Your baby at 20th week of pregnancy

Your baby at 20 weeks

Your baby is the size of a small Galia melon. Your baby weighs about 212 to 255 g (7.5 to 9 oz) and measures approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches). You could cup this little one in the palm of your hand.

In 20th week of pregnancy, your baby is completely covered in vernix, the creamy substance protecting his or her delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.

Making sense

Baby’s brain has been working overtime to develop the nerve centers dedicated to senses. As they come alive, your little one is more responsive to your activity, sounds in the environment and even the taste of the amniotic fluid.

Pick up a hiccup

Besides the rolling, diving and kicking, you might also feel rhythmic jerking. Most babies get the hiccups in utero, possibly due to an immature diaphragm having spasms. No need to worry though–they’re not causing any harm.

Sprouting a top

This new hair isn't lanugo; it's the real deal. But most of it will fall out about two weeks after birth. Elsewhere on your baby's head, the bones of the inner ear are now fully formed and the nose is beginning to take shape.

Your pregnancy at 20 weeks

Hump week

Congratulations you’re halfway there! At 20 weeks, your uterus has grown to three times its original height. When your healthcare provider measures it, he or she probably will find that the top is now even with your belly button. From here on out, your uterus will grow approximately one centimetre per week until your baby arrives.

Womb with a view

At 20 weeks pregnant, your healthcare provider may want to perform an ultrasound to check your baby's development, confirm your due date, screen for certain birth defects and ensure the health of the placenta and umbilical cord. Whether or not you want to know the gender, this peek inside the uterus may make impending parenthood seem more real.

Twin development at week 20

Your babies have grown to 6 inches long and about 9 ounces each. Take time to talk to them. They can hear you!

You may also have your anatomical scan this week. This ultrasound will check in on your babies’ health. You can usually learn the sex of your babies at this time as well.

20 weeks pregnant symptoms

- body aches

- stretch marks

- skin pigmentation

- food cravings

- Braxton-Hicks contractions

Quick tip for moms

If you’re starting to be bothered by hemorrhoids (swollen veins in your rectum), drink lots of fluids, add fibre to your diet and stay active with exercise.

You can also check with your healthcare provider about safe, over-the-counter creams that give relief.

20 Weeks Pregnant: Learn About Your Baby's Development

Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during 21st week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.

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