Real, evidence-based guidance for exactly where you are right now.
Baby Development
The fetus's face is now fully formed, and hearing is developing further — familiar voices may begin to register.
Your Body This Week
Braxton Hicks contractions — mild, irregular, painless tightening — may begin around now for some. These are real, normal practice contractions, not labor.
Diet
Continue a varied, nutrient-dense diet.
Supplements
Continue your prenatal vitamin.¹
Tests
Routine follow-up; glucose tolerance testing window is approaching (24-28 weeks).⁴
Vaccinations
None specific to this week.
Exercise
Continue regular, moderate activity as tolerated.²
Red Flags — When to Call Your Doctor
Regular, painful, or increasingly frequent contractions before 37 weeks warrant medical attention — distinct from occasional, painless Braxton Hicks.
Doctor Visits
Routine follow-up as scheduled.
Mental Health
Some anxiety about the approaching viability milestone (around 24 weeks) is real and common — worth discussing directly with your doctor if it's weighing on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Braxton Hicks apart from real labor?
Braxton Hicks are typically irregular, painless or mildly uncomfortable, and ease with rest or hydration. Real labor contractions are regular, increasingly intense, and don't ease with rest — if you're genuinely unsure, calling your doctor to check is always the right call.
References