By this time, it starts becoming a bit obvious that there is a ‘bun in the oven’. You can now start enjoying the vibrant Kenyan maternity fashion. You no longer have to dress in drab, dull clothes but can dress the bump in stylish fashion.
Changes in your body
- That feeling in your tummy is not gas. You can feel the baby’s movement at about 16 to 20 weeks.
- The morning sickness or nausea and vomiting may ease a little.
- Skin changes may occur.
- Streaking of the skin due to quick expansion (stretch marks) may occur on the breasts or abdomen.
- A dark line may appear from the navel down the middle of the abdomen (linea nigra).
- Brown spots or blotches on the face (pregnancy mask) may show up.
- Your belly may grow quite a bit and the bump will be more obvious. The top of the uterus is near the ribs by 28th week.
- You may still need a lot of sleep but your energy levels may increase.
Changes in your baby
- Your baby’s growth is rapid.
- Sex organs develop and can be seen during an ultrasound. You may be able to find out if you are having a boy or girl.
- Eyebrows and fingernails form.
- The skin wrinkled and body is covered with a fine, soft hair (lanugo) and cheesy covering.
- Your baby can open and close her hand.
- Fingers and toes can be seen during an ultrasound.
- The baby can suck and swallow.
- Heartbeat can be heard at about 20 weeks through the mother’s abdomen with a special stethoscope (fetoscope).
