Week 20: Basically, You May Be An Emotional Hot Mess Right Now

It’s pregnancy week 20, and here’s what’s going on…

MIND

Basically, you may be an emotional hot mess right now. You’ve made it halfway through your pregnancy! You might be feeling elated, anxious, sad, or a combination of all those things. Of course you’re excited that the time is getting closer, but you’re probably also nervous (okay, terrified) about the birth, and you might be sad that half the pregnancy is behind you (especially if you suspect this baby might be your last). Basically, you’re a hot mess. If it’s any consolation, you still have about 20 more weeks to work through these feelings before the fresh hormonal insanity hits you after the baby’s born! That’s a consolation … right?

BODY

If you haven’t had your anatomy ultrasound yet, you will soon! If you decided to find out whether your little one is a boy or a girl, you’ve no doubt been thinking of fun ways to announce the news to friends and family. From posting it on Facebook to throwing one of those increasingly controversial gender reveal parties, the possibilities are endless! Unless you’re keeping it a secret of course, you sly lady, you.

BABY

Your baby is eavesdropping, so feel free to play classical music to your belly if you want to — though the wee one probably prefers the music of your heartbeat, voice and gurgling stomach. Your baby will get startled and jump if there’s a sudden loud noise, so maybe hold off on the hardcore thrash metal until the rebellious teen years. (You’re probably feeling a lot of those jumps, but don’t be alarmed if you don’t feel any for a day or two; there’s still enough room in there for most of the stretches and kicks to go unnoticed.)

Speaking of stretching, now that your baby isn’t all curled up in a ball anymore they’ll be measured head to toe (instead of the head-to-rump measurements of early pregnancy). Your baby’s already as big as a double scoop cone, which likely is making you hungry. Yum … ice cream.

NEST

If you’re sick of maternity clothes, there are a few different options out there. A belly band can transform some of your regular clothes into preggo-friendly gear. Some moms even do hacks with elastic bands to extend their pants. Yes, you CAN be pregnant and look fab.