WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy

Your Baby at 20 Weeks
As big as a mango
Length
10.5
Weight
12.7
Reaching the 20-week mark, your baby has grown to the size of a pear, measuring about 10½ inches from crown to heel and weighing around 12½ ounces. 

This significant milestone marks the halfway point of your pregnancy.
What's new this week?
Baby’s Changes Overview
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Hiccups: Your baby may start experiencing hiccups, a normal part of development.

  • Meconium Production: The digestive system is now producing meconium, a dark greenish substance that will be present in the first diapers.

  • Sleep Patterns: Your baby is sleeping a lot, typically between 16 to 19 hours a day.

  • Heartbeat: The heartbeat is strong enough to be heard with a stethoscope, usually beating at 120 to 160 beats per minute.

  • Proportional Growth: Arms and legs are now proportionate to the rest of the body, with neurons connecting the brain and muscles, enhancing movement control.

  • Sensory Development: Your baby's senses, especially hearing, taste, and touch, are becoming more refined. They can hear your voice and start to respond to external sounds and tastes.
Halfway there! This is a major milestone, and around 80% of moms report feeling a deeper bond. It's also time for the mid-pregnancy ultrasound where you can see your baby's growth in detail.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping your baby's development
  • Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for healthy blood flow and amniotic fluid levels. Incorporate a variety of fluids and try adding fruits for flavor or making smoothies.

  • Maintain a Positive Outlook: Embrace this special time with a positive mindset. Self-care is crucial for both you and your baby's well-being.

  • Communicate with Your Baby: With your baby's hearing developing, talk, read, and sing to them regularly to strengthen your bond and stimulate their auditory development.

  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease, which is linked to premature birth.

  • Stay Informed: Keep up with prenatal appointments and engage with communities like WeMoms for support and advice. Always have a list of questions ready for your healthcare provider to address any concerns.
Top Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the mid-pregnancy ultrasound?

The mid-pregnancy ultrasound, also known as the anatomy scan, is done around week 20. It checks the baby's growth and development, as well as the health of vital organs.

When should I start thinking about a birth plan?

You can start thinking about a birth plan in the second trimester, around week 20. It's a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery.

Is it normal to experience heart palpitations during pregnancy?

Occasional heart palpitations can be normal during pregnancy due to increased blood volume. However, if they become frequent or severe, consult your healthcare provider.

What are some safe exercises to stay active during pregnancy?

Safe exercises during pregnancy include walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
View Sources
Read more
E
Essence
24 Jan 2024

Ladies at 20 weeks are you feeling your baby move above the belly button ( in stomach ) or below the belly button?

29 comments
S
Shaq
Both for me and my sides . She be all over the place lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
E
Essence
Aww so sweet ☺️🥰💕 I’m feeling mine mostly below but online it says baby repositions itself and movement will be felt above around 20 weeks. I’m only 19 wks but I’m so curious ☺️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


i
isabella
15 Jan 2024

this was my baby at 20 weeks & when i see others ultrasound at 20 weeks their babies are way bigger . should i be asking more questions to see if she is on the right track

6 comments
K
Kamryn🇲🇽
Maybe the tech just couldn't get a good picture?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
i
isabella
yes i think thats what it is cuz i got a 3d ultrasound at 16 weeks and she looked big
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Keairah
4 Dec 2023

Anybody else small for being almost 6 months. I’m 23 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. I’ve gained 3 pounds so far. Baby weighed 10oz at 20 weeks and she is in the 50th percentile. What about you Mama’s? Show off your baby bumps.

8 comments
B
Blessed mommy
I’m 5 months and bump is almost non existent with my second child.. I be forgetting I’m pregnant sometimes 😩
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
V
Vanessa
Yes, I'm almost 6 months an I'm still really small, I question if I'm pregnant sometimes lol, but I am
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Ashlyn
17 Nov 2023

What did everyone’s baby weigh when they had there anatomy scan at 20 weeks? I have mine the 28th at 20 weeks 1 day and I’m just curious what he might weigh then 🩵

37 comments
R
Rochelle
he is so precious 💙💙💙
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Ashlyn
Thank you 🥹 I love his little nose!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Amanda
28 Jun 2023

Has anyone been told at their 20 weeks anatomy scan their baby has fetal macrosomia? I was 20 weeks exactly and he was measuring at 21 weeks 2 days.

2 comments
S
Selena
A baby can only be diagnosed with it after birth, there’s a very specific criteria. They could suspect it, but it can’t be diagnosed until after birth… and you’re way early (20 weeks) to even have that suspicion. (That’s on your docs not you!) a lot of docs will say this to try and push unnecessary interventions/csections unfortunately.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Amanda
Oh they put borderline fetal macrosomia cuz I know they can’t diagnose it until after birth. I go to my OBs office tomorrow. I’ll have to get another scan done, the tech wasn’t able to see everything. He didn’t even really try 🙄
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Abrionne
27 Jun 2023

I definitely recommend waiting to announce your pregnancy to social media ! Just enjoy your baby I hid mine for 20 weeks ! The best decision EVER!🥰

3 comments
G
Gabi
I'm 28 weeks and still keeping it off of social media 😅😁. Only a few people know and we enjoy our privacy with it lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
D
Dee
Last year I told 6 people when I found out. My mom had me a virtual shower so the couple family/family friends she invited found out 2 weeks before the shower and were in shock that I was even as far along as I was. Almost 7 months after having my bby I posted one picture on my story on ig and haven’t posted another since 😂 everybody was dm’ing and texting me like wait hold up is he yours?? I still get people that see me out and about and be like you had another bby? Yep, but mind ya business 😉 I’m almost 6 months pregnant this time around and can count on one hand how many people know. It’s so much more peaceful when people ain’t all in your business.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jasmine
15 Feb 2023

Officially 20 weeks today I’m officially out of the teens we’re half way there baby boy 💙🙏🏽your doing so good

1 comments
🔮
🔮🪬🧿Skylar🧿🪬(Dinè witch)
🎉🎉🎉
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

b
brianna_rossea
27 Oct 2022

How does a doctor know your baby is in the right position for birth since they don't do any ultrasounds after 20 weeks unless medically needed . I think all doctors should do one at 37 weeks to check for position

3 comments
M
Mariah
They can tell by just feeling your Belly. Also could feel babies head by checking my cervix.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
S
Sabrinapocalypse
I used to feel the limbs of my babies through my bump & would know
27 Mar 2024

Answer


L
Lexxy
29 Aug 2022

Is it normal at around 20 weeks to not feel your baby move as much , like only little flutters here & there ? But when I hit 18 weeks I felt her constantly poking out and moving everyday .

2 comments
B
Blocked user
Baby is still little so they kicks aren’t consistent as much but if feel like something is wrong get it checked out
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Amari
Yes it’s normal I’m 25 weeks an she still moves on her own time sometimes she’ll stop moving for 2 days but then start again an she get stronger every time😂🥰
27 Mar 2024

Answer


e
endia
30 Apr 2022

When did y’all feel the baby above your belly button I still feel her under my stomach I’m 20 weeks

6 comments
A
Ariana
At 20 weeks, your uterus has just reached about the level of your belly button
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
m
milla
22ish weeks is when I started feeling higher movement
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics