Everything you need to know about week 20 of pregnancy

20th week of pregnancy (20 weeks pregnant)

Congratulations – with the 20th week of pregnancy, you have reached the halfway point! Many expectant mothers now regularly feel their baby’s movements and experience the 20th week of pregnancy as a time full of energy, curiosity, and joyful anticipation for life with a child.

The 20th week of pregnancy is a milestone: your baby is growing vigorously, and you yourself are changing both physically and emotionally – and the next major ultrasound scan is coming up. In the 20th week of pregnancy, you not only get new impressions of your baby, but also receive important information about your child’s development and health.

An overview of the 20th week of pregnancy

Your baby at 20 weeks pregnant:

• At the 20th week of pregnancy, your baby is about 25 cm long (from head to toe) and weighs around 300 to 350 grams.
• The proportions continue to even out: the head no longer appears so large, and the arms and legs are growing strongly.
• The sensory organs are almost fully developed – the baby can perceive light, sounds, and even your touch.
• The skin is still thin, but is covered by the protective vernix caseosa and fine hair (lanugo).
• Movements become more purposeful and stronger: turning, kicking, grasping and even hiccupping are now possible.
  
  

Your body at 20 weeks pregnant:

• The uterus has now reached the height of your navel – your baby bump is clearly visible.
• Many pregnant women feel fit and full of energy during the second trimester, even though symptoms such as back pain, calf cramps or heartburn may occur.
• Your skin may change (pigmentation spots, linea nigra), and your body will retain more fluid.
• The next ultrasound examination – the so-called “major” ultrasound – is due: a special event for many expectant parents.
  
  

Development of the baby in the 20th week of pregnancy

In the 20th week of pregnancy, your baby goes through another growth spurt: it reaches a size of around 25 cm and its weight increases significantly. The development of the organs is well advanced, the heart beats strongly, and the brain forms new connections every day.

Your baby's sensory perception is impressive: it hears sounds, perceives touches through the abdominal wall, and can even react to bright light. The vernix caseosa continues to protect the delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.

Movements are also clearly noticeable in the 20th week of pregnancy: the baby is tumbling around, stretching, sucking its thumb or playing with the umbilical cord – sometimes even with hiccups. For many expectant mums, these movements are a real highlight!

Your body at 20 weeks pregnant

Halfway there! In the 20th week of pregnancy, your uterus is so large that it presses against your belly button – your bump is round and proudly visible. Weight gain and skin stretching are normal now, but make sure to care for your skin gently to help prevent stretch marks.

Typical symptoms such as back pain, heartburn, or calf cramps may accompany you, but most pregnant women generally feel particularly well at this stage. Make sure you continue to get enough rest and exercise regularly – going for walks or practising pregnancy yoga can help keep you fit and relaxed.

With the ultrasound examination, you gain fascinating new insights: you might see your baby yawn, wave, or play with their tiny hands – a magical moment!

The pram you've always wanted.

Tips for week 20 of pregnancy

• 💡 Enjoy the active phase: The 20th week of pregnancy is often characterised by a sense of well-being – enjoy this time, recharge your energy, and capture beautiful memories.
• 💡 Preparation for the second half of pregnancy: Start slowly planning for the time after the birth: initial essentials, the nursery and perhaps antenatal classes.
• 💡 Stay in touch with your doctor: The ultrasound examination is particularly important now – raise any questions you may have and find out about the further development.
  
  
  
  

The most frequently asked questions about the 20th week of pregnancy

What happens in week 20 of pregnancy?

At week 20 of pregnancy, half of the pregnancy is complete. The foetus measures about 25 cm (from crown to rump) and weighs as much as a block of butter.

Do I now feel my baby regularly?

Yes, many women now perceive their baby's movements as gentle kicking, turning or even somersaults – a wonderful glimpse into the active life in the womb.

What can be seen on an ultrasound in the 20th week of pregnancy?

During the basic ultrasound examination, your doctor can now clearly see eyelids, nose, toes, fingers and even the genitals – depending on the position of the baby.

How is my baby developing this month of pregnancy?

In the fifth month of pregnancy, important senses develop. Especially the sense of taste: the taste buds on the tongue begin to detect flavours in the amniotic fluid – a first sensory experience for the unborn child.

What changes for me as a mother?

Many women now feel more powerful. However, the body still needs regular breaks, for example by going for walks or doing pregnancy exercises, in order to prevent discomfort.

What do the fine hairs on a baby's skin mean?

The soft down (lanugo) covers your baby's body – from the labia to the forehead – and helps the vernix caseosa stay in place. Both protect the delicate skin in the amniotic fluid.

Is my baby's position already important at this stage?

The position of the baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy is still variable. There is enough space in the womb for it to move freely – so somersaults and turns are completely normal.

What should I know now as an expectant mother?

Now is a good time to start thinking about topics such as birth, nutrition, courses, or exchanging ideas with friends or family. A childbirth preparation course can also be useful as early as the 20th week.

The dream buggy you always wanted.

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