20 weeks pregnant
At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a banana: around 25.6 cm head to heel and 300 g. Halfway there. Baby is swallowing and practising digestion. From now, size is measured head to heel.
Your baby at 20 weeks
Halfway there. Baby is swallowing and practising digestion. From now, size is measured head to heel.
| Size | About the size of a banana |
|---|---|
| Length | 25.6 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 300 g |
Your baby is now producing meconium, a dark, sticky substance that builds up in the bowel and becomes the first poo after birth. Hair is growing on the head, and your baby has periods of sleep and activity. You may notice your baby is busier at certain times of day, often when you are lying down to rest.
How far along are you at 20 weeks?
At 20 weeks pregnant you are in the fifth month of your pregnancy and the second trimester. You have about 20 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 20 weeks your baby has been growing for about 18 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 20 weeks
You may feel the first flutters. The detailed anomaly scan usually happens around now. Backache is common as your posture changes.
Common symptoms at 20 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Movements. Flutters are turning into more definite kicks.
- Heartburn. Your growing womb is pushing up against your stomach.
- A popping belly button. Your belly button may flatten or stick out.
- Shortness of breath. Your womb is starting to press up on your diaphragm.
- Braxton Hicks. Some women start to feel painless tightenings of the bump.
- Backache. Keep up good posture and comfortable shoes.
Your checklist for week 20
- Have your anomaly scan if you haven't yet.
- Learn the warning signs of pre-eclampsia, which can develop from 20 weeks.
- Book your antenatal class for the third trimester.
- Find comfortable, flat shoes; your feet may get a little bigger.
- Talk to your partner about leave and support after the birth.
Tip of the week: Taming heartburn
Eat smaller meals more often, and finish eating two to three hours before bed. Fried, very spicy, fatty or tomato-heavy dishes, fizzy drinks and strong tea or coffee can make it worse. Sit upright after meals and raise the head of your bed slightly. A pharmacist can recommend antacids that are safe in pregnancy.
For your partner
She may feel the first kicks. You might soon too.
- Put your hand on the bump in the evening
- Join the anomaly scan
- Talk to the bump; baby will hear you soon
When to call your doctor at 20 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Signs of pre-eclampsia: a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain just below your ribs, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet.
- Fluid leaking from the vagina.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 20 weeks pregnant
Is 20 weeks pregnant 5 months?
Roughly. At 20 weeks you are in your fifth month and halfway to your due date. Because pregnancy months don't match weeks exactly, most doctors count in weeks.
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in your urine, usually after 20 weeks. It can be serious for you and your baby if not treated, which is why your blood pressure and urine are checked at every appointment. Report the warning signs straight away.
Why does my baby move more when I lie down?
When you are busy, your movement can rock your baby to sleep. When you lie down, you also notice movements more. Many babies have active times in the evening.