You have just hit the half mark of your pregnancy and even the size of your belly tells it all. By this time, you should have already known the gender of the baby. This revelation should completely set up your mind. May be you already have a choice of names and only waiting for the appropriate time to let them out of your mouth. Well, being on the halfway mark of your journey, it is actually the right time for you to begin putting final touches on your baby registry.
Congratulation! As you are in twentieth week of pregnancy, you are half way done with your whole pregnancy journey. Well, besides the excitement that comes with this stage of pregnancy, there are various changes both you and the baby are experiencing.
20 Weeks Pregnant Physical Changes and Symptoms
Reaching the 20th week of pregnancy marks a significant milestone—you’re now halfway through your journey to meeting your baby. As your body continues to adjust to the growing life inside you, this stage brings noticeable physical changes, new symptoms, and increased emotional awareness. The baby is growing rapidly, and so are the demands on your body.
Let’s look at what’s going on physically and how these changes may affect you this week.
Breathing May Feel More Difficult, Especially for Shorter Women
As your baby continues to grow and your uterus expands upward, it begins to place pressure on the diaphragm and surrounding organs. This shift may lead to mild shortness of breath, especially for shorter women whose torso space is more limited. You may notice this when walking up stairs, talking while walking, or lying flat on your back.
This symptom is normal and usually not dangerous, but it’s important to take breaks, change positions, and practice good posture to allow your lungs the space they need to function. If breathing becomes persistently difficult or is accompanied by chest pain or dizziness, consult your doctor.
The Uterus Reaches Your Belly Button
At 20 weeks, your uterus has grown enough that its upper edge (called the fundus) is now in line with your belly button. This is a key marker during pregnancy exams, and your healthcare provider may measure the fundal height to ensure the baby’s growth is on track. You may also begin to feel your baby’s movements more distinctly, like fluttering or small kicks.
As your uterus expands, your abdominal skin stretches, which can cause mild discomfort or itching. Moisturizing your belly can help reduce itchiness and skin tightness.
Weight Gain of Around Fifteen Pounds
By this point in pregnancy, most women gain about 10 to 15 pounds in total weight. This is completely normal and expected. The weight gain reflects the growth of your baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, breast tissue, increased blood volume, and fat stores.
Your doctor will continue to monitor your weight to ensure it’s within a healthy range. If you’re carrying twins, the expected weight gain may be higher. Try to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods and staying active with gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga.
Noticeable Expansion of the Waistline
It’s no secret—your waistline is growing. Many women now fully transition into maternity clothing around the 20-week mark. You might feel your clothes tightening around the hips and abdomen, and your belly becomes more pronounced, making your pregnancy more visible to others.
This expansion is a sign that your baby is growing just as they should. Embrace the changes in your body and consider investing in comfortable, supportive clothing that adapts with you.
Common Symptoms: Heartburn and Itching
Due to the relaxation of the digestive tract muscles from pregnancy hormones, you may experience heartburn or acid reflux after eating. This happens when stomach acid escapes into the esophagus, especially after large meals or when lying down. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or fatty foods can help manage this symptom.
Itching, especially around the belly and breasts, is common as the skin stretches. Moisturizers or natural oils like coconut or almond oil may help soothe the skin. However, if itching becomes intense, particularly on the palms or soles of your feet, inform your healthcare provider—it could be a sign of a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).
Energy Levels May Fluctuate
At 20 weeks, some women feel an increase in energy and mood, while others start to feel more exhausted again. You’ve been carrying your baby for nearly five months, and your body is working hard behind the scenes. Listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to rest when needed.
Fatigue may return more noticeably later in the day. Take naps if you can, and maintain a balanced diet with iron-rich foods to prevent anemia, which can also contribute to tiredness.
Emotional Milestone: Naming Your Baby
You’re halfway through pregnancy, and many parents find this a perfect time to start thinking about baby names. By this stage, if you’ve had an anatomy scan, you may already know your baby’s gender—or you might be choosing to wait until birth for a surprise.
Picking a name can be an emotional, joyful part of your pregnancy. It gives you a stronger sense of connection to your baby and brings a more personal and imaginative feel to your growing family. Whether you’re choosing a family name, something unique, or even brainstorming a list together with your partner, this can be a fun and uplifting part of week 20.
20th Week of Pregnancy Ultrasound
- The baby weighs about 10 ounces and is slightly above 6 ½ inches in length
- The developmental process of the baby has currently stalled, but will increase again as from this week onward
- You may feel the baby moving the womb more regularly
- The baby’s lungs are yet to fully develop, but still, it can breathe
- A dark, greenish, sticky substance referred to as meconium is released
- The meconium is produced from various cells including the amniotic fluid
- Fine hair covers the baby’s body
20th Week Pregnancy Tips
“Considering that your baby’s sense of hearing is fully developed by this week, it is therefore recommended that you avoid noisy environments at all costs. This is essential in the sense that the baby needs ample time to sleep as it supposed for 20 hours on average daily. Incorporate plenty of iron into diet, as the baby uses much of the iron. Dark fruits and vegetables, eggs, chicken, spinach, and other leafy vegetables are all good sources of iron.”
Bottom Line
20 weeks pregnant in months is definitely 4 and reaching this mark is a milestone. The most important point to note is for both of you to remain healthy and strong in order to cover the remaining period. By the time you realize that you have actually come from far, then you will know how important it is to be close to your healthcare provider. Make sure to follow all the recommendations provided by your doctor to avoid complications.
