20 Weeks Pregnant: All You Need to Know

At 20 weeks pregnant, you are halfway through your pregnancy and in the middle of your second trimester. Most of your baby's body parts have formed, and your baby is now growing quickly in size and weight.

Many people have their mid-pregnancy anomaly scan around this week. If you want to know, the scan can often show your baby's sex.

Your placenta and your own body produce large amounts of pregnancy hormones. Progesterone, estrogen, prolactin and hCG are present throughout pregnancy, but their levels change as it goes on.

20 Weeks Pregnant Is At How Many Months?

When you are 20 weeks pregnant, you are in month 5 of your pregnancy. About 20 weeks, or roughly four and a half months, are left before your due date.

You are at the halfway point. The second trimester continues until about week 27.

Baby Size at 20 Weeks?

At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a banana. The NHS 20-week guide puts your baby at around 25.6 cm (about 10 inches) long, measured from head to heel.

Your baby weighs a little under a pound and still has plenty of growing to do but has a superb start.

20 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms week by week can be annoying. Many people feel more energetic in the second trimester than in the first, and some notice a higher sex drive. Some 20 weeks pregnant symptoms are described below.

1- Heartburn or indigestion

A common complaint. Pregnancy hormones relax the muscle between your stomach and food pipe, and your growing baby presses on your stomach.

Small, frequent meals help, and so does cutting back on rich, spicy or fatty foods. Avoid eating within about 3 hours of bedtime, and stay upright for a while after meals.

2- Hands & Feet Swelling

Mild swelling of the feet, ankles and fingers is common in pregnancy. It is often worse at the end of the day and usually goes away after delivery.

Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet is different. It can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition, so contact your doctor or midwife right away.

3- Vaginal discharge

Commonly seen symptom at 20 weeks pregnant! Vaginal discharge is actually a sign of your body's defense mechanism against the bacteria. It is a way of keeping the area clear of certain bacteria. This discharge may increase until the delivery.

Normal discharge is clear or white and doesn't smell bad. If it turns yellow or green, smells unpleasant, or you feel itchy or sore, let your doctor know, because it can be a sign of an infection.

4- Food cravings

You may hear that pregnant women crave pickles or ice cream. Cravings for certain foods vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. Eat your favorite foods but in moderation.

5- Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea with or without vomiting is more common during the first trimester and begins to disappear during the second trim****ester. For most people, morning sickness clears up by weeks 16 to 20. If it continues into the third trimester or is severe, talk to your doctor.

6- Headaches

20 weeks pregnant

Headaches during pregnancy are common because of pregnancy hormones. Take fresh-air breaks outside a few times a day and dress in layers to avoid getting too hot, which could trigger a headache. Drink plenty of water, get good sleep, and manage stress.

Ask your doctor before taking any painkiller. A severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights after 20 weeks can be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia and needs urgent care.

Can A Baby Survive at 20 Weeks?

No. A baby born at 20 weeks is too early to survive, even with the best neonatal care.

Survival becomes possible only from around 23 weeks with intensive care, and the chances improve with every extra week in the womb. Any bleeding, fluid leaking or regular cramping at this stage needs urgent medical attention.

What Healthy Breakfast Can Take At 20 Weeks Pregnant?

Enough protein should be a part of your Healthy breakfast because your baby needs essential amino acids to grow strong.

Omelets, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, peanut butter, and dairy-based smoothies are all tasty options for breakfast. Choose pasteurized dairy products and cook eggs until firm.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor or midwife can tell you what is normal for your pregnancy.