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20 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby, Your Body and What to Do
You are halfway there. Your baby is swallowing, practising and growing quickly.
Before you use this guide: Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. Sizes are rough averages, and healthy babies vary. This is general information, not an individual medical assessment, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor or midwife.
How your baby is growing
You are halfway through your pregnancy. From this week, length is measured from head to heel rather than from crown to rump, which is why the figure jumps. Your baby swallows amniotic fluid, which helps the digestive system develop, and passes urine into the fluid.
Hair is growing on the head, sleep and wake cycles are beginning, and you may feel strong kicks. The muscles are strong enough for your baby to change position many times a day.
How you may be feeling
The top of your womb is now about level with your belly button. You are likely to feel regular movements, and your bump is clearly visible. Common issues include backache, heartburn, swollen feet, haemorrhoids, constipation and trouble sleeping. Some people feel practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) in the coming weeks, which feel like a painless tightening.
Your to-do list for week 20
- Attend your anomaly scan, usually between 18 and 21 weeks. Many units let you choose whether to find out your baby's sex.
- Check how your workplace handles maternity leave and pay, and start planning.
- Keep a simple weekly note or photo of how you are feeling. You will be glad of it later.
- Start thinking about who you would like with you at the birth.
When to ask for help
From about 20 weeks, pre-eclampsia becomes possible, which is why your blood pressure and urine are checked at each appointment. Go to every appointment, and read about the warning signs.
For heavy bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache with vision changes, or a baby who is moving less than usual, do not wait for your next appointment. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Our guide to pregnancy warning signs has more detail.
Not sure which week you are in? Use the due-date calculator to estimate your due date and current week.
Useful at this stage: pregnancy weight gain calculator and baby shower planner.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.