20 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide
IN THIS ARTICLE – At this stage of your journey, new developments are beginning to unfold. Check out this week-by-week guide to find out what’s in store for your baby and your body in week 20 of pregnancy.
Your baby at 20 weeks pregnant | Week 20 pregnancy symptoms | 3 expert tips for a healthy and safe pregnancy | Week 20 checklist: How to plan your pregnancy | Join Enfamil Family Beginnings
- What trimester is 20 weeks? Second trimester
- How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 20 weeks—you’re halfway there!
- How many months is 20 weeks pregnant? You are five months pregnant.
With week 19 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 20. Enjoy it, as week 21 is on the horizon!
One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.
Your Baby at 20 Weeks Pregnant
What's Happening in There
- Your baby is the size of a sweet potato.
- You’re officially at the halfway mark.
- The countdown continues: you’ve got 20 weeks to go!
What Happens During the 20th Week of Pregnancy?
- It's a … : With baby’s sex organs formed, the second trimester ultrasound will tell you the gender of your little creation.
- Belly button movement: If you had an innie belly button, by now, it’s becoming an outie on your rapidly expanding belly.
- Mind-expanding: With all the billions of neurons growing, your baby’s brain is taking shape, with the grooves and folds adding precious surface area to hold all those brain cells.
How Big Is Your Baby at 20 Weeks Pregnant?
| 20 Weeks Pregnant |
|---|
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Baby Weight 10 ounces |
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Baby Length 6.5 inches |
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Baby Size Comparable to a sweet potato or a banana |
Week 20 Pregnancy Symptoms
During week 20 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.
11 Common Week 20 Pregnancy Symptoms
- Your hair and nails may be experiencing a growth spurt of their own, due to the wonders that are pregnancy hormones.
- The second trimester is smooth sailing for morning sickness, but that doesn’t mean you won’t struggle with indigestion and pregnancy heartburn.
- Swelling and edema are common at this point.
- Your uterus is expanding and can push up against your lungs, making you feel short of breath.
- Your sleep may be getting disturbed. A few basic changes can help improve your sleep during pregnancy.
- Rising hormone levels can cause an increase in vaginal discharge.
- At 20 weeks, your baby bump should now be visible.
- Your expanding bump may cause your belly skin to itch.
- You may feel butterflies in your belly as you start to experience “quickening,” the fluttery sensation of your baby wiggling in your uterus.
- Your appetite may be increasing. Those hunger pangs are a sign of your growing baby’s nourishment needs.
- You’ll be continuing to gain weight while pregnant.
3 Expert Tips for a Healthy and Safe Pregnancy
Being 20 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.
- Pumping up the iron: Your iron supply is probably depleted now. As anemia is common when pregnant, you should switch up your diet with iron-rich food or consider taking a supplement.
- Everything is in order: If you haven’t had it yet, the mid-pregnancy check-up will allow your OB to check that everything is in order—and if you want to know, it can reveal your child’s gender.
- What's up, doc: 20 weeks pregnant is an excellent time to start interviewing pediatricians. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for referrals. Then, set up consultation appointments. Some topics to cover: the office’s hours of operation, hospital affiliation, and resources for new parents. For more questions to consider asking, check out "Finding a Pediatrician".
Week 20 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy
Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!
| To-Do Checklist |
|---|
 Start interviewing pediatricians |
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Decorate the nursery |
Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.
With week 19 in the rearview mirror and week 20 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 21!
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings
At 20 weeks pregnant, you’re at the halfway mark. Start preparing for your new arrival with Enfamil Family Beginnings. It’s the perfect resource for new and expecting moms. Save on Enfamil products, track your bump and baby’s growth, and get helpful articles each week relevant to your journey. Join now for up to $400 in free gifts.
