20 Weeks Pregnant: Halfway There and Feeling It!

Congratulations on coming this far. Now you're 20 weeks pregnant—halfway there! So, how are you feeling, Mommy? It’s an exciting milestone—your baby is growing rapidly, your body is changing in extraordinary ways, and your bond with your little one is getting stronger day by day. Feel giddy with excitement? We’re sure you must be curious to know all about your little one inside, the growth, and something new about them. Well, this guide is just about this. 

Let’s explore what to expect in week 20 of pregnancy– from fetal development, common symptoms to helpful tips that keep you feeling your best during this special journey.

Key Takeaways at 20 Weeks Pregnant

• You're five months pregnant and halfway to your due date.
• Your baby is about the size of a banana or a sweet potato.
• The top of your uterus is now at the same level as your belly button.
• You may undergo an ultrasound to determine the size and position of the baby growing inside. Fingers crossed.
• If you're gaining weight, don’t worry. It’s completely normal.
• Finally, you can start thinking and planning about your delivery as well. After all, there is a lot to prepare. Right?

Baby at Week 20 of Pregnancy

Just like last week, your baby is busy developing vital organs and systems to show more activity. They might be kicking, punching, or even sucking their thumb. This thumb-sucking helps them practice sucking, which they'll need to do when feeding after birth. Additionally, they’re producing meconium (baby’s first poop). At 20 weeks pregnant, it’s more or less the same as week 19, just a few things to add on to their tiny existence. If you don’t know, your baby’s skin has a covering, known as vernix caseosa. It protects their skin from irritation after being in amniotic fluid for so long. This white substance also helps during labour to pass through the birth canal.

Moreover, their ears are not fully developed, yet they can hear sounds from outside your uterus. Seems like a miracle!

Around now, your baby is producing antibodies that will protect them from getting sick. The two types of antibodies that your baby is producing are called immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). This might sound science-heavy, but IgG and IgM have pretty simple jobs. IgG is responsible for fighting infections caused by bacteria and viruses, while IgMs are the first antibody that your body produces after being exposed to new germs. Clever, right?

How Big Is The Baby At 20 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is about 6.3 inches (16 cm) long from crown to rump and weighs around 11 ounces (312 grams). That’s roughly the size of a banana or a small cantaloupe!

20 Weeks Pregnant Is Equal to How Many Months?

You are 5 months pregnant (18 weeks after gestation) at 20 weeks. Isn’t it amazing, Mommy? Well done for your good work. You have reached this far. It means you’re taking good care of yourself, and your baby is happy and healthy inside.

What Does Baby Look Like In The Womb At 20 Weeks?

Your baby is now fully formed, with visible eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair beginning to grow. Nails have grown towards the ends of the fingers. The skin is thickening and creating multiple layers. They are on a roll— taking up more space inside the uterus, so be prepared, mama bear. You may start feeling a little stiff there! Because their continued growth may put pressure on your organs, such as the lungs, stomach, bladder, and kidneys.

20-Week Ultrasound

Now that you know the baby has taken the full shape and form, you must be eager to watch them, right? The mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, typically done around 20 weeks, is a detailed ultrasound. It examines your baby’s growth and development. E.g. the size and position, structural abnormalities of bones (if any), visible organs. The technician and doctor will examine the following details:

• Brain, heart, kidneys, and spine
• Face and limbs
• Placenta location
• Amniotic fluid levels
• Gender!

This scan provides important reassurance and helps detect any potential issues early on.

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 20

While some early pregnancy symptoms may have eased, new ones might take their place. Here are some common symptoms during this period:

• Increase in appetite
• Skin stretching leading to itching and stretch marks
• Pain in the lower stomach (as it is supporting the uterus)
• Frequent urination
• Nasal congestion
• Constipation (sometimes)
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Bleeding gums
• Feeling cold or warm 
• Increase in weight
• Skin pigmentation
• Vaginal discharge 
• Growing bump
• Heartburn and indigestion

Your Pregnant Belly at 20 Weeks

When you are 20 weeks pregnant, your baby bump is more noticeable, and you may need to switch to maternity clothes if you haven’t already. Your uterus is at about the level of your belly button, and you may notice some linea nigra (a dark vertical line) forming on your abdomen.

Can You Feel Baby Move at 20 Weeks?

Yes! This is the time many women feel their baby’s first movements, known as “quickening.” It may feel like flutters, gas bubbles, or light tapping. If you haven’t felt anything yet, don’t worry—it’s more common to feel movements later in a first pregnancy. However, at 20 weeks pregnant, an expectant mother can feel her baby’s movements internally, and the healthcare provider can visualise them externally through the abdomen.

Tips for a Healthy Week 20

• Eat small meals at regular intervals.
• Have a nutritious and balanced diet that includes fibre, green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and cereals.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Increase your iron intake in your diet. It helps prevent anaemia, low birth weight and premature delivery. An expectant mum should take at least 27 to 30 mg of iron.
• Continue practising healthy habits. It includes avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and steering clear of foods that could potentially harm your pregnancy.
• Avoid sitting in faulty postures. You can use pregnancy pillows available in the market while sleeping, for additional support.
• Engage in moderate physical activity such as walking, exercise.
• Keep stress at bay. You can try activities like meditation and pregnancy-safe yoga (talk to your gynaecologist before you start doing any such activities).
• Relax and rest as much as you can. Don’t overdo and over-exert your body in any way.

Conclusion

Congratulations — if you’re 20 weeks pregnant, you’ve officially reached the halfway point of your pregnancy journey! Whether you’re marvelling at your growing bump, planning the nursery, or still trying to figure out if that was a baby kick or just gas (hey, no judgment!), this is a moment worth celebrating.

We’d love to hear from you! How are you feeling at 20 weeks? What’s been your most unexpected craving or sweetest surprise so far? Drop your thoughts, tips, or even hilarious belly moments in the comments below — let’s build a community of support and shared laughs!

Bonus Fun: Share your week 20 bump pic on Instagram and tag us with #HalfwayPreggo — we might just feature your fabulous self in our next post!

Stay tuned for more week-wise pregnancy updates!  

FAQs

Q1- How Much Does A 20-Week Fetus Sleep?

Around 20 weeks of pregnancy, babies in the womb start to show more noticeable patterns of sleeping and waking. In one study, doctors used ultrasound to watch the behaviour of babies between 20 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. They looked closely at two types of sleep: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. They found that as the baby grew, the amount of REM sleep increased, which is a sign that the baby’s brain and nervous system are developing well.

Q2- How Can I Relieve Itchy Skin During Pregnancy?

Apply moisturising creams, wear loose clothes, stay hydrated and avoid hot showers. If itching becomes severe, consult your doctor right away.

Q3- Does Heartburn Mean The Baby’s Growing Hair?

It’s a fun pregnancy myth with some truth! One study found a correlation between higher estrogen levels (linked to heartburn) and babies born with more hair. But not everyone with heartburn has a hairy baby.

Q4- Why Should You Sleep On The Left Side In Pregnancy?

Sleeping on your left side improves blood flow to the placenta and kidneys. It also helps reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that carries blood to your heart.