What is happening in week 20
Doctors count pregnancy weeks from the first day of your last period, so week 20 sits in the second trimester (week 14 to week 27). That is about 20 weeks to go until week 40, and about 4.6 months by a rough conversion. Week 20 is the halfway point: the baby is about 25.6cm long and covered in vernix.
Your baby
The NHS guide gives about 25.6cm, a banana, now measured from head to heel. The skin is covered with a white, greasy layer called vernix. The baby is more active, kicking and punching, and may suck a thumb.
Your body
Sudden sharp calf pain at night is probably cramp; rub the muscle or pull your toes up towards your ankle. Tiredness, stretch marks, swollen gums and headaches are all possible.
This week’s to-do
- Have your anomaly scan; the NHS says it is offered at around 18 to 21 weeks and checks 11 physical conditions.
- Ask your doctor for the paperwork needed for maternity leave benefits, if you are employed.
- You do not need extra calories until the third trimester, which the NHS says starts in week 28.
When to call
Call your doctor or hospital if you have any bleeding, or severe headaches or dizziness.
Chaitanya Hospital in Kadapa, near RTC Bus Stand, Simhapuri Colony, provides delivery and emergency care 24/7. Our antenatal check-ups team can answer questions about your own pregnancy.
Use the week-by-week guide to jump to your week, or the due date calculator to work out your dates. Timings for scans and tests come from NHS guidance in the UK and can differ from your doctor’s schedule, so always follow your own doctor’s advice. This page is educational and not a substitute for a doctor.
Sources
Text on this page is paraphrased from the sources above. Sizes are averages and vary between babies.