Second trimester · 20 weeks pregnant
Week 20: halfway there
From now on your baby is measured head to heel.
You are at the midpoint. Your baby swallows regularly, produces meconium in the bowel and is starting to develop taste buds. The anatomy scan usually happens around now.
Size and weight
About the size of
a banana
Length
25–26 cm (head to heel)
Weight
300 g
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- The baby swallows more amniotic fluid, which is good practice for digestion.
- Meconium, the first dark stool, forms in the bowel.
- Taste buds develop and the baby may react to strong flavours in your diet.
- Measurements switch from crown-to-rump to head-to-heel, so the numbers jump.
How you may feel
- The top of the uterus at your belly button
- Movements becoming clearer and more frequent
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath on stairs
- Swelling in feet and hands
- An outie belly button
At the anatomy scan the sonographer checks the brain, face, spine, heart, kidneys, limbs, placenta and amniotic fluid. It is detailed, so it can take 30 to 45 minutes.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- Second screening ultrasound if it has not happened yet (16–20 weeks in Uzbekistan).
- A blood count and urine test are repeated in the second trimester; blood pressure and the baby's heartbeat are checked at every visit.
What to do this week
- Write down questions for the scan: placenta position, growth, anything you have worried about.
- Start a list of what you will need for the baby; you have time, but it helps to see the whole picture.
- Look into antenatal classes and hospital tours for the third trimester.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Regular, painful tightenings or period-like cramps
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, or pain when you pass urine
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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