20 Weeks Pregnant: Halfway, Baby Movement and Scan

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20 weeks pregnant: halfway, baby movement and your anatomy scan

At 20 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester and roughly halfway through pregnancy. This week follows 19 weeks pregnant, and the next page is 21 weeks pregnant.

Your baby may be about 20-25 cm long and weigh around 250-300 grams, though every pregnancy is dated and measured individually. The heartbeat is much faster than an adult heartbeat, and movements can feel stronger as the baby stretches, kicks and changes position.

Vernix caseosa, a creamy protective coating, is covering the skin. Your baby may also have active and quiet periods, and some parents notice more movement in the evening or when they lie down.

Your body at 20 weeks pregnant

The top of the uterus is often near the level of the belly button around 20 weeks. Your clinician may start checking growth by measuring your bump or asking about baby movements at appointments, depending on local practice.

Leg swelling, varicose veins, darker freckles or skin patches, and back or hip discomfort can become more noticeable as your uterus grows and blood volume increases. A pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side may help you rest more comfortably.

Iron needs increase in pregnancy because your blood volume is higher and your baby and placenta are growing. Include iron-rich foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish low in mercury, lentils, beans, spinach and fortified cereals. Ask your clinician before taking iron supplements unless they have been recommended.

What to do this week

Attend or confirm your mid-pregnancy anatomy scan if it is scheduled around this time.
Ask what your provider expects for baby movement over the next few weeks and when to call.
Consider childbirth or antenatal classes, especially if booking early is needed in your area.
Use the pregnancy weight gain calculator to check whether your weight gain is on track.
Use the pregnancy calculator if you want to compare your due date with appointment dates.

Definitions

Vernix caseosa is a creamy protective coating on the baby's skin during pregnancy.

Fundal height is the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. It helps clinicians follow growth trends later in pregnancy.

Anatomy scan is the detailed mid-pregnancy ultrasound that checks baby development, placenta position and amniotic fluid.

Frequently asked questions about 20 weeks pregnant

What happens at 20 weeks pregnant?

At 20 weeks pregnant, you are around halfway through pregnancy. Your baby is moving more strongly, the uterus is often near the belly button, and the anatomy scan is an important milestone.

How big is the baby at 20 weeks pregnant?

Size estimates vary, but the baby may be about 20-25 cm long and weigh around 250-300 grams. Ultrasound measurements are more useful than general averages.

What trimester is 20 weeks pregnant?

20 weeks pregnant is in the second trimester. It is often described as about 5 months pregnant, although pregnancy months are not counted exactly like calendar months.

Where is the uterus at 20 weeks pregnant?

Around 20 weeks, the top of the uterus is often near the level of the belly button, but this can vary with body shape, previous pregnancies and dating.

Should I feel baby movement every day at 20 weeks?

Many people feel movement at 20 weeks, but regular daily patterns may still be developing. Contact your maternity team if you are worried about movement or notice a clear change later in pregnancy.

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