Entering your 20th week of pregnancy, you are now in the halfway point of your pregnancy journey. Your baby has grown significantly, and your body has undergone several changes.

Let’s dive into the physical and emotional changes you can expect to experience in your 20th week of pregnancy.

Physical Changes

Weight Gain

You may have noticed an increase in weight gain during this stage of your pregnancy. On average, pregnant women gain around 1-2 pounds per week. The total weight gain during pregnancy can range from 25-35 pounds.

Your doctor can recommend a healthy weight gain range based on your pre-pregnancy weight and overall health.

Belly Growth

Your belly will continue to grow more noticeable during this stage of pregnancy. You may also notice that your skin around your belly is becoming tighter and may feel itchy. Applying lotion to your skin can help alleviate any discomfort or itching.

Increased Appetite

As your baby grows, your body will need more nutrients. You may experience an increased appetite during this stage of pregnancy. It’s important to listen to your body and eat when you feel hungry.

However, make sure you’re making healthy food choices such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Breast Changes

Your breast may feel heavy and tender during this stage of pregnancy. You may also notice your nipples becoming larger and darker in color. As your body prepares for breastfeeding, your breasts will continue to grow.

Wearing a bra that provides proper support can help alleviate any discomfort.

Emotional Changes

Mood Swings

As your body goes through several physical changes, it’s common to experience mood swings. You may feel happy one moment and sad the next. Hormonal changes in your body can cause these mood swings.

Simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help alleviate any stress or anxiety.

Anxiety

As your due date approaches, you may begin feeling more anxious about the upcoming birth. It’s normal to feel nervous about the unknown, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone.

Talking to your support system, whether it’s your partner, family, or friends, can help alleviate any anxiety you may be feeling. You can also attend childbirth education classes to learn more about the birthing process and what to expect.

Fatigue

As your body works harder to support your growing baby, you may experience fatigue during this stage of pregnancy. Getting enough restful sleep at night can help alleviate any fatigue. Napping during the day can also be helpful.

Body Image

It’s common for women to feel self-conscious about their changing bodies during pregnancy. It’s essential to remember that your body is doing something truly amazing- growing a tiny human.

Wearing clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident can help alleviate any negative feelings towards your body.

Conclusion

The 20th week of pregnancy marks a significant milestone in your pregnancy journey. Your baby has grown significantly, and your body continues to undergo significant changes.

It’s essential to take care of your physical and emotional health during this stage of pregnancy.