Week 20
Your baby is the size of a banana
What's happening this week
You're halfway through your pregnancy — 20 weeks down, 20 to go. Your baby is the size of a banana, about 6.3 inches (16cm) from crown to rump, and weighs roughly 10 to 11 ounces. If measured from head to toe (instead of crown to rump), your baby is about 10 inches long. From this point on, measurements will often be given in head-to-toe length.
Your baby now has established sleep-wake cycles and may be most active at times when you're trying to rest — a preview of the newborn days to come. They respond to sounds by startling or moving, and loud noises may wake them from sleep. Your baby is regularly swallowing amniotic fluid, which helps develop the digestive system and provides small amounts of nutrition.
The skin is becoming less transparent as more layers develop, though it's still thin and wrinkled — your baby needs several more weeks of fat accumulation before it fills out. The vernix caseosa coating is well established, and beneath it, the skin is producing a protein called keratin (the same protein in your hair and nails) that will make it more resilient.
If the anatomy scan happens this week, you'll get an extraordinarily detailed look at your baby. The technician will examine the brain, heart (all four chambers and valves), spine, kidneys, stomach, bladder, limbs, and face. They'll measure the head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. They'll check the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid volume. And if your baby cooperates and is facing the right direction, you can find out the sex.
This scan is often when the pregnancy fully crystallizes for both parents — seeing your baby's face in profile, watching them stretch or yawn, counting ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. It's an appointment that many parents describe as the highlight of the entire pregnancy.
Your body this week
Welcome to the halfway point. You've made it through the uncertainty of the first trimester, navigated morning sickness, and arrived at the midpoint of your pregnancy. Take a moment to acknowledge that — you're doing something extraordinary.
The top of your uterus (the fundus) is now at about the level of your belly button. Your provider measures the fundal height at each visit — the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus in centimeters — and at 20 weeks, it should measure approximately 20 centimeters. This measurement roughly corresponds to your week of pregnancy.
You're likely feeling your baby move regularly now, especially in the evening or when you're lying down. If this is your first pregnancy and you haven't felt definitive movement yet, it's likely imminent. The movements will get progressively stronger and more frequent over the coming weeks.
Physically, you may be experiencing some of the signature second trimester symptoms: leg cramps (especially at night), mild swelling in the feet and ankles, occasional shortness of breath as your uterus presses upward, and increased vaginal discharge (thin, white, and mild-smelling is normal). Back pain may be an ongoing companion as your posture adjusts to your changing center of gravity.
This is a good time to think about registering for childbirth education classes if you haven't already. Many classes run during weeks 24-32 and fill up early. Topics typically include labor and delivery, pain management, newborn care, and breastfeeding — and they're valuable for both parents.
One more thing: you're now recommended to eat about 340 extra calories per day above your pre-pregnancy intake. Your baby's growth is accelerating, and your body needs fuel to support it.
For dads
Congratulations — you're at the halfway point. If you attend the anatomy scan this week, prepare yourself: it's detailed, it's long (about 45 minutes), and it can be emotional. You'll see your baby's face in profile, watch their heart beating in four distinct chambers, and count their fingers and toes. If you want to know the sex, tell the technician at the start — and make sure you and your partner are aligned on this before you walk in. If the scan reveals everything is developing normally — which it does in the vast majority of cases — this appointment will likely be one of the most joyful moments of the pregnancy. If the scan flags something that needs further evaluation, know that many findings turn out to be minor or resolve on their own. Your provider will guide you through any next steps.
The halfway point is a good time for a check-in with yourself. How are you feeling about becoming a dad? Are you excited? Nervous? Both? It's normal to feel a complicated mix of emotions, and it's worth processing them rather than pushing them aside. Talk to your partner, a friend who's been through it, or even a therapist. The cultural expectation that men should just 'handle it' doesn't serve anyone. Practically, this is also a good time to start your baby registry if you haven't already. Do the research together — car seats, strollers, cribs, and monitors all have safety ratings worth comparing. Don't let the sheer volume of baby products overwhelm you. Focus on the essentials first and add nice-to-haves later.
Common concerns
What if the anatomy scan finds something abnormal?+
First, take a breath. Many findings on the anatomy scan turn out to be minor — soft markers that resolve on their own, measurement variations that normalize over time, or positioning issues that require a follow-up scan. If your provider does identify a concern, they'll explain what it means, what further testing is recommended, and what the potential outcomes are. Remember that the scan is designed to detect issues early so they can be monitored or addressed — finding something doesn't automatically mean a serious problem. Your healthcare team will guide you through any next steps.
Is the halfway point really half the time left?+
Mathematically yes — 20 weeks down, approximately 20 to go. But experientially, many parents say the second half feels both faster and slower. The weeks between 20 and 30 often fly by as you settle into the pregnancy, while the final weeks (37-40) can feel like an eternity of waiting. Only about 5% of babies arrive on their exact due date, and the normal range for delivery is 37-42 weeks. So the true 'halfway' is approximate.
How often should I feel the baby move at 20 weeks?+
At 20 weeks, movement is still becoming established, and you shouldn't expect a consistent pattern yet. You might feel several kicks one day and nothing the next — both are normal. Formal kick counting (tracking 10 movements within 2 hours) doesn't start until the third trimester, typically around 28 weeks. For now, simply notice when you do feel movement and enjoy it. If you go more than a few days without feeling anything after previously feeling regular movement, mention it to your provider.
When should I sign up for childbirth classes?+
Now is a great time to research and register. Most childbirth education classes are designed to be taken during weeks 24-32, and popular classes (especially those at hospitals) fill up quickly. Options include in-person hospital classes, independent childbirth educators, and online courses. Look for classes that cover labor and delivery, pain management options, newborn care basics, and breastfeeding. Taking a class together with your partner gives you both a shared foundation and a chance to ask questions in a supportive environment.
Product picks for week 20
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Baby registry starter kit
Many retailers offer free starter kits when you create a registry — samples of diapers, wipes, bottles, and creams to try before you buy.
Pregnancy halfway celebration gift
You're at the halfway mark — a small self-care treat (bath salts, a candle, a good book) is a well-deserved reward for growing a person.
Car seat research guide
The car seat is the single most important baby purchase — a comparison guide helps you understand safety ratings and features before buying.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.