Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

Your Body in Week 20 of Pregnancy

• Even though this is considered a “simple” growth period for your baby, you will grow more as well. The average weight gain each week from here until the time you deliver is about one pound. Don’t think of it as you gaining excess weight, think of it as healthy weight gain for your baby. Many women feel down about the increasing number on the scale, but you shouldn’t.
  
  Tip: The weight gain you experience during pregnancy is to ensure the health of your baby. So please continue to eat healthy, drink fluids, and not worry about the scale unless your doctor says otherwise.
  

• The immunities and antibodies in your system are now being transferred over to your baby’s system. Any resistances you have against certain germs, viruses or diseases can be transferred to your baby’s immune system so that he or she is poised for a healthy entry into the world. The immunities may not be exactly alike, but they will be similar in many ways.
  
  For instance, if you don’t have any allergies, nor does your spouse, chances are very good that your baby will not have any allergies either. A strong immune system on your part will increase the chances that your baby has a strong immune system as well.
  
  Tip: Breastfeeding your baby in the beginning will also help boost their immune systems even further.
  

• It is OK for you and your spouse to have sexual relations before, during, and after week 20 of pregnancy! Actually, there is no better time for it if you feel good. Your hormones might be at a high level for arousal, and your morning sickness may be gone. Since you are already pregnant, you won’t need to worry about any birth control either! If you had been experiencing trouble with infertility, you also don’t need to worry about it – that is now a solved problem and is halfway to fruition. Enjoy each other’s company before the uncomfortable period of the third trimester and the disruptions of night feedings after birth. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before engaging in any sexual activity.
  

• Is your belly button unusually tender in week 20 of pregnancy? Your belly button may be in the process of turning from an innie to an outie. The uterus is now underneath it and pressing outward. Since the process involves your muscles and ligaments, the stretching may be tender to you. There isn’t a whole lot to do about it but if the clothing you wear rubs against it and makes it worse, try covering your belly button with a band aid or a gauze pad and some low stick tape until the sensitivity passes.
  

• Be sure to get plenty of iron to sustain all the blood development your body is doing. When you have low iron counts in your blood, it can lead to anemia. Anemia makes you tired, and you’re probably already tired enough! Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, and make sure to balance the iron intake with plenty of fluids and foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. Your doctor may also prescribe iron pills to you depending on the results of your blood work. When in doubt, always ask your doctor for directions.
  

• Week 20 of pregnancy is a good time to start planning ahead if you intend on taking any birthing classes. You may also want to start working on your birth plan, which you can do in your Womb to Bloom Pregnancy Showcase. For example, do you want a drug-free, all-natural birth? Do you want to attend Lamaze classes? Do you want a doula, a midwife or a water birth? All of these options and more are open to you – this is your delivery and it should be done how you want it!
  
  Tip: Some hospitals even offer parenting classes that teach people how to swaddle, diaper and feed baby with a bottle so look into those if you feel among the clueless!