Pregnant: What happens in week 20

Your baby's development in the 20th week of pregnancy

Nerve cells are completing:

Your little one's nervous system is developing rapidly in the 20th week of pregnancy. About 200,000 brain cells are formed every minute. By birth there will be 100 billion. At the same time, further maturation processes of the forebrain are taking place, which are, among other things, responsible for the development of sensory perceptions are responsible.

Sensory impressions are being stored:

Your child's sense of smell and taste, vision, hearing and touch have continued to differentiate over the past weeks. In week 20 of pregnancy, your baby has 10 times more taste buds in the mouth than after its birth. In addition, it now reacts through the closed eyelids to light changes in the womb. It also consciously perceives its mother's voice or simple songs perceives them consciously and stores them as memories.

“Climbing exercises”:

In addition to the sucking and swallowing reflex, the fetus develops another vital reflex around week 20: it begins to really stretch and pull up its legs as well as move its arms intensively. Climbing exercises and the lively urge to move are now also becoming clearly noticeable to you. A slight fluttering in the belly can sometimes even be seen from the outside – much to the delight of your partner.

The 2nd ultrasound examination is coming up

Expectant parents are probably already looking forward to this appointment: in the 2nd major ultrasound examination in the 2nd trimester, which is usually performed between the 19. and 22. week of pregnancy is carried out, much more of your baby is already much more visible than in the 1st trimester. It is now approximately 24 to 25 cm (from crown to heel) long. This corresponds roughly to the size of a bell pepper. Its weight is usually between 210 to 240 grams – that's almost as much as a pack of butter.

You can marvel at the impressive development on the ultrasound image. And maybe your child is currently sucking its thumb or holding the umbilical cord? Sometimes it even seems to wave to the parents on the ultrasound image, or it simply turns its back to you. In addition to the new images, your gynecologist records the developmental status of the fetus recorded. This is, of course, entered in your maternity record (Mutterpass).

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 20 of pregnancy?

In the 20th week of pregnancy everything is still about growth – only this time the physical changes in the mother are more noticeable and can be felt. Besides the visible bulge of your belly, also pregnancy complaints such as shortness of breath and feelings of tiredness occur.

Growth of the uterus:

The uterus is steadily growing upwards. Its upper edge, the so-called fundus, you can now in week 20 feel at navel level. This is only a temporary stop, as in the coming weeks and months the uterus will rise up to the level of the breastbone.

First practice contractions:

You may have just felt a slight nudge from your baby and suddenly the whole belly becomes hard and 'tightens' from one moment to the next. It may well be that the first practice contractions occur. They usually occur only occasionally and are not a cause for concern. Only if the practice contractions are very painful or occur frequently is it important that you speak with your doctor.

Shortness of breath:

The uterus continues to grow and presses on the internal organs. Many women now feel short of breath and have to go to the toilet more often than usual. Even though occasional cravings still occur, many women notice that they can no longer eat large portions. Because the uterus also compresses the stomach.

Fatigue:

Most expectant mothers feel throughout the pregnancy tiredness and exhaustion. Your body uses your energy for two. But also iron deficiency can be the cause of your tiredness. It's best to clarify this with your gynecologist.

Baby movements become more distinct:

Maybe in the past weeks you have already felt a gentle flutter in the lower belly and wondered whether that is already a baby movement. With week 20, the light kicks of the fetus become increasingly clearer and soon you will also see the movement from the outside on the belly. If you yourself do not yet feel movements, this is not a reason to worry. Depending on the position of the uterus, it may still take another one to two weeks.

Skin changes:

Chances are your skin has changed during pregnancy. While many women have a radiant, rosy complexion others suffer from blemished or dry and flaky skin. Almost every expectant mother reports that her skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. It's best to use now pH-neutral and fragrance-free products, which you can continue to use in the first period after birth: strongly perfumed creams and shower gels are less recommended because they can alter the mother's scent and thus irritate your baby.

Week 20 of pregnancy: What's important now

Half of your pregnancy is over and many parents are already devoting themselves to intensive preparation for their offspring: from the baby basics to choosing a name or the last holiday to recharge – here you can find out what you can tackle in week 20.

Baby starter kit

Clothes, furniture and individual accessories: The Baby starter kit raises the question for many parents which items they really need for the birth and what can perhaps be bought afterward. To get a initial sense and to create an overview, it's worth it if you note down the essential items for the starter kit. You can then work through this starter kit checklist little by little so that you are well prepared for your little miracle and it lacks nothing.

How do we agree on a name for our baby?

The name-finding process usually begins early in pregnancy. Often mother and father each have their favorites, or they search together for beautiful or even unusual names. Here are a few basic tips for choosing a name:

For unmarried couples, a decision must be made about which surname the child should have. The civil registry decision cannot be reversed later.
More important than having a unique name is the fact that your child can live well with this name later.
Whether an unusual desired name will be accepted by the registrar depends on the individual case and is sometimes simply a matter of luck.
Sometimes middle names are a good compromise. In case of doubt, your child can later decide for themselves which name they prefer.
If you and your partner cannot agree on a name at all, just let the name choice rest for a while.

Flying during pregnancy

Some expectant parents use the 20th week of pregnancy for a last holiday before the birth. The period proves to be very favorable because you can usually still move very well and flying up to the 28th week of pregnancy generally poses no problems.The metal detectors and full-body scanners at security checks do not pose a problem for your child. To make the flight as comfortable as possible and to prevent physical discomforts such as thrombosis, it is advisable if you support stockings or compression stockings wear. Also an aisle seat is ideal for pregnant women, as you can more easily make your way to the toilet, stretch your legs and walk up and down.

To the 21st week of pregnancy