Week 20 (counting
from first day of last menstrual period) Around 18
Weeks After Conception
Fetal
Development: We're halfway through the
pregnancy, and the baby has as much sleep and awake time
as a newborn. The scalp hair begins to grow. If your
baby is a girl, her uterus is starting to develop.
Multiples: Your twins are each 7 1/2 inches long and
weigh close to one pound each!
Maternal
Changes: Your uterus is at your navel now.
You may experience some tenderness as your belly button
becomes an "outtie" from the uterus pressing on it. The
line between your navel (linea nigra) and pubic hair has
darkened; it will fade after delivery. Five Months
You're probably feeling the baby frequently now as the
movements become stronger. If you're having an
ultrasound to verify fetal age, it will probably be
scheduled around this time. It's a good time to look
into childbirth classes.
Hey! You're halfway
there already!
Multiples: Your uterus is two or
three inches higher than your singleton counterpart. Now
is a good time to look into childbirth classes just in
case you end up on bedrest. If you start now, you'll
have you time to finish the class.
Ideas
for Dad: Mom may be checking into the
various childbirth classes available in your area and
reporting to you with dates, times, styles of childbirth
and all kinds of things you may have never heard of
before. This is important to Mom (and to you too) so
jump in there and be ready to head off to class! Some
dads feel reluctant to go while others are very excited.
If you're feeling a little reluctant, remember that
you'll get to ask the instructor lots of questions and
meet other dads who probably feel just like you do; all
of which can go a long way to squelch your fears.

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