20 weeks pregnant what should i expect

Wondering what to bring to the hospital or birth center? Search BabyCenter for " what to pack. Who gets the final say on your baby's name, you or your partner? BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Sleeping and pregnancy. American Academy of Family Physicians. How your fetus grows during pregnancy.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mayo Clinic. Fetal development: The 2nd trimester. Fetal development. Nemours Foundation. Sleeping during pregnancy. Join now to personalize. You're halfway there! Cold remedies to avoid Cold medications that contain alcohol, NSAIDs, and certain decongestants are not safe to take during pregnancy.

At 20 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:. Hormonal activity and your growing baby pushing against your intestines can lead to constipation. Although this condition can be uncomfortable, drinking more water and eating more fiber can help get things moving. Congestion and nosebleeds. Increased levels of hormones and extra blood volume during pregnancy can make the mucous membranes in your nose swell and dry out.

This can lead to both congestion and nosebleeds. It's helpful to use a humidifier to moisten the air and to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Lower back pain. As your belly grows and you gain pregnancy weight , you might find your back hurting, particularly toward the end of the day. There are a few things you can do to prevent or ease this discomfort, including wearing low-heeled shoes not high heels but not completely flat shoes either , doing gentle exercise that helps stretch and strengthen your back muscles, and wearing a belly support band.

It might help to create checklists or reminders on paper, sticky notes, or your phone , and to give yourself some extra breaks while doing tasks that require your concentration. Swollen feet. This condition can be caused by both weight gain and fluid retention, but a hormone called relaxin also contributes.

How Big Are Week Bumps? The increased saliva it produces neutralizes gastric acids and helps force fluids back into the stomach.

Read More. Be sure to take fresh-air breaks outside a few times a day and dress in layers to avoid getting too hot, which could trigger a headache. Faintness or dizziness Stuffy, hot rooms can be the cause of more than just headaches.

Stay cool by taking frequent breaks for fresh air and wearing loose-fitting clothes. Help the blood circulate throughout your body more easily — and minimize cramping — by putting your feet up when you can and drinking plenty of fluids. Edema swelling in feet and ankles If water retention in your ankles and feet is causing you pain, be sure to wear comfy not tight!

Also, avoid tight socks or pantyhose that can cut off blood flow not including support hose, which can be helpful — you want to keep fluids flowing freely to minimize swelling in your lower extremities.

Your innie becoming an outie Your cute little innie belly button may suddenly morph into an outie as your uterus pushes your abdomen forward. Girl, boy or surprise? Are those tummy bubbles or baby kicks? Choose healthy foods. Stretch but don't overstretch. Stave off anemia. Choose oil-free skin care. Go nuts for nuts. Love nuts? Keep eating them! Reviewed June 24, View Sources. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners.

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil. Earth Mama Belly Butter. Hatch Belly Oil. See Now. STMs - Wrap versus Carrier. Pregnancy brain. There are 24, active discussions happening now with other March parents-to-be. Bumpsuit "The Kate" Bodysuit Review. Their function is to prepare your uterus for labor. These sensations should be mild and irregular. Any strong, painful, or regular contractions could be signs of preterm labor, especially if spotting or bleeding accompanies them.

If you do experience anything that warrants an extra appointment, you doctor will examine you, monitor any contractions, and offer treatment bedrest, for example , if necessary. Congratulations on reaching this major milestone in your pregnancy. Continue to take care of yourself by eating well, exercising regularly, and sleeping soundly. You may have more energy and an increased appetite. The second trimester of pregnancy starts at week 13 and lasts until week Learn about weight gain, skin changes, and common discomforts.

Most people feel great at 22 weeks pregnant, with few symptoms. At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs around a pound, though you've probably gained around 12 to 15 pounds. A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years. A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.