Your week 20 guide

Grooves and folds are appearing on the surface of the brain. Folding dramatically increases the surface area available for nerve cells within the confines of the skull, which is why the human brain is wrinkled rather than smooth. The pattern of these folds develops in a predictable sequence and is one of the things looked at on the mid-pregnancy scan.

Reproductive anatomy may be visible on the mid-pregnancy ultrasound. Whether it can be seen depends entirely on how your baby is lying, and no sonographer can guarantee a view. If you would prefer not to know, say so clearly at the start of the appointment so it is noted before the scan begins.

Regular movement can begin to feel like flutters or distinct kicks. Your baby is now moving many times an hour, though you will only feel a fraction of it and mostly when you are still. What matters from here is becoming familiar with your own baby's pattern rather than measuring it against anyone else's.

The growing uterus can press on your bladder, stomach, kidneys and lungs. This single mechanical fact explains a surprising amount at once: needing the toilet constantly, feeling full after a few mouthfuls, and being breathless on the stairs. It is the reason smaller, more frequent meals become more comfortable than large ones from around now.

Heartburn, swelling, breathlessness, itching and changes in sleep can all occur. Heartburn responds to eating earlier in the evening, staying upright afterwards and propping yourself up in bed, and there are antacids suitable for pregnancy if that is not enough. Ask a pharmacist rather than taking whatever is in the cupboard.

Hair and nails may grow faster and appetite often increases. Nails can also become more brittle rather than stronger, which is equally normal. A genuine increase in appetite is expected around now, and it is a poor moment for restriction, though the increase in what you actually need is smaller than the phrase "eating for two" suggests.

Attend the anatomy scan or make sure it is booked. This is the most detailed look at your baby's development in the whole pregnancy, covering the heart, brain, spine, kidneys, limbs and the position of the placenta. Most scans are reassuring; if something needs a closer look, it usually means another scan rather than bad news.

Ask whether your iron levels or blood tests need attention. Blood is often rechecked around the middle of pregnancy, and this is a natural moment to ask what the results showed. Acting on a borderline result now is much easier than dealing with anaemia in the third trimester.

Look into paediatric or newborn care arrangements only if that is how your local system works. In some countries you choose and register with a paediatrician in advance, and in others newborn care follows automatically from your maternity service. Find out which applies to you rather than assuming a task exists or does not. InshaAllah, knowing how newborn care works locally can make the next steps clearer.

Vitamin B12 and restricted diets: Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. It occurs naturally almost exclusively in animal-derived foods.

Sources include eggs, dairy products, fish, poultry and meat, along with appropriately fortified foods. Women following vegan or highly restricted diets should seek personalised advice, because a suitable supplement is often necessary and a deficiency can develop quietly over a long period.