What does baby look like at 20 weeks?

At 20 weeks, your baby is the size of a Banana — 6.5 in long, 300 g. Halfway point of pregnancy. Baby swallowing amniotic fluid to practice digestion

What symptoms are normal at 20 weeks pregnant?

Swelling in feet and ankles is now common — normal in absence of headache or high BP. Shortness of breath beginning as uterus pushes on diaphragm

20 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & What to Expect

Q: What should I do at 20 weeks pregnant?

Discuss anatomy scan results with provider if any findings. Start iron-rich food focus if any anaemia indicators

💡 Expert tip

If you want to find out the sex, the anatomy scan at 18–22 weeks is when it

🌱 Baby's development this week

Halfway point of pregnancy
Baby swallowing amniotic fluid to practice digestion
Eyebrows and eyelashes growing
Sleep and wake cycles becoming more regular

Science fact

At 20 weeks, the baby is exactly halfway through gestation. Research shows that babies born at 22–23 weeks can now survive with intensive care, highlighting how rapidly viability develops.

🤰 Your symptoms this week

Swelling in feet and ankles is now common

normal in absence of headache or high BP

Elevate feet when sitting, stay hydrated, reduce sodium. Sudden severe swelling: call your provider.

Shortness of breath beginning as uterus pushes on diaphragm

Normal as uterus grows. Sleep propped up, avoid lying flat. Sudden severe breathlessness: seek care.

Increased libido possible

blood flow to pelvic region increases

💛 Changes in your body

Anatomy scan typically this week — sex often revealed
Belly button may fully pop out
Lower back pain common
Shortness of breath may begin as uterus pushes on diaphragm

💙 Mental health this week

The anatomy scan is a significant emotional milestone. If concerns arise, remember that most findings are minor and most pregnancies have completely normal scans.

🥗 Nutrition focus

Iron, calcium, and DHA are the three
of the second half of pregnancy
Weight gain on track? For normal BMI, average total gain by 20 weeks is 8–16 lb (IOM guidelines). Underweight women gain more, overweight women gain less
Hydration: amniotic fluid needs constant replenishment — drink consistently throughout the day

📅 Appointment / test

20-week anatomy scan: your most detailed look at baby. Often when sex is revealed if desired.

✅ This week's checklist

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Discuss anatomy scan results with provider if any findings

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Start iron-rich food focus if any anaemia indicators

✓

Consider childbirth education class — book now (often fill 6–8 weeks ahead)

Anatomy scan and all prenatal tests: A complete plain-language guide to every test this pregnancy — NIPT, NT scan, anomaly scan, and more — is at Prenatal Tests Explained →.

Track your pregnancy week by week

Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips

Explore Week 20 in the Interactive Guide →

Week 20: Halfway there! Baby is now half the length they

🌱 Baby's development this week

🤰 Your symptoms this week

💛 Changes in your body

🥗 Nutrition focus

✅ This week's checklist

Track your pregnancy week by week