20 weeks pregnant is a BIG DEAL! You are about halfway through a normal 40-week pregnancy and your baby has changed a lot since the first trimester. Your uterus and your baby are growing, and your body is changing noticeably, physically.
Your Baby’s Development at 20 Weeks
At 20 weeks, your baby’s organs and body systems are still developing. The baby’s arms and legs are well developed and movements are becoming more coordinated.
The nervous system of the baby is still developing and the brain is getting more active. Its digestive system is also developing. The kidneys continue to produce urine.
Your baby’s hearing is developing and they may respond to sounds. Eventually you may notice changes in movement due to loud or familiar sounds.
20 Weeks Pregnant Belly Size: How Big is the Baby?
At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a banana, though the measurements may vary. Healthcare professionals may measure the growth of the baby using ultrasound at this stage.
Otherwise known as the anatomy scan or mid-pregnancy scan. It can check the baby’s developing organs, growth, placenta and other structures.
Feeling Your Baby Kick
The middle of pregnancy is when many pregnant people start to feel foetal movement. The first movements may be like soft flutters, taps or bubbles.
If it is your first pregnancy you usually don’t need to worry if you haven’t felt movement yet. Everyone’s timing is different, it can also depend on things like the location of the placenta. ## Signs and symptoms at 20 weeks pregnant
Symptoms that are common at this time can include:
- Back pain
- Round ligament pain
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Cramps in legs
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Minor swelling
- Increased appetite
- Sleep issues
- Changes in skin
As the uterus grows it can put pressure on the organs around it, and this can add to some of these symptoms.
Your body changes
Your abdomen is typically starting to show more at 20 weeks. Your uterus has grown a lot and is still moving up into your abdomen.
You might also notice changes in your skin, including a darkening of a line down the abdomen called the linea nigra. The skin may also stretch and develop stretch marks.
The Week 20 Anatomy Scan
The mid-pregnancy ultrasound – a key prenatal screening. It can look at many parts of your baby’s development, including the brain, heart, spine, limbs and other organs.
The health care professional might also check the placenta, amniotic fluid and development of the baby. What tests are available will depend on your individual pregnancy and location.
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20 Weeks Pregnant: Tips for Health
Keep attending your prenatal appointments and listening to your health care professional. Eat a well-rounded diet, drink plenty of fluids, stay physically active if you have been told exercise is safe for you and take prenatal supplements as recommended.
Before starting any new medicine or supplement, ask your healthcare professional.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Get medical help if you have heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fluid leaking, severe headache, change in vision, swelling or other symptoms that concern you.
Conclusion
If you are 20 weeks pregnant you are halfway through a typical pregnancy. Your body is still adjusting to your pregnancy as your baby grows and develops quickly.
As your third trimester begins, you’ll have the anatomy scan and regular prenatal appointments, which are important opportunities to check on your baby’s development and your own health.