You're in Week 20

It's time to celebrate! You've hit the halfway mark of your pregnancy. Enjoy this time. Your baby and belly will be growing more rapidly now and you may have to slow down a bit, though some women don't feel the need until well into the third trimester.

Your baby is becoming more sensitive. This week her nervous system is developing rapidly and she can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. You and your partner might want to talk directly to the baby (if you haven't already) so she'll become familiar with your voices.

See an illustration of your baby and learn more fascinating fetal development facts

Check out your personal page at BabyCenter! Also, see what people at your stage have to say today. Learn more about week 20 fetal development.

Get the Best Maternity Leave Deal
Before you talk to your boss about maternity leave, make sure you can answer these questions:

>	How long can you work?
>	How much time would you like to take off after your baby is born?
>	Will you return on a full- or part-time basis?
>	Who will do your work when you're gone?

For more help on negotiating the best leave, see:
What you need to know about maternity leave

Dads: Love Her Changing Body
Understand that as your wife's pregnancy progresses and she gets bigger, she may feel unattractive. Use your mouth for good not evil and remind her how much you love her. If you have trouble saying things like that, send her flowers instead. For more ideas on sharing in your partner's pregnancy, click here.

MD Alert: Avoid Some Cheeses During Pregnancy
Unpasteurized soft cheeses can contain a bacteria called listeria monocytogenes, which can cause a potentially dangerous infection. For more information, click here.

Pregnancy Tip: Write Out a Maternity Leave Plan
"Before you go in to talk to your boss about maternity leave, think long and hard about what you really want, then write it down. Don't make promises you won't be able to keep. A good way to get your boss to agree to a longer-than-usual leave is to figure out how your work will get done while you're gone."
-- Anonymous

Send your tips to tips@babycenter.com

Will You Take Pain Medication During Labor?
Take our poll and find out how others feel about drugs during delivery.

This Week's Top News

>	What's the safest way to deliver a baby?
>	Surprising birth and labor trends
>	Clinton proposes pay for new parents who want to take time off

Get more news -- including the latest recalls and why most kids won't live with both birth parents in the next century.

Comfort & Beauty As your body adjusts to carry your baby's weight, your feet and legs can feel especially tired or sore. Relieve them with a little TLC. Have your partner massage tired legs and feet with Mother 2 Be's fresh-smelling, soothing products. Find these and many other pregnancy luxuries at the Baby Store. See the Moisturizing Massage Oil See the Tired Legs and Feet Treatment More Comfort and Beauty

Sound Advice
Find out how our panel of experts answered these questions:

>	I'm measuring large for my stage of pregnancy. Could something be wrong?
>	I haven't felt my baby kick yet. Is this normal?

Click here for more questions.

A word from our sponsors: The birth of a child is a special moment in a family's life. Congratulate them by sending a TYLENOL® CareCard. Click here.

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