Congratulations, you’ve reached the halfway point in your pregnancy journey! Week 20 is a big milestone, take a moment to celebrate how far you've come.

How Big is Your Baby?

At 20 weeks, your baby is about the size of a sweet Potato! That means:

• Length: Around 10 inches (from head to heel)
• Weight: Roughly around 300 grams Your baby’s body is growing steadily, and they’re becoming more active. You might feel stronger kicks or little flutters as your baby stretches and wiggles in your womb.

At 20 weeks, your baby is about the size of a sweet Potato!

What’s Happening With Your Baby This Week?

• Growing organs and muscles: Your baby’s muscles are developing, and they’re practicing movements like sucking their thumb, stretching, and even hiccuping inside your womb. Those tiny hiccups might feel like gentle, rhythmic twitches.
• Taste buds awaken: Your baby can now taste! Molecules from the foods you eat pass into the amniotic fluid, and your baby’s taste buds can sense them. This might influence their food preferences after birth.
• Meconium starts forming: Inside the baby’s intestines, meconium (baby’s first poop) is forming — a thick, sticky substance that will be the first sign of digestion after birth.
• For baby girls: The uterus is now fully formed, and all the eggs she’ll ever have are developing in her ovaries.
• Sensory development: Your baby’s brain is making important connections for senses like hearing and touch. You may even notice your baby responding to sounds or your voice.

What You Might Be Feeling Now

• Your uterus is growing: At this point, the top of your uterus (called the fundus) is roughly level with your belly button. Your belly is becoming rounder and more noticeable, and your clothes might
• Itchy skin: As your skin stretches, especially around your belly and breasts, you might experience itching. This is common and can be soothed with moisturizers and cold compresses — just avoid scratching, which can irritate your skin.
• Back pain: Your growing belly shifts your center of gravity and puts extra pressure on your back muscles and joints. Gentle exercise like swimming, stretching, or prenatal yoga can help ease discomfort.
• Restless sleep: It might be harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. Try lying on your side with pillows supporting your legs, belly, and back. Using a pregnancy pillow can make a big difference.
• Hair and nails changes: Thanks to pregnancy hormones, your hair may feel thicker and your nails might grow faster — enjoy this beauty boost, but prepare for postpartum shedding later.
• Constipation and digestion: Hormonal changes and your growing uterus can slow digestion, causing constipation. Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and move your body daily.

What To Do This Week

• Fundal height measurement: At your next prenatal visit, your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height — from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus — to check your baby’s growth. Usually, the number of centimeters roughly matches how many weeks pregnant you are.
• Start your baby registry: If you haven’t yet, now is a good time to start thinking about your baby registry. Make a list of essentials and wish list items to help family and friends know what you need.
• Choose your pediatrician: Begin researching pediatricians who will care for your baby after birth. Ask friends, family, and your doctor for recommendations, and check insurance coverage and location convenience.
• Prenatal care: Keep up with your regular prenatal visits, screenings, and tests. Don’t hesitate to share any concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider.
• Self-care: Celebrate reaching this milestone! Whether it’s a quiet walk, a relaxing bath, a prenatal massage, or even a baby bump photoshoot, take time to honor your journey.
• Sex during pregnancy: Many moms experience an increase in libido due to hormone changes. As long as your healthcare provider approves, sex is safe and can be a great way to bond and relieve stress. Try comfortable positions that accommodate your growing bump.
• Mental wellness: Feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Writing in a journal or sharing your thoughts with loved ones can help clear your mind and reduce stress. For deeper support, sign up to speak with a mental health therapist from the comfort of your home.

Can I Know the Sex of My Baby Now?

If you're going for your mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, this is usually when the sonographer can tell if you're having a boy or a girl (if you want to know, of course). But beyond just the sex, this scan is important for checking your baby’s development — measuring growth, looking at the organs, and making sure everything is progressing as it should.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

While many symptoms at 20 weeks are normal, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe itching, especially on your hands or feet
• Sharp or persistent belly pain
• Bleeding or unusual discharge
• Sudden swelling in your hands, feet, or face
• Severe headaches or vision changes
• These could be signs of complications and need medical attention.