20 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development

As you reach the 20-week mark of your pregnancy, your belly is now transforming into a noticeable bump. 

Alongside this physical change, your appetite is returning full force, and you may have started experiencing the incredible sensation of your baby moving inside you. 

This week is a crucial period of rapid development for your little one, resulting in various bodily changes. At 20 weeks pregnant, you are midway through your journey. 

Let’s delve into your baby’s progress and explore what you can anticipate during this significant week.

20 Week Pregnant – Baby Development

Here are the key points about your baby’s development at 20 weeks pregnant:

• At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately the size of a banana. They weigh around 10.2 ounces and measure about 6.5 inches from crown to rump.
• Your baby’s facial features, including the nose, are taking shape.
• Your baby’s sucking reflex is developing, and they may start sucking their thumb soon. Rapid brain growth continues, particularly in the areas responsible for the senses.
• Your baby is establishing a sleep-wake cycle and becoming responsive to sounds in the environment. Loud noises may startle them.
• The baby’s skin is thickening, and layers of skin are forming. A protective waxy coating called vernix keeps the skin safe from the amniotic fluid.
• You might feel rhythmic jerking movements as your baby experiences hiccups in the womb. These hiccups are harmless and a normal part of development.
• Around this time, your baby’s digestive system begins producing meconium, a greenish-black, sticky substance. This substance will accumulate in their bowels and is typically passed after birth in the first few diapers.

Related Blog: 19 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and Baby Development

20 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

Typically, pregnancy is tracked by weeks rather than months, but at 20 weeks pregnant, you are considered to be five months along. This milestone marks the halfway point of your 40-week pregnancy journey, signifying an exciting step closer to welcoming your little one into the world.

Around 20 weeks, pregnant women feel fetal kicks. Many women start fetal movement counting around this time. It is a practice where expectant mothers keep track of their baby’s movements to monitor their well-being.

20 Weeks Pregnant Bump

At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby bump becomes more prominent, a tangible symbol of your incredible journey. As your baby grows, your belly expands, prompting you to embrace maternity wear and proudly display your growing belly. 

Meanwhile, during your 20-week check-up, your doctor measures the fundal height, assessing the distance from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus. Typically, at this stage, the top of the uterus reaches your navel, resulting in a fundal height of 7 to 8.5 inches (18 to 22 centimetres). This measurement provides vital insights into your baby’s growth and development.

20 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

• Congestion and Nosebleeds

Hormonal changes can lead to nasal swelling and dryness. Use a humidifier and stay hydrated.

• Constipation

Hormonal activity and a baby’s pressure on the intestines can cause constipation. Stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods.

• Forgetfulness

Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness are common. Use reminders and take breaks during tasks.

• Lower Back Pain

Growing a belly can strain your back. Wear supportive shoes, do gentle exercises, and consider a belly support band.

• Swollen Feet

Weight gain and hormone relaxin contribute. Consider going up a shoe size and elevating your feet.

• Weight Gain

The top of the uterus gets to the belly button; expect weekly weight gain. Discuss with your doctor.

• Itchy Skin

Skin stretches, causing itchiness. Apply moisturizer and cold packs, and avoid scratching.

• Restlessness

Shift positions to find comfort while sleeping. Lie on your left side with a pillow between your legs.

• Vaginal Discharge

Hormonal changes lead to increased discharge. Inform your doctor if it’s unusual or has a foul smell.

Related Blog: 18 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and Baby Development

20 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow

• Schedule a tour of the hospital’s maternity wing and explore childbirth classes.
• Utilize your energy to accomplish tasks before the third trimester.
• Familiarize yourself with Braxton Hicks contractions and their differences from true labour.
• Distinguish between tummy bubbles and baby kicks; ask your practitioner for guidance.
• Begin your baby registry to track essential items and take advantage of perks.
• Stretch safely to avoid muscle strain and injury during pregnancy.
• Continue enjoying nuts for their beneficial nutrients in moderation.
• Discuss iron supplementation and incorporate iron-rich foods to prevent anaemia.
• Opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare products.

Takeaway at Twenty Weeks Pregnant

At twenty weeks pregnant, you’ve reached an important milestone in your pregnancy journey. Your baby’s development is progressing rapidly, and you may be feeling their movements. Your baby bump is becoming more noticeable, reminding you of the amazing journey you’re on. While experiencing symptoms like constipation, back pain, and restlessness, there are steps you can take to alleviate discomfort. 

Prioritize your health by staying active, planning for the future, and making informed decisions about your birth plan. If you haven’t scheduled your ultrasound yet, consider visiting Queen’s Gynecology in Delhi, where award-winning OB-GYNs can provide expert care throughout your pregnancy and help you deal with the symptoms. 

Summary               

At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby bump becomes more noticeable, and you may feel the incredible sensation of your baby moving. Your baby is rapidly developing facial features, reflexes, and a sleep-wake cycle. Meanwhile, common symptoms like congestion, constipation, and back pain may occur. Tips include scheduling a hospital tour, utilizing your energy wisely, and distinguishing between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour. Don’t forget to consult with a gynaecologist for expert care throughout your pregnancy. 

Week	Pregnancy Symptoms	Tips and Advice	Baby Development
Week 1	– Missed period	– Take a home pregnancy test	– Fertilization occurs
Week 2	– Tender breasts	– Begin taking prenatal vitamins	– Blastocyst implants in the uterus
Week 3	– Fatigue	– Schedule your first prenatal visit	– Embryonic development begins
Week 4	– Morning sickness starts	– Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine	– Neural tube forms
Week 5	– Increased urination	– Eat a balanced diet	– Heart starts beating
Week 6	– Mood swings	– Stay hydrated	– Brain and head development
Week 7	– Constipation	– Start gentle exercise	– Limb buds form
Week 8	– Food cravings	– Get plenty of rest	– Webbed fingers and toes develop
Week 9	– Weight gain begins	– Avoid raw or undercooked foods	– Tail disappears, now considered a fetus
Week 10	– Visible baby bump	– Wear comfortable clothing	– Organs continue to develop
Week 11	– Darkened areolas	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Baby can swallow and produce urine
Week 12	– Reduced nausea	– Consider prenatal classes	– Sex organs distinguishable
Week 13	– Increased energy	– Continue regular check-ups	– Baby’s fingerprints form
Week 14	– Less frequent urination	– Plan for maternity leave	– Baby’s facial muscles develop
Week 15	– Quickening (baby moves)	– Do pelvic floor exercises	– Baby can make facial expressions
Week 16	– Round ligament pain	– Stay active with low-impact exercises	– Develops sense of hearing
Week 17	– Nasal congestion	– Consider a prenatal massage	– Baby’s skeleton starts hardening
Week 18	– Belly button changes	– Stay well-hydrated	– Vernix caseosa covers the skin
Week 19	– Braxton Hicks contractions	– Eat small, frequent meals	– Baby’s kicks become stronger
Week 20	– Leg cramps	– Begin monitoring baby’s movements	– Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair)
Week 21	– Shortness of breath	– Sleep on your side	– Eyebrows and eyelashes appear
Week 22	– Linea nigra (skin darkens)	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Rapid brain development
Week 23	– Backache	– Consider prenatal yoga or swimming	– Baby can recognize your voice
Week 24	– Swollen ankles	– Elevate feet when sitting or lying	– Lungs continue to mature
Week 25	– Increased appetite	– Continue regular prenatal check-ups	– Baby may respond to loud noises
Week 26	– Heartburn	– Sleep with extra pillows for support	– Eyes open for the first time
Week 27	– Braxton Hicks intensify	– Pack your hospital bag	– Baby can hiccup
Week 28	– Trouble sleeping	– Monitor blood pressure	– Baby’s kicks become more regular
Week 29	– Shortness of breath	– Avoid lifting heavy objects	– Baby’s bones fully developed
Week 30	– Swollen hands	– Stay hydrated and avoid salt	– Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth
Week 31	– Increased vaginal discharge	– Take childbirth classes	– Baby’s immune system develops
Week 32	– Hemorrhoids	– Practice perineal massage	– Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow
Week 33	– Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep	– Rest and nap when possible	– Baby’s bones start to harden further
Week 34	– Frequent urination	– Prepare for maternity leave	– Baby’s central nervous system matures
Week 35	– Braxton Hicks increase	– Avoid prolonged standing or sitting	– Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled
Week 36	– Pelvic pressure	– Finalize birth plan	– Baby continues to gain weight
Week 37	– Lightening (baby drops)	– Stay active with walking	– Baby’s head positions for birth
Week 38	– Fatigue increases	– Do pelvic exercises	– Baby’s lungs are fully mature
Week 39	– Cervix effacement	– Rest and conserve energy	– Baby’s immune system continues to develop
Week 40	– Contractions begin	– Monitor contractions	– Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk
Week 41	– Dilation of cervix	– Stay calm and patient during labor	– Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal

 

Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.