Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 18-20: Anatomy Scan & The Truth About Bonding | 176
The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama · Trish Ware, RN
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Show Notes
Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with your birth bestie, Trish. If you’re in weeks 18 to 20 of your pregnancy, this one’s for you! We’re diving into the magic (and realness) of this stage, the big anatomy scan, and the emotional rollercoaster of bonding. Trish is here with her no-sugarcoating, cheerleader vibe to unpack what’s happening with your body, your baby, and your heart.
Your little bean is growing fast, flipping and fluttering, and you’re probably feeling that bump pop! From the 20-week anatomy scan details to navigating those “am I supposed to feel bonded yet?” moments, Trish breaks it all down.
Whether you’re buzzing with excitement or wrestling with anxiety, your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. Let’s unpack this stage together!
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Baby’s Big Glow-Up: Your baby’s now the size of a sweet potato or mango (6–6.5 inches, 9–11 ounces!), with taste buds, working ears, and somersaults galore. Plus, their heartbeat’s loud enough for a stethoscope!
- 20-Week Anatomy Scan Lowdown: Trish dives into what this long, detailed ultrasound checks: brain, heart, spine, limbs, placenta, and more. Learn what to expect, how to prep, and why unclear images aren’t an instant red flag.
- Finding Out Baby’s Sex (Maybe): This scan might reveal if you’re having a boy or girl, but as Trish’s story with baby #6 shows, it’s not always a sure thing!
- Bonding with Your Baby: Feeling super connected or a bit detached? Both are normal. Trish shares tips like daily affirmations, journaling, and visualizing those first snuggles to nurture your bond - no pressure, just love.
- Action Steps for You: Schedule your anatomy scan, prep questions for your provider, jot down your feelings, and ask about placenta placement or cervical length if you’ve had complications.
- Mindset Matters: Trish reminds you to trust your gut, ask questions, and embrace this transition. You’re growing a human and a new version of yourself!
“You’re half way there mama and I’m so freaking proud of you!” - Trish
More from this episode:
Listen to episode 150: Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150
The Latest from Pregnancy Unpacked:
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, & Trusting Yourself | 174
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting Your Gut | 172
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 12-14: Hello Second Trimester, Now What? | 170
Helpful Timestamps:
- 00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked
- 00:59 Weeks 18-20 of Your Pregnancy
- 01:31 Baby's Development at 18-20 Weeks
- 04:15 The Anatomy Scan Explained
- 09:33 Mindset and Bonding Tips
- 10:58 Action Steps and Final Thoughts
Resources:
🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙
Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!
Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod
Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!
Connect w/ Trish:
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.