20th week of pregnancy: Halfway through

20th Week of Pregnancy (Week 20)

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 as a time full of energy, curiosity, and eager anticipation of life with a child.

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

The 20th Week of Pregnancy at a Glance

Your Baby in Week 20:

By the 20th week, your child is about 25 cm long (from head to toe) and weighs around 300 to 350 grams.
The proportions are becoming more balanced: 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 are more purposeful and stronger: turning, kicking, grasping and even hiccuping are now possible.

Your Body in Week 20:

The uterus has now reached the level of your navel – your baby bump is clearly visible.
Many expectant mothers feel fit and full of energy in the second trimester, although symptoms such as back pain, leg cramps, or heartburn may occur.
Your skin may change (pigmentation, linea nigra), and your body retains more fluid.
The next ultrasound examination – the so-called “anomaly scan” – is due: a special event for many parents-to-be.

Baby’s Development in Week 20

During the 20th week of pregnancy, your baby goes through another growth spurt: the length reaches about 25 cm, and the 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 can hear sounds, feel touches through the abdominal wall, and even react to bright light. The vernix caseosa continues to protect the delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.

Movements are also clearly noticeable in week 20: the baby turns, stretches, sucks its thumb, or plays with the umbilical cord – sometimes even with hiccups. For many mums-to-be, these movements are a real highlight!

Your Body in the 20th Week of Pregnancy

Halfway there! In week 20, your uterus is so large that it presses on your navel – your tummy is round and proudly visible. Weight gain and stretching of the skin are now normal, but remember to take gentle care to help prevent stretch marks.

Typical symptoms such as back pain, heartburn, or leg cramps may accompany you, but most expectant mothers now feel particularly well. Make sure you continue to get plenty of rest and keep moving – walking or pregnancy yoga can help you stay fit and relaxed.

The ultrasound scan will give you exciting new insights: you might see your baby yawn, wave, or play with their tiny hands – a magical moment!

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Tips for Week 20 of Pregnancy

💡 Enjoy the active phase: Week 20 of pregnancy is often characterised by a sense of wellbeing – enjoy this time, recharge your energy, and capture beautiful memories.
💡 Preparing for the second half of pregnancy: Start slowly planning for the time after the birth: baby essentials, nursery, and perhaps a birth preparation class.
💡 Stay in contact with your doctor: The ultrasound scan is especially important now – ask any questions you have and find out about the next stages of development.

The most common questions about week 20 of pregnancy

What happens in week 20 of pregnancy?

By week 20 of pregnancy, you’ve reached the halfway point. The foetus measures about 25 cm (from crown to rump) and weighs about as much as a block of butter.

Will I now feel my baby regularly?

Yes, many women now notice movements as gentle kicks, turns, or even somersaults – a wonderful glimpse into the active life inside the womb.

What can you see on the ultrasound in the 20th week of pregnancy?

At the basic ultrasound scan, your doctor can now clearly see eyelids, nose, toes, fingers, and even the genitals – depending on the baby’s position.

How is my baby developing this month?

In the 5th month of pregnancy, important senses mature. 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 will I notice as a mother?

Many women feel more energetic now. However, your body still needs regular breaks, for example during walks or pregnancy exercise classes, to help prevent discomfort.

What do the fine hairs on the baby’s skin mean?

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

Is my baby’s position important at this stage?

The position of the baby in week 20 is still variable. There is plenty of space in the womb for free movement – so somersaults and turns are perfectly normal.

What should I know as an expectant mother now?

This is a good time to start thinking about topics like birth, nutrition, classes, or exchanging experiences with friends or family. A birth preparation course can also be useful from the 20th week onwards.