Pregnancy Week 20
 How big is your baby?
Your babys crown to rump measurement is now at
6.46 inches (16.4 cm) and your baby is now weighing approximately 10.58 ounces
(300g).
How big are you?
Your uterus should now be about in line with your bellybutton this week.
Your uterus will be measured on a regular basis by your healthcare provider in order to keep track of your baby's development and growth. He may either use your bellybutton or the pubic symphysis as a point of reference.
From the 20th week of your pregnancy your uterus should grow about 1cm (0.39") every week. If your growth is not regular or
not in line with where it should be for your corresponding week then your healthcare provider may want to do an ultrasound to check that your due date is correct and to check that there are no intrauterine-growth restrictions.
How is your baby developing and growing
The
skin which is covering your baby's body now begins growing from two layers, the
epidermis (surface layer) and the dermis (a deeper layer).
The vernix, which is a slimy sort of film which covers the baby's entire body to protect it's skin from the amniotic fluid,
is still being produced. There is a good chance that you will see this white
slimy substance when your baby is born.
Your babys movements should now be becoming stronger and stronger, as
ossification continues and soft cartilage is turned into bone. As your babys
arms and legs become harder and stronger the strength of your babys kicks will
be more noticeable, but still not a solid contact.
Pregnancy and Sex
Pregnancy is an important time of growing closer to your partner. As your pregnancy progresses and your stomach gets larger, sexual relations may become more and more difficult, however, with some imagination sex can still be possible. There are positions which allow for intercourse without your partner lying on top of you, or without you lying on your back.
One thing is for sure, both you and your partner need to be comfortable continuing sexual relations. No one partner should place emotional pressure on the other to continue sexual relations during pregnancy.
There are few times when it is advised against having sex while
pregnant, but your healthcare provider should express specific conditions
when this is the case.
Did you know that in week 20 your
placenta weighs
more than your developing baby?
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