Congratulations, mums! At 20 weeks pregnant, you’re always halfway through your journey!
Reaching week 20 is a major milestone. Celebrations are in order.
At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly and becoming more active, while your body continues to adapt in remarkable ways.
Here’s what you can expect during this exciting time.
Your Baby at 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
Now that you’re 20 weeks pregnant, your baby is roughly the size of a banana, measuring about 14–16 centimetres and weighing approximately 260 grams.
They are becoming more human-like with every passing day, and their development is truly fascinating.
Here’s what’s happening with your baby at 20 weeks:
- Sensory growth: Specific areas of your baby’s brain are developing to process the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. This lays the groundwork for the sensory experiences they will begin to explore after birth.
- Layered skin: Your baby’s skin is now forming its layers, becoming more structured and ready to adapt to life outside the womb.
- Heartbeat and movement: Your baby’s heartbeat can often be heard with a stethoscope, producing a powerful whooshing sound akin to a tiny racehorse. Movements are becoming more frequent, and you may notice stronger kicks or twists, often happening more at night.
- Hair and nails: Hair continues to grow on their head, and their nails are developing further. An ultrasound might even capture your baby swallowing amniotic fluid—an action that helps prepare their digestive system.
Your baby’s increasing activity and rapid growth during week 20 offer a beautiful reminder of how far you’ve come in your pregnancy journey.
Your Body at 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
By now, you might notice significant physical changes and occasional discomforts as your body stretches and adjusts.
At 20 weeks pregnant, your body is adapting impressively to nurture your growing baby.
Here’s what’s going on with your body at 20 weeks pregnant:
- Diastasis recti: As your baby grows, the rectus muscles in your abdomen may separate slightly in the midline, a condition known as diastasis recti. You may observe a small bulge in your tummy when lying down and lifting your head. Post-pregnancy, this gap will usually close, but it might still be slightly noticeable.
- Round ligament pain: This is common between weeks 16 and 20. You may feel a dull ache or sharp, shooting pain in your lower abdomen or groin as the ligaments stretch to support your growing uterus.
- Heightened sense of smell: For some women, an overly sensitive sense of smell from earlier weeks may start to subside, though for others, it might persist until delivery.
Be gentle with your abdominal muscles and avoid straining to prevent further discomfort or injury.
Stay active with light, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga to maintain your overall strength and flexibility.
Innocent Indulgences
Pregnancy cravings are inevitable at this point.
It’s okay to indulge once in a while. But that doesn’t mean you can’t put a healthy spin on those decadent snacks.
If you are expert at cooking (or if you have a family member who is), swap out unhealthy ingredients for good ones.
For instance, using artificial sweeteners such as stevia or sucralose, instead of sugar (avoid aspartame)
If you can take absolutely no substitutions, consider eating in moderation. Practice mindful eating too where you can be conscious of just how much you are consuming.
Avoid eating while watching TV or scrolling on your phone. This way you can be more aware of your satiety cues.
Be careful about emotional eating too.
Plenty of pregnant women turn to junk food and unhealthy treats to deal with the stress they experience as a result of their changing bodies.
Confide in your spouse and always have a strong support system around you.
Sexy Time During Pregnancy
At 20 weeks pregnant, you may still have a strong libido. But with a growing belly on the way, you may come across some hurdles during lovemaking.
Navigating intimacy with your partner may require some creativity.
While lying on your back is no longer an option, there are other more comfortable positions you can try.
Communicate openly with your spouse about your comfort levels and explore what works for both of you.
That said, you will find many husbands who are afraid of having sex with their pregnant wives at risk of harming the baby.
If your husband shares this sentiment, reassure him that the baby is well-protected.
Your uterine walls are extra supported now and the mucous plug over your cervix ensures that the baby is well protected.
Staying mindful of these considerations can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience as you progress through your pregnancy.
You’re Halfway There
Reaching week 20 is an incredible milestone in your pregnancy journey.
With your baby growing more active and your body adapting to the changes, this is a time to celebrate.
Look forward to the weeks ahead and cherish this moment.
It’s a testament to the beautiful connection forming between you and your little one.
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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