Week 20 of Pregnancy

Congratulations—you’ve reached the halfway point of your pregnancy! At this stage, your baby measures about 24 cm and weighs around 300 grams, moving frequently throughout the day. This is also when many expectant mothers undergo the 20-week ultrasound, an important scan to check the baby’s growth and detect any visible abnormalities. If the baby cooperates, you may even find out the gender during this appointment.

What’s happening with your baby at 20 weeks

Your little one is becoming quite the “athlete,” making around 200 movements per day. Each day, as much as 25 liters of blood flow through the umbilical cord, carrying oxygen and vital nutrients while removing waste. Weight gain is steady, about 50–100 grams per week.

The digestive system is also practicing: your baby swallows more amniotic fluid, preparing for feeding after birth. This process leads to the formation of meconium—the baby’s first stool, black and sticky in texture.

Since there is still plenty of space in the womb, you may feel movements all over your belly. If your placenta is anterior, however, these sensations may take a little longer to notice clearly.

What’s happening to your body

By this time, many women feel more comfortable compared to earlier weeks. It’s a good opportunity to start exploring relaxation and breathing techniques in preparation for labor.

Common changes around week 20 include:

• Leg cramps, especially at night. Gentle stretching or magnesium supplements before bedtime may help reduce discomfort.

• Blood pressure fluctuations, either higher or lower than usual. Your healthcare provider will monitor this closely at upcoming visits.

Suggestions for week 20

20-week ultrasound

This scan allows doctors to evaluate your baby’s growth, check amniotic fluid levels, and detect early structural abnormalities. If you want to know your baby’s gender, discuss the decision with your partner in advance.

Prenatal classes

Consider joining a prenatal course, which typically covers three areas: understanding your body and baby, learning about the labor process, and practicing relaxation and breathing techniques. Preparing your body is important, but mental and emotional readiness are equally essential. Techniques such as meditation or prenatal yoga can help you approach birth with calmness and confidence.

Reference

This article includes information adapted from the Dutch pregnancy care platform Zwangerportaal.