Week 20 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a banana (16.4 cm)
Your Baby This Week
Development milestones for week 20
Congratulations on reaching 20 weeks pregnant, the official halfway point of your pregnancy. Your baby is now about the size of a banana, measuring approximately 6.5 inches from crown to rump and weighing around 10 ounces. Your baby can hear sounds from outside the womb, including your voice, music, and loud noises. Studies show babies recognize and respond to their mother's voice after birth, so talking and reading to your bump is meaningful. Taste buds are fully developed, and your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid regularly, which helps develop their digestive system. Sleep cycles are establishing, and you might notice your baby is more active at certain times of day. The skin is still translucent but thickening, and hair is growing on the scalp. If you are having a girl, her uterus is fully formed, and she already has about 7 million eggs in her ovaries.
Your Body This Week
Changes you may experience
At 20 weeks pregnant, many women feel this is the best phase of pregnancy. The first trimester fatigue and nausea are gone, but you are not yet large enough to feel truly uncomfortable. Many moms call this the "sweet spot" of pregnancy. Your uterus is now at belly button level, and your bump is unmistakably pregnant rather than questionable. Baby movements should be regular now, and you might even see your belly move from the outside during strong kicks. Your partner may be able to feel movements if they place their hand on your belly at the right moment. Weight gain should be steady at about one pound per week. You might experience increased vaginal discharge, which is normal. Some women notice their hair becoming thicker and shinier due to hormonal changes. Heartburn may intensify as your uterus crowds your stomach.
Tips & Advice for Week 20
Practical guidance from real moms
Take a bump photo to commemorate the halfway point. Many moms say looking back at these photos later brings happy tears. If you learned your baby's sex at the anatomy scan, decide how you want to share the news, whether through a gender reveal gathering or a simple phone call to family. Start planning your nursery if you have not already. Begin researching baby gear essentials like car seats, cribs, and strollers. Sign up for childbirth education classes now, as popular ones fill up quickly. Research pediatricians in your area and schedule meet-and-greet appointments. If you are experiencing heartburn, eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid lying down after eating, and elevate your head when sleeping. Continue exercising with pregnancy-safe activities and stay hydrated.
Medical Guidance for Week 20
What to discuss with your healthcare provider
If you had your anatomy scan this week, your provider will discuss results and any follow-up needed. Most scans reveal no concerns, but some findings require additional monitoring or specialist consultations. You may receive information about Rh factor if you are Rh negative and your partner is Rh positive. Contact your healthcare provider for decreased fetal movement, severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling, or signs of preterm labor including regular contractions or pelvic pressure.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.