Week 21

Did you know that your baby's stomach is now capable of absorbing most nutrients from the amniotic fluid (Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy? It is contained in the amniotic sac. It is a protective layer and helps in bone growth and lung development) he's swallowing? - When your baby swallows a bit of amniotic fluid for nutrition and hydration, he's also practicing swallowing and digesting—skills he will need when he is born - Some experts say that by this week your baby has developed taste buds too - so chances are if you eat cake, your baby's going to get a taste of it as well Here are some of the changes that are happening during week 20 of your pregnancy: - The developing brain is picking up electrical signals from the baby's body about sensations such as pressure and temperature. At this stage, a baby's nervous reactions are not conscious but simply reflexes - Fingernails are beginning to grow. There's no danger of the baby scratching himself, as his skin is covered in vernix, a protective waxy coating - In girl babies, the ovaries have descended from the abdomen into the pelvis - At the 20th week, the average baby size is 26.7cm (10.5in) and the average weight is 360g (12.7oz) - The baby is regularly swallowing the amniotic fluid in increasing amounts - Now your baby should be about 8-10 inches tall and would weigh around 350 gms - By now you should be feeling your baby's movements, which the doctors refer to as 'quickening'. That movement actually feels like butterflies fluttering inside your tummy Note: Most of your baby's nourishment is still coming directly from the placenta (The placenta is an important organ in the uterus of a pregnant woman that plays a crucial role in pregnancy. The main function of the placenta is to supply the baby with adequate nutrition).