What’s happening to the mother in week 18 to 20?
You will probably be able to feel your baby moving by now. Women who have given birth before often detect signs of life in their baby earlier than those expecting their first child. The fetus’ movements may feel like gas in your stomach or bowel movements. At first, it may feel like a tiny shivering or tingling in your stomach, and you may not be quite sure what it is.
Your baby’s movements will gradually become more apparent, and you will be in no doubt that it is your baby that is moving.
It is normal to gain 11-16 kilograms in weight during a pregnancy. Much of this weight gain is due to the fact that you are producing more blood and amniotic fluid, and the fact that your womb, placenta and baby are all growing.
In some women, the navel bulges outwards. This is completely harmless and will return to normal by itself after birth.
Development of the foetus
By now, the foetus weigh around 235 grams, but this can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The foetus is still swallowing amniotic fluid and excreting it again as urine. This process helps to purify the amniotic fluid. Around this period, the foetus might start to hiccup, which some pregnant women may notice as small, rhythmic thumps.