Pregnancy blues can be a difficult time during your pregnancy. Our Week 20 Guide & Tips provide helpful advice on how to cope with and manage the emotional changes of pregnancy.
Your body
What to expect in Week 18
Your baby is getting more active each day - kicking, punching and turning around and sucking his/her thumb. Vernix, the coating that protects your baby in the uterus is developing. It also helps your baby ease through your birth canal at delivery.
Baby size
What to expect
Week 20 guide - Your baby is the size of a Sweet Potato (roughly 24 cm and 300 gms).
Your baby
What to expect
Your baby is keen to hear. Talk to your baby! Baby is fully developing as either a girl or boy and his/her nervous system is maturing rapidly. Baby can now yawn and have hiccups.
Taking care of yourself
Tips
- Go for walks to unwind and relax. Invite a friend to join you in your walks. Walking will keep you fit.
- When you are casually sitting do foot exercises. This can prevent leg cramps.
- Rub your calve muscle hard and pull your toes upwards if you are woken up at night with sharp pains.
- Chew on sugarless chewing gum after meals. This could prevent heartburn.
- Take frequent fresh air breaks if you are in a stuffy room. This can help prevent headaches.
Ask your doctor
- What are the dos and donts in 2nd trimester of pregnancy?
- Which screening tests are important?
- I notice spotting at times. Is that normal?
- I am sad more often than being happy and the feeling is not going away. Do I need to see a specialist and get extra support?
- Am I gaining the right amount of weight? My belly is not as big compared to other pregnant women!
Actions
To do list
- Check options for well-being sessions.
- Have folic acid supplements and prenatal vitamins.
- Book an antenatal appointment with the doctor.
Your Concerns
“It is not unusual to have some worries and fears. Don’t put too much expectation on yourself. Be realistic about what you can do. Relax when you need to. Spend time with others who make you feel relaxed and good about yourself. 1 in 10 pregnant women experience some form of depression. Talk to other expectant mothers. If you are feeling constantly bad or your mood is coming in the way of your day to day functioning talk to your GP.”
“I cried at the silliest of things too! I went to the shops, saw baby clothes and started crying! It is common to have mood swings and get emotional. Often called pregnancy blues, it’s those pregnancy hormones!”
Join other expectant mothers, and share your fears and anxieties. Make sure you are getting that support in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Kushal workshops are conducted once a week to help pregnant women learn how to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Pregnancy Blues Testimonial
emma's diary
Antenatal Depression Resource
NCT UK
Disclaimer
Kushal's website provides health, fitness, and nutrition recommendations for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health concerns, you should always check with your healthcare provider.