The weeks 20 and 21 is when women enter their pregnancy 5th month and can expect to see some changes after the break they had over the last few weeks. Most women will be able to feel the fetal movement, and the increased pressure exerted by the uterus on the internal organs might trigger symptoms such as heartburns, breathlessness and dizziness.
What happens during week 20 of pregnancy?
As the pregnancy progresses to the fifth month, the fetus is close to 16cm long and weighs around 320g. They are quite active by now, and most women begin to feel their pregnancy 20 weeks baby movement frequently. They are able to hear sounds from within the body and outside the womb, although their ears still haven’t developed completely. The fingers now have fingerprints, and the skin is covered with a vernix-a white substance that acts as a barrier from the amniotic fluid. Cartilage in the body of the fetus will now start to turn into bone. The jaws continue to develop, and permanent teeth begin to develop inside the gums. Female fetuses will also have eggs in their ovaries by this time.
As the uterus grows in size, it rises above the pelvic cavity. The top of the uterus, called the fundus, is now almost at the level of the belly button. On regular visits to the doctor, they can check the size of the uterus by feeling the fundus on the belly. As the space gets more crowded in the abdomen, some of the pregnancy second-trimester symptoms such as breathlessness and heartburn start to appear. It is also common to experience back pain because of the shift in the weight of the body. To ease the pain, it helps to put a pillow between the legs when sleeping on the side.
What happens during week 21 of pregnancy?
The fetal growth spurt has slowed down, and it weighs about 390g by the 21st week of pregnancy and is close to 18cm long. The expanding uterus filled with amniotic fluid gives the fetus more space to move about, and this is the first time that others can feel the pregnancy baby kick by placing their hand on the belly. The brain has entered a phase of rapid development by the 21st week, and there is soft hair covering the head. Development of the uterus can be seen in female fetuses while males develop testicles.
Many women would continue experiencing heartburn or indigestion as the expanding uterus puts pressure on the stomach. Eating small and frequent meals along with avoiding foods that increase acidity can help with relieving heartburns naturally. Changing sleeping positions can lessen the symptoms of acid reflux, bloating and dizziness. If the symptoms persist, it is important to talk to the doctor to rule out other serious conditions such as preeclampsia. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume food as small meals throughout the day.
Wrapping Up
The fifth month of pregnancy is well past the midway, and women will begin to experience some of the old symptoms of pregnancy and some new ones. The fetus is growing well but has moved past its growth spurt. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise gently on a regular basis to ease some of the physical symptoms.
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