What may change in your body
The weight of the bump can affect the lower back and pelvis. Hemorrhoids, constipation and heartburn may appear or get worse. Some mild swelling at the end of the day can happen, but sudden swelling, especially with a headache or vision changes, needs to be checked.
Care for this week
Avoid staying in the same position for long periods.
Look after your bowels with fiber, water and movement as much as you can.
Learn the warning signs of high blood pressure in pregnancy and know where to seek care.
Prenatal care focus
- Blood pressure checks and a review of symptoms remain essential at every appointment.
If you're expecting twins
Twins increase the need for monitoring of growth, preterm birth and hypertensive conditions; the plan should be individualized.
For those by your side
Help adapt tasks that involve standing for a long time or carrying heavy things.
Questions for this week
Is swelling always normal?
Mild swelling can occur, but swelling that starts suddenly or comes with a severe headache, vision changes or feeling unwell needs to be checked quickly.
Can I feel the baby's hiccups?
Later on, some pregnant women notice rhythmic movements consistent with hiccups; this can vary.
When to seek care
- Once movements have become familiar, a significant decrease in the pattern you notice should be evaluated without waiting until the next day.
- After 20 weeks, a severe/persistent headache, vision changes, severe pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling deserve evaluation for a possible hypertensive condition.
- Before term, regular contractions, increasing pelvic pressure or signs of labor need prompt advice.
In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.
The next chapter
In week 23, the senses and movements keep maturing and the baby starts reacting more to stimuli.
See week 23Was this helpful?
Sources and transparency
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — Brazilian Pregnancy Booklet, the official prenatal record (Caderneta Brasileira, updated in 2026)
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — Prenatal care (Ministério da Saúde — Pré-natal)
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — High-Risk Pregnancy Manual — Multiple pregnancy (Manual de Gestação de Alto Risco — Gestação múltipla)
- NHS — Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
- ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- Brazil's Ministry of Health — Prenatal tests and vaccines (Ministério da Saúde — Exames e vacinas no pré-natal)
Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.