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 fetus
Most foetal length measurements are now taken from head to heel. The foetus is about 25 cm long and weighs around 300 grams, but both length and weight may vary. From now on, there will be larger, more individual differences in growth development from foetus to foetus.
The foetus can now start to make faces and suck its thumb.
During this period, the foetus can probably start to perceive sound and may react to loud external noises. The movements of the foetus gradually become more advanced as it continues to develop.