You might get your mid-trimester ultrasound at twenty weeks pregnant, another opportunity to see your growing baby. As your baby bump grows, you might find pains in the side of your stomach and some sharp pains in your calves. These are all normal and not a cause for concern.
But what else happens at twenty weeks pregnant? We are here to tell you what to expect at the halfway point in your pregnancy, including what an ultrasound will show, common symptoms, and how to maintain your health!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 20 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- At twenty weeks, your baby is about the size of a banana
- At your mid-trimester scan, your baby’s sex can be revealed if you wish
- At twenty weeks, you might feel tired, with swollen gums and stretch marks appearing
- At twenty weeks, your belly button might pop out
- At twenty weeks, genetic screening and a whopping cough vaccine may be offered to you
- At twenty weeks, you are considered halfway through your pregnancy
What Does It Mean To Be 20 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty weeks pregnant, you are halfway through your pregnancy! Your pregnant belly is continuing to grow, becoming more obvious. You might find that it is time for stretchy waistbands and maternity clothing. While your baby bump will likely look cute and rounded, your belly button might change. As your uterus pushes up and out, pressure can be applied to your abdomen, pushing your belly button out. This is not anything to be concerned about.
Sharp pains in your calves could take you up at night, with leg cramps being a common symptom. Rubbing your muscles hard and exercising more daily can help combat this.
Your nails and hair might grow more, seeming thicker and fuller than before. Pregnancy hormones can cause this, carrying more nutrients to your nail and hair cells. Your nails can also turn brittle and dry; look after them to minimise breakage.
Your baby’s growth is impressive at twenty weeks, looking more like a baby daily! An ultrasound scan can identify your baby’s gender at twenty weeks, but tell your sonographer if you want to be surprised!
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 20 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at twenty weeks pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, home tests can be harder to use. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG is one of the pregnancy hormones that increases in your body during the first trimester of pregnancy before reducing. As your levels lower, a false negative test is likely.
Your levels at twenty weeks will still be high, but having a doctor confirm pregnancy is better to avoid any false negatives. They can perform a blood test to measure hVG levels or perform an ultrasound. You will see your baby at the ultrasound and hear their heartbeat for the first time if you have not already had one. The ultrasound technician or doctor can also measure your baby to date the pregnancy and provide an estimated due date.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
You should have an ultrasound at twenty weeks pregnant if you have not had one in the last two weeks. Women should have their second-trimester ultrasound between eighteen and twenty-two weeks, so be sure to call your doctor if you have not had an ultrasound booked.
At the ultrasound, the technician will look at your baby’s development to ensure the pregnancy progresses correctly. They will also look for any complications that could pose an issue for delivery or your baby’s life. Should anything be spotted, your sonographer will likely ask for a second opinion before your doctor chats through your options with you.
The ultrasound can also reveal your baby’s sex. This depends on your baby’s positioning and if they are moving a lot in the ultrasound. Fetal movements are common during the ultrasound, so don’t be surprised if you see them wriggling on the screen for a while!
Tell your sonographer before the ultrasound if you want to know the sex of your baby or not.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Aside from your ultrasound, you will be offered several tests during your second trimester that could be performed at twenty weeks. These include:
- A glucose screening for gestational diabetes
- An amniocentesis to test the amniotic fluid for chromosomal disorders
- A multiple marker test for neural tube defects
- A Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling to check the umbilical cord for disorders in the foetus
You might also be offered tests to check for hereditary conditions like thyroid diseases and Tay Schs syndrome. These tests are not compulsory; it is your choice whether you want genetic screening tests. You might be offered these based on your medical history and previous complications, or you might not. Your doctor can provide you with more guidance and advice on your situation.
You might also be offered a whooping cough vaccination between twenty and thirty-two weeks pregnant. This free vaccination will protect your baby from whooping cough, which can be very dangerous. You will also be offered a COVID-19 vaccination.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at twenty weeks pregnant. An ultrasound will pick up your baby’s heartbeat, allowing you to hear it during your second-trimester ultrasound. The heartbeat can also be detected on a Doppler machine. A midwife usually uses this between ultrasound appointments to monitor your baby’s heartbeat.
A Doppler machine looks like a small speaker placed on the stomach to hear your baby’s heartbeat. You can also purchase Doppler machines at home, but they can be tricky to master, especially if your baby moves a lot. Don’t panic if you use a Doppler machine and can’t hear the heartbeat; finding the right position takes time!
At twenty weeks, your baby’s heart will beat at an average of 140 beats per minute. This will sound fast, but it is normal!
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty weeks pregnant, common symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, stretch marks, and feeling tired or struggling to sleep.
Stretch marks look like purple or red marks and can appear on your belly, breasts, legs, and back. These marks occur when your skin stretches due to your growing baby bump and any weight gain during pregnancy. The marks will fade to silver over time, with many creams on the market claiming to reduce the appearance of the scars.
Your pregnancy symptoms can change daily and vary in severity, ranging from woman to woman!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG level will lower at twenty weeks pregnant, averaging between 5,637 and 49,392 mIU/ml.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty weeks pregnant. You might experience cramps or sharp pains on the side of your belly, known as round ligament pains. Your expanding womb causes these pains and can be relieved with rest.
Leg cramps can also happen at twenty weeks pregnant and can be relieved by massaging your muscles.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens in the first trimester of pregnancy, but some women experience it at twenty weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel tender at twenty weeks pregnant. They might also feel sore, ache, or full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point in your pregnancy, including week twenty.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty weeks pregnant, but it should be less than earlier. Your uterus has expanded and moved up your body, relieving pressure on your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at twenty weeks pregnant. Many women struggle to sleep at this stage, usually down to feeling uncomfortable. Adding pillows to sore areas, sleeping with a pillow between your knees, and meditation or stretching before bed can help you sleep.
Will I Feel Bloated At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at twenty weeks pregnant. Avoiding eating late at night and eating smaller meals throughout the day can help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are a common pregnancy symptom at twenty weeks pregnant. They range in severity, with women who suffered from headaches before pregnancy noticing more headaches than other women.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, but it can happen throughout for some pregnant women.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell usually happens in your first trimester, but you can experience it at twenty weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath does not typically happen until later in your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing shortness of breath.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal at twenty weeks pregnant, but it is usually not caused by pregnancy. A stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy could be the cause.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge happens throughout pregnancy, including twenty weeks. Your discharge should be milky and white with a light or no odour. Speak to your doctor if you notice anything different about your discharge.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at twenty weeks pregnant. As your uterus grows, ligaments in your back can ache due to the extra weight.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings typically happen during the first trimester of pregnancy but can occur at twenty weeks pregnant. Fluctuating levels of pregnancy hormones can cause mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at twenty weeks pregnant. Spotting can happen at any point in pregnancy and is usually harmless. Keep an eye on the spotting and speak to your doctor if it lasts more than twenty-four hours, becomes heavier, or you experience other symptoms, like cramping.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Other common symptoms at twenty weeks pregnant are:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Nosebleeds
- Raised basal temperature
How Big Is A Baby At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a banana. Your baby will measure around 25.6cm from head to heel.
Your baby is covered in a greasy, white layer of vernix, protecting your baby’s skin from drying out in the amniotic fluid. This slipper layer also helps the baby travel down the birth canal and birth.
Your baby is getting more active, too! They could be sucking their thumb, developing their sucking reflex, kicking, turning around, and punching!
Can You Feel The Baby At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel the baby at twenty weeks pregnant. Most women feel their baby’s first movement between eighteen and twenty-two weeks pregnant. These movements will feel like flutterings or bubbling in your pregnant belly.
These movements will feel subtle; it will be a few weeks before you can feel each kick and punch! As these movements are subtle, don’t panic if you can’t feel any baby movements yet; it can take another week or two to feel the movements.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms of miscarriage at twenty weeks include bleeding, abdominal cramps, and a low back ache. You will also notice that any pregnancy symptoms you are experiencing will stop, and your baby’s movements will stop, too.
Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Miscarriage at twenty weeks is known as a late miscarriage, and you must deliver the baby. You can allow this to happen naturally or be medically induced. Your doctor can explain these options and offer you long-term support afterwards.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a miscarriage at twenty weeks is less than 1%. Research by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the risk of miscarriage falls from week fourteen to twenty to lower than 1%.
This is based on an average pregnancy and does not consider age, medical history, weight, or complications that can increase the chance of a miscarriage.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions can be taken to maintain your health at twenty weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy, including week twenty. Look for pregnancy vitamins that contain iron and vitamin D, along with other vitamins, to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
These vitamins will help your pregnancy and your baby develop. Your doctor can offer guidance now on what vitamins you should take during pregnancy.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
You should also enjoy a healthy and balanced diet to provide your body with the necessary vitamins and nutrients. A diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats should be consumed throughout pregnancy.
This varied diet can provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs. Your doctor can help you create a diet to follow if you are unsure.
Stay Hydrated
You should also stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout pregnancy. Drinking water during pregnancy helps with digestion, forms the amniotic fluid around your baby, and circulates nutrients around the body, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They recommend drinking eight to twelve glasses of water daily throughout pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy can double your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking during pregnancy increases your baby’s risk for birth defects like a cleft palate and can stunt their development.
Speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty weeks pregnant, you should avoid all alcoholic drinks. The National Childbirth Trust recommends not drinking alcohol, as it can increase your baby’s risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (DASD), which can cause learning difficulties, physical disability, emotional and psychiatric problems, and behavioural problems.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake when pregnant. According to the Royal College of Midwives, drinking too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase your risk of stillbirth and lower birth weight. They recommend no more than 200mg of caffeine a day.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
Avoid taking high doses of vitamins A, C, and E during pregnancy, as these can harm your baby. You should also avoid any supplements your doctor has not approved of or labelled unsuitable for pregnant women on their label.
Can I Exercise While 20 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty weeks pregnant, but you should take care. You can continue your usual exercise as long as it feels comfortable, with some exceptions. You should avoid any contact sports, sports where you could fall, involve excessive bouncing, or are at 2,500m above sea level.
Gentle exercises like swimming, walking, and yoga are fantastic throughout pregnancy, allowing you to stay active without putting too much pressure on your joints and ligaments.
Is It Safe To Travel When 20 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to travel at twenty weeks pregnant. Before travelling, check with your doctor if you are safe to fly, especially if you have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. Any complications you might have in your pregnancy can also cause issues when travelling, so chat about these, too.
Check if you need any vaccinations before travelling to a new country or if any advisories are in place for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 20 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep or feel tired at twenty weeks pregnant. Many women find adding pillows to sore areas, a pillow between their knees, and incorporating meditation or stretching into their nighttime routine helps them fall asleep.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 20 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep on your left side at twenty weeks pregnant. This is considered a safe sleeping position for you and your baby.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 20 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at twenty weeks pregnant is to use the first day of your last menstrual period. This is known as the LMP method and is commonly used to calculate due dates. Take the first day of your period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to see your estimated due date.
You can also use due date calculators online; they often use your last period date. At this stage in your pregnancy, you will have been provided a due date by your doctor, too. This is usually done at the first ultrasound, the dating scan. The baby is measured here, and its development is used to determine how far into the pregnancy you are. From this, an estimated due date can be provided.
These estimated due dates are just estimates and should not be taken as a guaranteed delivery date. It is common for pregnancies to go over the due date; do not panic if yours passes and the baby does not arrive yet!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 20 Weeks Pregnant?
You can expect your belly to grow again at twenty weeks pregnant! Not only will it grow, but your belly button might pop out as your uterus puts pressure on your abdomen. This is normal, but some women might need to remove any naval piercings they have.
Your uterus is now taking up more room, giving your other organs less space. This can be uncomfortable, but lying on your side with a pillow between your legs can relieve discomfort.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body has increased blood flow at twenty weeks pregnant, with more blood pumping to provide enough for you and your baby. You might notice some dizziness and the increased blood flow is slower than normal.
As your uterus grows, your body makes room by pushing your belly out, creating your pregnant belly. Your other organs, like the heart and lungs, will have less space as your uterus expands.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are our tips on preparing for the rest of your upcoming pregnancy.
Book A Prenatal Visit
Book a prenatal visit to your doctor if you have not already. You should have regular checkups with your doctor or midwife throughout your pregnancy to ensure all tests are being performed and that your baby is developing normally. These checkups also check on you and your mental health; treat these as an opportunity to speak openly and access any support you might need.
You should also book a prenatal visit with your doctor if you are trying to conceive. They can offer you support and guidance and run any necessary tests if there are concerns about your fertility.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You should make lifestyle changes when you discover you are pregnant, including stopping drinking, taking illegal drugs, and smoking. Not only do these impact your and your baby’s health. You should also make these lifestyle changes to improve your overall health if you plan to conceive.
Research from the CDC found that smoking can also make conception difficult and even cause fertility issues in some women. Your doctor can provide support and guidance to help you make these lifestyle changes.
Enjoy A Healthy Diet
Try to follow a healthy and balanced diet to prepare for your pregnancy. A balanced and varied diet will give your body the nutrients it needs, helping achieve a healthy pregnancy. A diet of lean protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables should be followed.
You can ask your doctor for help creating a diet plan if needed.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
You don’t need to do this, but attending pregnancy and birthing classes can be beneficial, especially if this is your first pregnancy. They will provide you with information and a space to ask questions, and you can meet other expecting mothers in your area here.
These connections could become friendships offering support and guidance through your pregnancy. Pregnancy can be lonely, so why not find women with the same experience as you to support you through it?
Start Planning Your Baby Shower
While a baby shower is not essential, if you want to have one, you need to start planning it soon. You can ask someone else to plan the shower too if you don’t want the stress of organising it yourself. Your family or friends can plan the shower with as much input from you as you would like.
The sooner you book a date and venue, the better to avoid disappointment. Plus, you must allow time for the invitations to be sent out.
Think About Delivery
It can seem a while away, especially as you have just hit the halfway point, but your delivery will be here before you know it! Spend some time considering your delivery and what you might like to do. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want a hospital birth?
- Do you want a water birth?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief do you want?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want people in the delivery room with you?
You might not know the answers to these questions yet, which is okay! Consider them, and talk them through with your partner or midwife to see your options and what you might consider. What is available to you during delivery will vary depending on your medical history and any complications you are experiencing; your midwife can walk you through these.
Your birth plan might change as you enter your third trimester; that is normal! It’s also worth speaking to other new mothers to see what they did and if they have any suggestions for you.
Final Thoughts
You are halfway through your pregnancy! Week twenty is exciting for many women, especially if you get to see your baby and find out the sex. Their movements might be felt, too, giving your belly flutterings. While tiredness and trouble sleeping can be common, there are ways to combat this as you start to look forward to your baby’s arrival.
Don’t forget to return next week for your next instalment of our week-by-week guide to pregnancy!