Exciting times! You’re just around the corner from your 20 week scan! You’ll get to see your little mango on screen. Yep, that’s right, they are around the size of a mango!
Your baby’s skin is now covered in vernix, it’s a creamy white paste that acts as a protective coating for your baby. They are often born with some of it still on their skin, and these days health professionals suggestions leaving it on their skin for the first 24 hours.
Your baby is also working hard to develop their five senses – hearing, taste, sight, smell, and touch. Your baby’s fingerprints are now formed.
Between 18 and 20 weeks, it’s generally recommended to have an ultrasound to check your baby’s development, screen for any abnormalities and if you want, to find out whether you are having a boy or a girl.
An ultrasound can be very exciting as you get to see your baby, and watch him or her moving around in your belly. It’s also a great opportunity for your partner to bond with their baby.
At this stage you are at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection. If you have a constant urge to urinate or experience a burning sensation while urinating then see a doctor. You may experience dizziness as the result of a reduction in blood pressure caused by pregnancy. Many women also develop varicose veins, hemorrhoids and bleeding gums during this week.
Another common symptom at 19 weeks of pregnancy is numbness and tingling in hands and fingers. This is a normal part of pregnancy, although not all women experience it. It’s known as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and is a result of fluid and swelling (caused by the hormones again!). This swelling can put pressure on the nerves that run through your wrists and into your hands. If you want to know more, go here.
If you are buying big ticket items for your nursery online, make sure you order early so there is time for your furniture to be delivered and set up.
The second trimester is generally when most pregnant women have the most energy so it’s a good idea to do the majority of the shopping and setting up now, before third trimester tiredness hits.
To prevent haemorrhoids and dizziness make sure you drink enough water during the day. This can help to increase your blood volume and reduce constipation.
If you’re excited about next week, you can read more about the 20 week scan here. And don’t forget to get a print out of your baby, it’s probably the last time you’ll see them until you meet at their birth!