By this stage, you may have gained between three and six kilograms in weight and you can now feel the added body weight. Your weight will continue to go up, and the expected weight gain during pregnancy is from 11 to 16 kilograms. How much weight you gain depends on several things, first of all your weight before you got pregnant. If you were underweight (BMI<20) it will increase more than normal and if you were overweight (BMI>25) it will be less than normal.
You may develop a dark line in the middle of your belly. This is pigmentation as your belly expands to make room for your growing womb. It is common that hair loss slows down, and your hair may look thicker and shinier. If your navel bulges out it is harmless and it will go back after you have had the baby.
At week 20 you are halfway through your pregnancy. You have probably felt your baby move for the first time by now. Women who have had a baby before typically feel it earlier than first-timers. Foetal movements may feel like gas trapped in your stomach or bowels. Gradually the movements become more noticeable and you have no doubt that your baby is moving.
If you follow the recommendation to exercise daily and at least 150 minutes every week, the risk of gestational diabetes will be reduced.
There are some warning signs you should be aware of:
- Bleeding from vagina may indicate a serious problem, so seek help.
- Severe itching may indicate a rare disorder, get it checked.