Week 20 of Pregnancy
Learn about your baby's development and what to expect at 20 weeks pregnant.
Baby's Size This Week
Baby Development at Week 20
- ● Your baby is now measured from head to toe (rather than crown to rump) and is about 25.6 cm long, weighing around 300g.
- ● Vernix caseosa (protective waxy coating) fully covers your baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid for the rest of pregnancy.
- ● Your baby can hear sounds from outside the womb clearly, and research shows newborns recognize music and voices heard in utero.
- ● The digestive system is practicing — your baby swallows amniotic fluid, which the intestines process into meconium.
- ● The brain is rapidly developing, forming billions of neurons and beginning to establish the neural connections for memory and learning.
- ● All major organ systems are formed and functional; the remaining 20 weeks of pregnancy are dedicated to growth and maturation.
Your Body at Week 20
- ● You have reached the halfway point of pregnancy — your uterus is now at the level of your navel (belly button).
- ● Fetal movement is strong and regular; many women feel kicks, rolls, and rhythmic movements that may be hiccups.
- ● Round ligament pain, backache, and pelvic pressure are common as the uterus continues its rapid expansion.
- ● Heartburn and indigestion may worsen as the uterus pushes up against the stomach, reducing its capacity.
- ● Swelling in the feet and ankles is increasingly common, especially after standing or walking for extended periods.
- ● Skin around the belly is stretching noticeably and may feel itchy — moisturizing regularly provides relief.
Week 20 Checklist
- ☐ Attend your mid-pregnancy anatomy ultrasound this week to check all fetal structures and growth.
- ☐ Discuss anatomy scan results with your provider and address any questions about what was or was not seen.
- ☐ Begin looking into maternity leave options, workplace policies, and FMLA paperwork if based in the US.
- ☐ Research and shortlist pediatricians — book prenatal consultations before your third trimester begins.
- ☐ Consider enrolling in a childbirth education class, breastfeeding class, or newborn care class now.
- ☐ Begin discussing your birth plan preferences with your partner and provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at 20 weeks pregnant?
At 20 weeks, you have reached the halfway milestone. Your baby weighs about 300g and is now measured head-to-toe at 25.6 cm. The anatomy scan is the landmark appointment this week. Fetal movement is strong and regular, and your uterus now sits at your navel. The second half of pregnancy is focused on fetal growth, and your own body changes will accelerate from here.
What happens at the 20-week anatomy scan?
The 20-week anatomy scan is a comprehensive ultrasound that evaluates your baby's brain (including ventricles and corpus callosum), face (lips, palate, nose), spine, heart (all four chambers and major vessels), abdominal organs (kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver), limbs, and placenta. It checks for over 100 potential structural abnormalities. Amniotic fluid levels and fetal growth are also assessed. The sex can usually be confirmed at this appointment.
Is it normal to feel the baby hiccupping?
Yes, fetal hiccups are completely normal and are often first noticed between weeks 18-25. They feel like rhythmic, repetitive ticking or gentle pulsing in the abdomen. Hiccups occur as your baby practices the breathing motions needed for life outside the womb — the diaphragm contracts with each hiccup. They are a positive sign of neural and diaphragm development. Occasional hiccups are normal; very frequent hiccups should be mentioned to your provider.
How much should my belly have grown by 20 weeks?
By 20 weeks, your fundal height (measured from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) should be approximately 18-22 centimeters — roughly one centimeter per week of pregnancy is the general rule. Your uterus should sit at or near your belly button. Your provider measures fundal height at each prenatal visit to track consistent growth. Measurements that vary significantly from expected ranges may prompt an additional ultrasound.
When should I start kick counting?
Formal kick counting is typically recommended starting at 28 weeks, when movement patterns become consistent enough to track reliably. However, you can begin paying attention to your baby's movement patterns now. The standard kick count goal (per many guidelines) is to feel 10 movements within 2 hours while resting and focused on your baby. Contact your provider if movement significantly decreases, as reduced movement can occasionally indicate fetal distress.
Track Your Exact Pregnancy Week
Use our free Pregnancy Week Tracker to find out exactly how far along you are based on your last menstrual period or due date.
Track My Pregnancy →Sources
- ACOG
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts
- Mayo Clinic
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy.