Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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4.1m

Weeks 17-20: Anomaly Scan ​

This period is an important node in pregnancy. Fetal development is more perfect, and it is also a critical period for structural anomaly screening. Most expectant mothers can feel fetal movement for the first time.

Fetal Development ​

Physical Development ​

  • Length: About 20-25 cm
  • Weight: About 250-300 g
  • Appearance: Skin is still thin and transparent, blood vessels are clearly visible
  • Posture: Limb proportions are more coordinated

Important Development Milestones ​

Motor Ability ​

  • Fetal movement is more frequent and powerful
  • Can make complex facial expressions
  • Fingers can grasp the umbilical cord
  • Start practicing swallowing and sucking movements

Sensory Development ​

  • Hearing: Fully developed, can hear mother's voice
  • Vision: Can perceive light, react to strong light
  • Touch: Whole body skin is sensitive to touch stimulation
  • Taste: Taste buds are developed, can perceive the taste of amniotic fluid

Organ Development ​

  • Four chambers of the heart are fully developed
  • Bronchial branches of the lungs develop
  • Kidneys begin to produce urine
  • Bone marrow begins to produce blood

Important Checkup Items ​

Weeks 18-22 Anomaly Scan ​

Checkup Content ​

  • Head: Check ventricle size and intracranial structure
  • Face: Rule out facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate
  • Heart: Four-chamber heart check, rule out heart defects
  • Spine: Check the integrity of the spine
  • Abdomen: Check stomach bubble, bladder, kidneys
  • Limbs: Measure femur length, rule out limb deformities

Checkup Preparation ​

  • Do not drink excessive water before checkup
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing
  • Keep relaxed
  • Can prepare snacks or sweets

Result Interpretation ​

  • Normal: Organ structures are well developed
  • Re-examination Needed: Some parts are not clearly observed
  • Abnormal: Suspicious abnormalities found, further examination needed

Other Checkups ​

  • Abdominal circumference and fundal height measurement
  • Fetal heart sound monitoring
  • Weight and blood pressure check
  • Urine routine check

Maternal Changes ​

Physical Changes ​

Abdominal Changes ​

  • Fundus of uterus is about 1-2 finger widths below the navel
  • Abdomen bulges significantly, pregnancy becomes visible
  • Weight gain about 2-4 kg
  • Stretch marks may appear on the abdomen

Other Symptoms ​

  • Fetal movement sensation: Most pregnant women can feel fetal movement
  • Breast changes: Colostrum may be secreted
  • Skin changes: Pigmentation may appear
  • Respiratory changes: Deeper breathing is needed

Emotional Changes ​

  • Appearance of fetal movement enhances mother-child connection
  • Expectant and nervous about anomaly scan results
  • Start to seriously consider delivery methods
  • More curious about fetal gender

Life Guidance ​

Dietary Suggestions ​

Key Nutrients ​

  • DHA: Promote brain development (deep-sea fish, nuts)
  • Protein: Support tissue growth (lean meat, eggs, beans)
  • Calcium: Skeletal development (dairy products, bok choy)
  • Iron: Prevent anemia (red meat, spinach)

Dietary Advice ​

  • Small frequent meals to avoid stomach discomfort
  • Control sweets to prevent gestational diabetes
  • Drink plenty of water to promote metabolism
  • Avoid raw, cold and unclean food

Exercise and Health Care ​

  • Walking: 30-45 minutes daily
  • Prenatal Yoga: Helps relieve discomfort
  • Swimming: Reduce joint pressure
  • Kegel Exercises: Strengthen pelvic floor muscles

Precautions ​

  • Avoid impact on the abdomen during exercise
  • Avoid exercising in overheated environments
  • Maintain adequate water intake
  • Stop immediately if uncomfortable

Prenatal Education Suggestions ​

Music Prenatal Education ​

  • Choose soft and beautiful music
  • Play for 15-20 minutes each time
  • Volume should not be too loud
  • Better effect when pregnant woman is relaxed

Language Prenatal Education ​

  • Speak softly to the fetus
  • Tell about daily life
  • Read poems or stories
  • Better effect if dad participates

Possible Problems ​

Common Discomforts ​

  • Back pain: Change posture, use cushions
  • Constipation: Drink more water, eat more fiber
  • Heartburn: Avoid spicy food, small frequent meals
  • Dyspnea: Maintain correct sitting posture, breathe slowly and deeply

Symptoms to Watch Out For ​

⚠️ Seek medical attention in time:

  • Significant decrease in fetal movement
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Hypertension symptoms
  • Severe edema

Next Week Preview ​

In weeks 21-24 you will experience:

  • Rapid fetal weight gain
  • Fetal movement is more obvious and powerful
  • May need gestational diabetes screening
  • Start to feel the sweet burden of pregnancy

Friendly Reminder: Regardless of the result of the anomaly scan, maintain a positive attitude. Modern medicine has many ways to help solve possible problems.