20 weeks pregnant

You at 20 weeks pregnant

This is the halfway point of the average pregnancy.

Your uterus is taking up a lot more room, and some of your other organs – for example, your heart and lungs – now have less space. You might feel a bit breathless at times, especially when you’re lying flat on your back. When you’re lying down at night, you might need to put a pillow on one or both sides, or even between your legs. Many women find this helps ease the feeling of aching hips.

pregnancy illustration, week 20

Ultrasound scan at 18-20 weeks
You might have an ultrasound scan this week to check that your baby is growing healthily and to check the position of your placenta. This detailed ultrasound is one of the routine tests in pregnancy.

Vaccination against whooping cough and COVID-19
Whooping cough is a very contagious and dangerous illness for babies. To help protect your baby against whooping cough, it’s recommended that you have a whooping cough vaccination between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. In Australia, this vaccination is free for all pregnant women in their third trimester. Your GP or midwife can organise it for you.

It’s also recommended that you get a COVID-19 vaccination if you’re pregnant. If you have any concerns, talk with your doctor, midwife or immunisation provider.

High-risk pregnancy
If you or your baby has a medical problem – for example, diabetes or high blood pressure – you’re considered to have a high-risk pregnancy. This means you’re likely to need to see your health professionals more often and have more checks during pregnancy. Depending on the medical problem, you might also need to see some specialists.

New grandchildren can often make family relationships stronger and closer, but not always. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can have a very positive influence on children’s development. Many people are amazed and delighted at the joy, fun and love that becoming a grandparent can bring to their lives.

Your baby when you’re 20 weeks pregnant

Your baby is busy and active:

Your baby measures about 16 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 320 gm.
Your baby is covered in vernix – a white, creamy substance that protects baby’s skin from amniotic fluid.
The heart is beating at 120-160 beats per minute.
Muscles are growing, and your baby is moving around a lot.
Your baby’s fingerprints are formed.
Permanent teeth have grown beneath your baby’s first teeth, deep in the gums.
Your baby can hear sounds like your heart or voice, even though baby’s ears aren’t yet completely formed.