Week 20 of Your Pregnancy

At week 20, you're halfway through your pregnancy. But what’s normal and what’s not? Read on to learn everything you can about being 20 weeks pregnant.

Pregnancy Journey Week 20

Design By Alice Morgan / Illustration by Tara Anand

You've made it to the halfway mark of your pregnancy! You've had many physical changes up to this point, and from watching what you eat to watching what you do, you're doing the best you can to care for your unborn child. But it’s important to take care of you too. Find out tips for how to take care of yourself during the 20th week of pregnancy and what you can expect during this time.

Pregnancy Week 20 Quick Facts

  • At 20 weeks, you're five months pregnant
  • You have 20 weeks until your due date
  • You're in your second trimester

Your Unborn Baby's Size At 20 Weeks

Remember the last time you held a banana? That's about the size your unborn baby is this week. The fetus measures approximately 6.46 inches and weighs 10.58 ounces.

Pregnancy Journey Weekly Reminder

Design by Alice Morgan

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 20

As you move from the first half of your pregnancy to the second half, you’ll likely notice some new (or ongoing) symptoms, including:

  • Headaches
  • Faintness and dizziness
  • Round ligament pain
  • Leg cramps
  • Edema (swelling of the feet and ankles) 
  • Swollen gums
  • Stretch marks
  • Heartburn

While it may seem odd, swollen gums (aka pregnancy gingivitis) is common during week 20 of pregnancy. In fact, up to nearly 75% of pregnant people experience this condition. Of course, you might be wondering why. What does pregnancy have to do with oral hygiene? But according to the American Pregnancy Association, this symptom is due to hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue. This can lead to sensitivity, gum irritation, and swelling. Take extra care to brush and floss. Experts also recommend rinsing your mouth with warm water and salt.

Stretch marks are another common symptom you may notice this week—or in the coming weeks. That’s because, as your skin stretches, little tears occur. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, stretch marks are a "the type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks abruptly." Of course, there are many suggestions on how you can avoid stretch marks. Some creams are believed to keep these scars at bay. Others believe hydration is key; however, in most cases, you just can't avoid them. No matter what I rubbed on my belly, my skin had a lot of stretching to do. Rather than being ashamed of—or embarrassed by—your stretch marks, think of them as a reminder of the life you helped create. The life you (quite literally) grew.  

Heartburn can become recurring as your unborn baby grows, especially during week 20. An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree. "If you're starting to have heartburn, you can look into over-the-counter acid reducers like Tums or papaya enzymes," says Carrie Murphy, a full spectrum doula in Austin, Texas. Adding more calcium to your diet will help as well.

Developmental Milestones

Your unborn baby's muscles are developing this week, and they're starting to make quick little moves. In fact, there’s a good chance you will feel these at this stage! But according to Amanda Little-Richardson, M.D., board-certified OB-GYN and equitable birth advocate, the movement is still irregular.

"You may feel flutters or a slight rumbling,” says Dr. Little-Richardson. “But it is often a weird sensation that takes a few days to recognize." Dr. Little-Richardson doesn't recommend counting kicks at this point or becoming too focused on when your unborn baby moves and when they do not. Things will level out in coming weeks, when their sleep pattern is more developed and they have active versus inactive windows.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor's Appointments

Week 20 is a big week for prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments. In fact, during this week, most pregnant people undergo an anatomy ultrasound, also known as the 20-week anatomy scan. "This ultrasound is to make sure the unborn baby is developing normally," says Dr. Little-Richardson. She explains that your provider will chart your unborn baby's organs and bones for a healthy growth rate. "They'll also ascertain the fetal sex if you did not do it during your genetic screening." And bonus: You’ll leave with a new roll of sonogram film to show your family and friends.

If you've opted for an amniocentesis to check for your unborn baby's genes, it will occur around week 20. To ensure you're clear on what the procedure entails, ask your OB-GYN, midwife, or health care provider any lingering questions before your appointment.

Common Questions At This Stage Of Pregnancy

Why don't I feel my baby move much?

The frequency of fetal movement differs for each person—and each pregnancy. Murphy says the amount of movement you feel can be based on the placement of your placenta. "If it's at the front of your belly, you may feel less movement, as the placenta can sort of muffle it," she says. This is especially true after the first few weeks you feel them move. It can also depend on your frame, or build.

Can my baby feel when I'm hungry?

Yes! Unborn babies tend to move more when you’re hungry. They can even act as a little alarm, letting you know it's time for you to eat. Often I'd get busy and not realize that it had been a while since my last meal, but then I would feel an extra nudge.

Things You Might Consider This Week

If you are worried about the results of your amniocentesis, you are not alone. Many people find this test stressful. The good news is that your results should come in soon. Depending on your provider and lab testing procedures, this process can take anywhere between three days to two weeks. In the interim, however, you should find ways to destress and decompress.

Talk to your friends, family, and (perhaps) a mental health care professional. Get rest, when you can, and pamper yourself. Staying engaged and active can also help. Oh, and avoid Googling hypotheticals, if possible. Late night internet searches will only get your mind wandering—and keep you worrying.

Support You Might Need This Week

While you’ve probably been thinking about baby’s nursery—maybe you’ve picked a theme!—you may need help pulling it all together. From finalizing your baby registry to painting walls and building furniture, there’s a lot you need to do to prepare for your little one’s arrival. Ask your partner, if you have one, to help with the process (or your family and friends). Having all hands on deck will make light work of the process and, before you know it, your unborn baby’s room will be ready to go.

Head over to week 21 of pregnancy

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