Hey Mama! Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, Labor Nurse Mama. In this episode, we’re diving into weeks 20-22 of pregnancy - the halfway mark! We’re unpacking what’s happening with your baby, your body, and those emotional shifts no one warns you about. From belly pops to Braxton Hicks, Trish is here to guide you through it all with real talk and big support. You’re not alone, and you’ve got this!

What’s Happening with Baby

• Size: Your little one is about the size of a banana (~10.5 inches, ~1 pound).
• Development: Taste buds are forming, baby’s tasting your meals through amniotic fluid, and hair, eyebrows, and lashes are sprouting. Their heartbeat is strong, and brain connections are helping control those tiny limbs.
• Cool Fact: Baby’s skin is coated in vernix caseosa, a protective creamy layer you’ll see at birth. Plus, they’re starting a sleep-wake cycle (which might not match yours!).

What’s Happening with You

• Physical Changes: Expect a sudden belly pop, round ligament pains, or painless Braxton Hicks contractions (check out Episode 105 for more on these vs. real labor). Constipation, back pain, or varicose veins might pop up too.
• Emotional Rollercoaster: Feeling off, disconnected, or guilty for not “glowing”? That’s normal. Pregnancy is a huge identity shift. Trish shares tips to process these feelings and lean on your support system.
• Stay Hydrated: Hydrate like crazy, mama! Water helps with constipation and keeps you out of triage.

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Emotional & Relationship Real Talk

• It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, touched out, or out of sync with your partner. Communicate openly - weekly check-ins can build resilience.
• Single mamas, you deserve support too! Lean on friends, doulas, therapists, or join the Calm Mama Society for community.
• Try EFT tapping to ease anxiety and fear - Trish swears by it.

Anatomy Scan & Next Steps

• You’ve likely had (or will soon have) your anatomy scan. Celebrate clear results, don’t stress if baby needs a recheck, and ask questions if referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

5-Step Action Plan:

1. Write down anatomy scan questions.
2. Check in with your partner or support system about your emotions.
3. Start a list for your next appointment (pregnancy brain is real!).
4. Notice baby’s movements and enjoy them.
5. Protect your energy - write down what drains vs. restores you.

More from this episode:

• Here’s How to Understand Real Labor vs False Labor Contractions | 105
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 18-20: Anatomy Scan & The Truth About Bonding | 176
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, & Trusting Yourself | 174
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting