20 Weeks Pregnant ─ Pregnancy Symptoms

During Your 20th Week of Pregnancy You Will Notice Your Baby is Becoming More Active.

146 DAYS TO GO. . .

COMMON PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS FOR WEEK 20

52%

Back Pain
52% of women experience back pain as a symptom during week 20 of pregnancy. More >>

57%

Fatigue
57% of women experience fatigue as a symptom during week 20 of pregnancy. More >>

45%

Breast Pain
45% of women experience breast pain and tenderness as a symptom during week 20 of pregnancy. More >>

In the next few days, you might feel your baby’s movements for the first time. The little flutter can be such a tiny sensation that many women write it off as gas. But what a wonderful moment when you realize the truth! If you want to find out the sex of your baby, it could be revealed on the ultrasound scan you have this week.

WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE?

Your Uterus (top) is now at the level of your bellybutton.

The Scalp Hair is developing on your baby's head.

The Eyebrows have filled in and are clearly visible.

The Skin is now coated with a white greasy substance (vernix caseosa) and sprouting fine hair called lanugo hair. This hair normally disappears before birth.

The Genitals are now clearly recognizable.

If you want to know whether you’re having a boy or a girl, this is the week you might be able to find out. Identifying the gender is dependent on a number of factors, including the expertise of the sonographer, the quality of the equipment being used, the position of the baby and specifically, the position of the legs, which could obstruct the genitals. Even if all of these factors are favourable and the genitals can be seen, there is an error factor, so the information given is never 100% accurate. Amniocentesis tests tell the gender with 100% accuracy.

Your 20-week scan will look in detail at how your baby’s major organs and body systems have developed, as well as checking the placenta and the volume of the amniotic fluid. If your baby is found to have a problem, the sonographer will refer you to a maternal medicine expert who will confirm the findings and offer follow-up scans throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

As the weeks go by, you will find that you’ll need to rest more and limit the amount of time you are on your feet. For one thing, the growing weight of your baby and uterus will lead to discomfort, and potentially to muscle strain. Your center of gravity is also shifting causing you to stand awkwardly. This puts pressure on your ligaments, which are themselves softened due to hormonal changes. If possible, take short frequent breaks, so that you can put your feet up. Make sure your shoes offer good support and you may consider wearing maternity hose. It’s important not to stand for more than three hours at a time, so if your work involves standing make sure you are given adequate breaks. It is also important to stay off your feet as much as possible to prevent backaches.

You are halfway through your pregnancy, and in another 20 weeks, you will be a mom!