and omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial part of a healthy diet. Omega-3s help your little one’s nervous system develop, and some research shows that they may also help boost your immune system and reduce the symptoms of depression. Look for foods that are rich in this nutrient, like salmon or other fatty fish, or get your omega-3s from vegetarian sources like flaxseed, broccoli, or walnuts. You can learn more about nutrition during pregnancy in our downloadable pregnancy guide.
Increase your calorie intake healthily. You'll need some extra calories to support your growing baby, but you don’t actually need to eat for two. Once you reach the second trimester, this could be an extra 300 calories — half a sandwich and a glass of skim milk, say — on top of an average 2,000 calories a day. You can check your pregnancy weight gain with our downloadable and printable tracker.
You may notice that everyone, from your mother-in-law to complete strangers, feels compelled to offer advice about your pregnancy. Although unsolicited opinions can be annoying, try to take them in stride. You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. A simple "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind" should do the trick. Try to remember that people mean well, and they're excited for you. You may even find some of the parenting tips you get are actually helpful.
In rare cases, the mid-pregnancy ultrasound reveals a problem associated with the placenta. Your healthcare provider will tell you if he suspects either placenta accreta or placenta previa and will be able to advise you on what care you will be given to lower any risks associated with either condition.

18 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor

Is your baby’s level of movement and position on track for 18 weeks pregnant? You can read more about quickening and fetal movement.
What are the risks and benefits of any genetic tests that may be offered this trimester?
Do you recommend the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (or MSAFP for short) screening test?
When will your mid-pregnancy ultrasound exam be?

18 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

Make a list of foods rich in omega-3s and add them to your weekly shopping list.
Start collecting books to read to your baby. Discover the best baby books according to Pampers Parents.
Think about baby names for your little one, and check out our Baby Name Generator for inspiration.
Sign up for even more pregnancy tips here:

Your Baby's Movements During Pregnancy – Health Information Library

Overview

During your pregnancy, you'll feel your baby move. For example, your baby may kick, hiccup, roll, turn, and twist. These movements are common and expected. As your baby grows, these movements will get stronger.

But sometimes you might feel a movement that surprises you. You may wonder what it means. Most pregnant women don't have any serious problems. But it's a good idea to learn about the different kinds of movements. They include:

Fluttering, butterflies, or bubbles.

You'll probably start to feel your baby move sometime between 18 and 22 weeks. At first, these small movements feel like fluttering or "butterflies." Some women say that they feel like gas bubbles. These first flutters are sometimes called "quickening."

Hiccups.

Around 21 to 24 weeks, you may start to feel some jerky movements inside your belly. You might even see them on the outside. Repeated jerky movements usually mean that your baby has the hiccups.

Hiccups are perfectly normal. They can last from a minute to an hour. You may feel your baby have hiccups now and then throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

Kicks, twists, and turns.

As your pregnancy goes on, you may feel some changes in your baby's movement. Around 25 to 28 weeks, your baby may start to kick and stretch. And you may notice that your baby does less turning and twisting and more squirming or jerking. Around 30 to 32 weeks, your baby turns less and kicks and jabs more.

At about 28 weeks, you may feel your baby move from head-down to feet-down, or even sideways.

When and how often babies move

After 18 to 20 weeks, you may notice that your baby moves more at certain times of day. For example, when you are active, you may feel less movement than when you're resting quietly. Believe it or not, babies find the activity and noise of daytime hours to be soothing. So they often sleep during the day and are awake at night.

Starting at about 30 to 32 weeks, you should feel your baby move several times a day. Babies usually sleep 20 to 45 minutes at a time, and then are more active at certain times of day.

By 40 weeks, your baby has grown larger and doesn't have much room to move around. You will probably notice less "big" movement than before.

Call your doctor or midwife right away or seek immediate medical care if you notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal.

Credits

Top of the page
Next Section:
Related Information

Health Information Library

what is happening, the development of pregnancy and fetus

Week by week
17 - 20 weeks of pregnancy
Elena Gevorkova
Obstetrician-gynecologist, Moscow

17th week

BABY

The body length of the fetus at this period is 12-13 cm, and its weight reaches 150 g by the end of the 17th week.

Basic

the process of this week is to build the muscle mass of the baby. Various muscle groups are strengthened, which is manifested by increased motor activity of the fetus. Movements become more varied and complex. Frequent movements of the arms and legs not only train the muscles, but also contribute to the development of joints - knee and elbow. The handles are clenched into fists and are unclenched infrequently - to capture the umbilical cord or when sucking a finger. Until this time, the fetal head practically did not move, it was lowered low, the chin was tightly pressed to the chest. By the 17th week, the muscles of the back and neck are strengthened so much that the fetal head can rise to an almost vertical position.

All internal organs continue to improve, their structure becomes more complex, and their functional abilities expand. In other words, intensive preparation continues, allowing the internal organs to begin full-fledged work immediately after the birth of the child.

Important changes are taking place in the baby's cardiovascular system. Around the heart there are many nerve plexuses that form the conduction system of the heart. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the heart does not require external signals to work. Each internal human organ obeys the central nervous system - the brain, which sends a command, and the organ works according to the signal "from above". The peculiarity of the functioning of the heart lies in the fact that the command signals that cause it to contract arise in itself. This autonomous mode allows the heart to work throughout life, day and night, regardless of the activity of the central nervous system.

The development of the fetal respiratory system continues. The respiratory muscles of the lungs are strengthened. Breathing movements become more and more intense - contractions that simulate inhalation and exhalation, which allows you to strengthen the muscles of the chest. At a period of 17 weeks, the alveolar apparatus of the lungs is completely formed. Alveoli are the end parts of the respiratory apparatus in the lung, having the form of tiny bubbles, in which, after the birth of the baby, gas exchange will occur: oxygen from the air will enter the blood vessels of the lungs, and carbon dioxide will be released into the lumen of the alveoli. Each breath will saturate the baby's blood with oxygen. From 17 weeks, the fetal alveoli are in a collapsed state. The first breath of the baby will fill the lungs with air, and the alveoli will expand widely.

MOM-to-be

The tummy continues to grow, and the bottom of the uterus is in the middle between the pubic symphysis (pubis) and the navel. Weight gain by this period is about 5 kg. An increase in the total volume of the mother's blood is natural, since the fetus needs intensive nutrition. The expectant mother feels this as a rapid heartbeat, as more blood passes through the heart of a pregnant woman than usual, and this requires additional heart contractions. An increased heartbeat - tachycardia - may not be felt at all, and may be a source of discomfort for a woman. If you experience tachycardia, you should report it to your gynecologist or cardiologist to determine if it is normal or a symptom of a heart condition such as an arrhythmia.

Another manifestation of increased blood volume (CBV) in pregnant women can be nosebleeds and increased bleeding gums. This is due to the increased load on thin-walled vessels - capillaries located in the mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities. Vitamins come to the rescue, the timely appointment of which will strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Hygiene procedures will also require caution: the use of toothbrushes with soft bristles is recommended. If minor nosebleeds appear, you can rinse the nasal passages with a salt solution using AQUAMARIS, PHYSIOMER, SALIN preparations or prepare the solution yourself by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of water. The salt solution will compress the walls of the capillaries of the mucosa, thereby helping to stop the bleeding. For more severe bleeding, see a doctor.

18th week

BABY

At the 18th week the fetus is 20 cm long and weighs 200-250 g. Nerve fibers that braid organs and tissues are covered with a special fatty sheath - myelin. The myelin sheath provides a high speed of nerve impulses. In the future, this will allow a person to instantly respond to external stimuli, for example, pull his hand away from a hot or sharp object at the slightest contact with it.

The appearance of the fetus approaches the appearance of a newborn child, facial features become more and more distinct, ears straighten out, which until this time were tightly pressed to the head.

The middle ear is formed and the nerve transmission pathway responsible for auditory perception is improved. In other words, from this period the baby is able to perceive external stimuli and respond to excessively loud sounds - knocking doors, screams, car signals, etc. The noises of the mother's body (intestinal peristalsis, heartbeat, blood flow through large vessels, etc. ) are a completely normal environment for the fetus, moreover, they train his auditory perception.

The fetal endocrine system functions very intensively. Starting from the period of 18-19 weeks, the release of "children's" hormones is so great that even the mother's body is able to provide. For example, if the mother had an insufficiency of adrenal or thyroid hormones, then at this time it is quite possible to compensate for this condition.

Expectant MOM

18 weeks of pregnancy is the period when you can feel the movements of the fetus. Usually, in primiparas, these sensations occur later - at 19— 20th week. As a rule, at earlier terms (at 16-18 weeks), movements are felt by multiparous or thin women who have an insignificant layer of subcutaneous fat.

At first these will be episodic, short-term, weak sensations. After some time, the movements are felt more and more clearly. Their nature can be different: light pushes, touches, rolling or twitching. The first movements of the baby are a very anticipated and exciting moment in the life of pregnant women. For the first time, the expectant mother receives a response to her condition, “proof” of the connection between her and the baby.

Fetal movements are very chaotic, varied. The motor activity of the fetus increases during its wakefulness and is practically absent during sleep. Most of the time the fetus sleeps. Movement can become more active if the expectant mother is experiencing emotional stress. In this case, the level of stress hormones in the pregnant woman's body rises and the fetus, receiving them with the mother's blood, experiences similar sensations, which is manifested by an increase in its activity. Also, the baby may respond to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the mother's body if the pregnant woman does not move much, spends insufficient time in the fresh air, or is in a forced position for a long time (for example, driving a car).

19th week

BABY

At the 19th week the fetus is 25 cm tall and weighs 250-300 g. , and the fetal head significantly slows down its growth. Due to this, the baby changes outwardly and no longer looks disproportionate.

The relief of the fetal body changes somewhat and acquires roundness due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. This is the so-called brown fat of newborns, which is laid down for a period of 19-20 weeks and after the birth of a child, it performs the function of thermoregulation - it protects against overheating and hypothermia. Gradually, this fat disappears, and in adults it remains in the form of lumps in the thickness of the cheeks, in the region of the kidneys, shoulder blades, and armpits.

At this time, an interesting event occurs - the laying of molars (permanent) teeth. They are located under the rudiments of milk teeth in the thickness of the dental plate - this is a special formation from which the maxillo-dental complex is formed and which disappears by the full term of pregnancy.

The most important process of the 19th week of fetal development is rightly considered the maturation of the brain. Separate units of the brain (neurons) form connections with each other with the help of special processes. Cells seem to cling to each other, thereby providing the possibility of a variety of pathways for the passage of impulses and the synchronism of the brain. There is a formation of brain structures responsible for perception - taste, sight, smell, hearing, touch.

Interesting changes occur in the hematopoietic system of the fetus. The spleen is involved in the formation of blood cells. It produces mainly "white" blood cells - leukocytes. Their main task is to protect the body from external and internal factors - toxins, microbes, etc. Thus, the composition of the blood of the fetus changes. Until deadline 19-20 weeks, the blood of the fetus consisted exclusively of erythrocytes - cells of the "red" blood, but now it is close in composition to the blood of a newborn.

Future MOM

The tummy continues to grow rapidly, and by this time the bottom of the uterus is 1. 5-2 cm below the navel.

By the 19th week, the weight of the pregnant woman increases by 3-6 kg. This increase is distributed between the placenta, amniotic fluid, uterus and fetus, and it accounts for only a tenth of the total weight.

Rapid growth of the uterus may cause discomfort. Most often this is due to the fact that when you change the position of the body, when walking or bending, pain is felt in the lateral sections. Its nature is different: the pain can be pulling or sudden, acute, occur only on one side or on both. This is how the ligaments are stretched. These are special strands that are attached to the side walls of the uterus and pelvic bones and fix the uterus. The uterus is "suspended" with the help of this ligamentous apparatus. When there is a change in its position, the ligaments are stretched, and this can cause pain.

Such "ligamentous" pains are normal and do not require treatment - sometimes it is enough to take antispasmodics that relax the uterus and eliminate pain. But you need to inform your gynecologist about this condition and undergo an examination to exclude pregnancy complications - uterine hypertonicity, the threat of interruption. In this case, treatment should be prescribed - possibly in a hospital setting.

20th week

BABY

Fetal length reaches 28 cm, weight increases to 340 g.

Until the 20th week, the length of the baby was measured from the crown to the coccyx, after this period, the concept of growth will also include the length of the body and legs.

The fetus is active, makes many different movements: pushes off the walls of the uterus, somersaults, grabs the umbilical cord with its handles, feels itself. The facial expressions of the baby become more pronounced: he frowns, smiles, closes his eyes.

The skin of the fetus is thickened, completely covered with fluffy hairs and cheese-like grease. The largest amount of lubricant accumulates in the folds, which prevents skin irritation during mechanical friction. Also, the lubricant has bactericidal properties, and during childbirth, it provides better gliding of the fetus along the mother's birth canal.

The gastrointestinal tract is developing intensively. The fetus constantly swallows amniotic fluid in small portions, which washes the stomach and intestines and trains peristalsis - reducing bowel movements.

From the 20th week, the process of amniotic fluid processing begins, a prototype of future digestion. The fetus produces the original feces - meconium, a sticky substance of a dark green color. Meconium consists of epithelial cells, mucus, bile and water. It accumulates in the intestinal lumen of the fetus and normally comes out on the first day after birth.

Future MOM

20 weeks complete the first half of pregnancy. Starting from this period, the load on the mother's body increases due to the intensive growth of the fetus.

The tummy increases in size, the height of the fundus of the uterus reaches the level of the navel. The growing uterus begins to put pressure on the lungs, pregnant women experience the first symptoms of shortness of breath.

Some increase in urination is possible. The reason for this is mechanical irritation due to compression of the bladder by the growing uterus. In many cases, there is an increase in the volume of vaginal discharge. The extra blood flow to the genitals causes an increase in vaginal secretion, which appears as a mucus or white discharge. Normally, they should not have a smell and be accompanied by discomfort in the vagina - itching, burning, etc. It is necessary to monitor the nature of the discharge and consult a doctor for any changes - with the appearance of yellow, thick, curdled discharge, an unpleasant odor, etc. Such whites can be a sign of trouble - thrush, microflora disorders, exacerbation of genital infections. During pregnancy, the tendency to inflammation of the vagina - colpitis - increases, as the mucosa changes its composition and becomes more "attractive" to microbes. Saturation with mucus increases its nutritional value, and microbes multiply in such an environment at a high rate. This greatly increases the risk of fetal infection.

In case of complaints, as well as in the screening procedure, i.e. as part of the management of pregnancy, tests are given - a gynecological smear for flora and PCR diagnostics of genital infections. If necessary, additional examination and treatment are prescribed.

17-20 weeks of pregnancy

17th week

Baby

The 17th week of pregnancy is marked for the baby by an active increase in the mass of his muscles, their gradual strengthening, which allows him to move in the tummy more intensively and variously. Quite frequent movements of the limbs help the child train the muscles, as well as develop the joints of the knees and elbows. At this time, the handles are still clenched into fists, rarely unclenched, and only in order to capture the umbilical cord or suck a finger. Up to 17 weeks, the head of the fetus was practically motionless, rather low, and the chin was close to the chest. Strengthening the muscles of the dorsal and cervical region at this time allows the child to raise his head almost to a vertical position.

Internal organs continue to develop and improve. Their structure only becomes more complex, which contributes to the expansion of functionality. Their preparation will allow after the birth of the baby to begin normal, full-fledged functioning.

It is important to note the changes that occur in the system of blood vessels and heart of the fetus. The nerve plexuses that surround the heart give rise to the formation of the conduction system; its uniqueness lies in the fact that the heart does not need external signals to work. All internal organs of a person obey the central nervous system. The brain sends certain instructions according to which each of the organs works. The heart, in turn, functions with the help of command signals that arise in itself and cause it to contract. The exceptionally autonomous mode of operation of the heart allows it not to depend on the level of activity of the central nervous system throughout a person's life.

The 17th week of pregnancy is also characterized by the formation of the respiratory system, namely, the strengthening of the muscles of the lungs. Active respiratory contractions resemble inhalation and exhalation and thereby strengthen the muscles of the chest. There is also the formation of the alveolar apparatus of the lungs. Alveoli are presented in the human body in the form of small bubbles that are located on the surface of the respiratory apparatus and are responsible for gas exchange. Each breath contributes to the saturation of the blood with oxygen. At the 17th week, the alveoli are in a compressed state, but immediately after birth with the first breath, they will straighten out and be ready for normal functioning.

The weight of the fetus at this time is about 150 g, and the length of the body is 12-13 cm. Normal weight gain for a given week is 5 kg. Also, the 17th week of pregnancy is characterized by an increase in the total blood volume of the expectant mother, because her fetus needs intensive nutrition. You can also note a rapid heartbeat due to the passage of a large amount of blood through the heart. Additional contractions of the heart or tachycardia may not be felt at all by the pregnant woman, or cause her discomfort. In the case of an active manifestation of tachycardia, it is necessary to seek help and advice from your gynecologist or cardiologist, who can determine the symptoms of a pregnant woman's heart disease, as well as prescribe the correct treatment to maintain normal well-being.

A sharp increase in the volume of blood in the habitual circulation can cause the expectant mother to have an increased level of bleeding gums, as well as nosebleeds. An increased load on the capillaries often leads to a failure in their work. Especially vulnerable are the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Properly selected vitamin complexes will correct this situation, strengthen the walls of blood vessels. In addition, doctors recommend using a soft toothbrush for hygiene purposes, which will reduce the risk of bleeding gums. It is also recommended to wash the nasal passages with solutions such as AQUAMARIS, PHYSIOMER, SALIN. If desired, you can prepare a similar solution at home. To do this, you will need 1 teaspoon of salt and a glass of water. All ingredients should be mixed before use. If these simple recommendations are ineffective and bleeding becomes more frequent, you should seek the help of a specialist.

18th week

Baby

At the 18th week, the baby weighs about 200-250 g, and its length is about 20 cm. covered with myelin, a special fatty membrane that promotes accelerated conduction of nerve impulses. Already after the birth of the child, this shell will allow the child to respond to stimuli from the outside.

The appearance of the fetus is already a bit like a newborn baby and is actively approaching this state. Facial features are becoming more and more distinct, the ears that were previously tightly pressed to the head are straightening out, the middle ear is being formed, and its perception is also improving. At this stage of pregnancy, the baby can already perceive stimuli from the outside, respond to all sorts of sounds. The noises that occur in the mother's body due to the active work of the internal organs are quite normal, familiar to him, and also contribute to the training of auditory perception.

It is impossible not to note the intensive work of the fetal endocrine system. At 18-19 weeks, the release of "baby" hormones is large enough, which allows even the mother's body to provide them. With a lack of own hormones in the body of a woman, they are compensated at the expense of children, and the mother's condition returns to normal.

Expectant mother

This week, some of the mothers feel the first movements of their baby. Most often, women for whom this is the first child can feel fetal movements at 19-20th week. At earlier periods, namely, at 16-18 weeks, those women who already have their own children, as well as quite thin women with a slight layer of fat under the skin, note the movement.

At the first stages, the movements will be rather weak, brief and episodic, but after a short period of time they will become more distinct and more frequent. The nature of the shocks can be different:

touches;
light shocks;
twitches;
rolling.

For a woman, her baby's first kicks are very much expected. This is an exciting moment that will allow the expectant mother to remember these pleasant sensations with trepidation, and also as proof of her connection with the child. At the 18th week, the movements of the child are quite chaotic, varied and appear during the wakefulness of the baby. With emotional stress, they can become more intense. Also, the child may report an insufficient amount of oxygen, which occurs due to the lack of movement of a woman, insufficient time spent on the street, as well as when staying in the same position for a long time (driving a vehicle, at work). Most of the time at this stage of development, the fetus sleeps.

19th week

Baby

The 19th week is characterized for the fetus by intensive growth of limbs in length, increase in size, slowing down of head growth. Its length is already 25 cm, and its weight is approximately 250-300 g. The child changes greatly in appearance, his body no longer looks disproportionate.

Fat under the skin allows the relief of the torso to change slightly and round. This brown fat is just laid down for a period of 19-20 weeks. After birth, it is he who will perform the function of thermoregulation and protect the child from hypothermia or overheating. With age, this fat disappears and remains only in certain places: in the thickness of a person’s cheeks, in the kidney area, under the armpits, and shoulder blades.

At this time, the laying of permanent teeth, which are located in the dental plate under the rudiments of milk teeth, and the maturation of the brain also take place. Special processes allow you to establish connections between neurons. Cells intertwine with each other and create a whole system for the transmission of impulses, ensure the synchronism of the brain. Structures that are responsible for touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell are actively developing.

Changes also occur in the hematopoietic system. The spleen is connected to the process of formation of blood cells, produces leukocytes, whose task is to protect the child's body from external and internal factors. Under 19-20 weeks, the fetal blood consisted only of erythrocytes and at this stage its composition changes dramatically and approaches the composition of the blood of a newborn.

Expectant mother

The tummy of the expectant mother is actively growing, and the fundus of the uterus is already located up to 2 cm below the navel. Weight gain is about 3-6 kg and is distributed proportionally between the placenta, uterus, fetus, amniotic fluid. The weight of the fetus is only a tenth of the total added weight.

Due to the intensive growth of the uterus, a woman may feel discomfort. Often this condition manifests itself when changing the position of the body, bending to the sides, walking. The nature of pain can be different. It can be pulling, sharp, sudden pains that occur both on one side and on both sides. The stretching of the ligaments that are attached to the side walls of the uterus and the pelvic bones in order to fix the uterus is quite active. The uterus of a woman is, as it were, in limbo due to this ligamentous apparatus. When the ligaments are pulled during a change in the position of the uterus, pain occurs.

This kind of pain is quite normal and typical for this period of pregnancy. In critical situations, a gynecologist may recommend that a woman take antispasmodics, which will help to relax the uterus, as well as eliminate the problem of pain almost completely. At the 19th week, it is important for the gynecologist to exclude such risks of pregnancy complications as the threat of miscarriage and uterine hypertonicity. If one of these risks is detected, the expectant mother will be prescribed hospital treatment.

20th week

Baby

The body length of the baby at this period is 28 cm, and the weight is about 340 g. Until this week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus was measured by calculating its length from the crown to the coccyx. After the 20th week, the specialist includes in the concept of growth the length of not only the body, but also the lower limbs as well.

At this stage of development, the child is quite active, makes numerous movements, since there is enough space in the uterus for him to roll, push off the walls, and other movements. The baby can smile, grab the umbilical cord, feel himself, frown, close his eyes. His facial expressions are quite developed and more pronounced than before.

The skin becomes dense, actively covered with fluffy hairs and a special lubricant. A large amount of this lubricant is in the folds. This lubricant prevents the risk of mechanical friction, has bactericidal properties, and ensures optimal passage of the fetus through the mother's birth canal during childbirth.

It is impossible not to note the intensive development of the gastrointestinal tract. Small portions of amniotic fluid, which the child swallows, wash the walls of the intestines and stomach, lead to the training of peristalsis, and contribute to the contraction of the intestines.

At the 20th week, the amniotic fluid is processed. In the body of a child, the first feces - meconium - is formed. It has a dark green color. It consists of mucus, water, epithelial cells, and bile. Accumulation of meconium is carried out in the intestinal lumen. On the first day of birth, it comes out.

Expectant mother

The 20th week is the end of the first half of a woman's pregnancy. Starting from the following weeks, the load on the body of the expectant mother only increases. This fact can be explained by the active development of the fetus in the womb.

The belly of a pregnant woman increases significantly, and the fundus of the uterus is already at the level of the navel. During this period, a woman may complain about the manifestation of symptoms of shortness of breath: after all, the uterus is already beginning to put pressure on the lungs. Also characteristic of this week is an increase in urination. Squeezing of the bladder leads to frequent urination.

The discharge from the woman's vagina also increases. A large blood flow contributes to increased secretion production. The discharge may be mucous or white. It should also be noted that they should not have a foreign unpleasant odor, and also cause itching, burning. Changes in a woman's secretions are an occasion to consult a doctor for advice, because this can signal to the expectant mother about the presence of various kinds of diseases. Curdled, thick, yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor can signal the presence of sexual infections and their exacerbation, a violation of the microflora, and the manifestation of thrush. Pregnant women are prone to colpitis, as their mucosa becomes more attractive to microbes, promotes their active reproduction and thereby increases the risk of infection of the fetus with an infection.