20 Weeks Pregnant

*Counting from the first day of your last menstrual period

Your Baby at 20 Weeks

Size: 6.46 inches (16.4 cm)
Weight: 10.58 ounces (300 grams)

Are you thinking in shades of pink or blue? If you haven't already had your second trimester ultrasound, your doctor will generally schedule it between 18 and 22 weeks. This ultrasound will not just give your doctor an opportunity to check on the growth and overall well-being of your little one, but it is also a great opportunity for the ultrasound technician to get a sneak peak at whether you are expecting a boy or a girl! While baby's genitals can now be seen on the ultrasound, sometimes little ones are in a position that makes it difficult to determine their gender.

If you are expecting a little girl, her ovaries are now holding in excess of six millions eggs which is a remarkable thing! Her uterus is now also fully formed. If you are expecting a little boy then his testicles have been located inside of his abdomen but are now descending down towards their permanent home in his scrotum.

Baby is growing bigger and stronger but still has plenty of room to perform his summersaults or to stretch his arms and legs. Playing music or shining a flashlight onto your belly might get him moving about more as it gets his attention!

Mom at 20 Weeks Pregnant

You're half way through your pregnancy! Does it feel like your pregnancy has dragged on thus far? Don't worry the next few weeks are going to fly by! Have your friends and family started planning your baby shower? With another 20 or so weeks to go in your pregnancy, it may seem like you have plenty of time left to plan, organize, and decorate; however, you may just be surprised at how fast the time will pass.

Consider making a list of everything that needs to be accomplished before the birth of your little one. This way you will be able to systematically mark off everything that you need to get done; from setting up the nursery to taking labor and delivery classes, and even taking a breastfeeding class, there are many things that you should get done in order to be fully prepared for the arrival of your sweet little one.

Common Symptoms:
Do you find yourself with the need to have a pedicure and manicure a lot more frequently? Your nails, and also your hair, are very likely to be growing at an almost alarming rate at this point in your pregnancy. This is due, in large part, to those pregnancy hormones and the increase in your blood circulation. Not only will your nails be growing stronger and growing faster, but your lovely and lush hair growth might not just be limited to the hair on your head! As your hair on your head is growing faster, you might also find that your unwanted hair is also growing a bit faster. Legs, underarms, and even those pesky upper lip hairs could be driving you crazy but don't worry, your hair growth will return to normal shortly after delivery.

Heartburn and indigestion are likely to be your steadfast companion as your uterus is taking up more room inside of your abdomen. A steady supply of antacids, along with avoiding overly spicy or greasy foods can help you to control the discomfort that heartburn and indigestion bring with them.

You may have already experienced a bit of swelling but you could expect to experience it a lot more from this point onwards. Be sure to drink your water and wear comfortable, loose fitting, shoes. Keep your feet elevated, especially towards the end of the day when swelling might be more prevalent.

As your uterus grows and stretches your belly you may see more stretch marks appearing on your once flawless skin. While it is not possible to prevent stretch marks, keeping your skin well-moisturized can help to reduce any itching and discomfort that you may feel as your skin stretches to accommodate your growing little one.

Weight Gain:
At the halfway point during your pregnancy you should have gained at least 5 to 10 pounds; remember that not all of the weight gained during pregnancy can be attributed to any bad eating habits that you may have developed as your morning sickness symptoms have subsided. Certainly you may have a bit of rounding of your features and your hips; however, with the increase in the volume of blood in your body, the weight of your uterus and amniotic fluid, the bulk of the weight that you gain should truly be pregnancy weight that will mostly come off within the first few weeks after delivery.

Tips/Advice:
Consider a doula. The process of finding a professional birthing coach like a doula can take months. Don't be afraid to interview several until you find the person who makes you feel most comfortable and shares your views about child birth. Take this time to become comfortable with them before you hit the delivery room.

Videos - 20 Weeks Pregnant

** Note: Every baby develops at a different rate. The numbers provided are averages based on a "typical" pregnancy. Your baby's size and weight may vary significantly. Your healthcare provider is the best person to interpret information on your baby's size, weight, health and development during your ultrasounds and pregnancy.

	Comment from turnertwinz » Posted Mar. 8, 2013 12:48pm find out gender on mondayy yeaaa and im havin twins...
	Comment from ravenmickey » Posted Feb. 13, 2013 1:12pm Yay, I'm finally at the half way mark! Hoping the next 20 weeks fly by comfortably & healthy.
	Comment from Nishka » Posted Feb. 11, 2013 6:05pm YAY finally half way.. This 20 weeks has gone so slow. I wonder how slow the next 20 will go!
	Comment from CandyLee » Posted Oct. 10, 2012 8:28am Yipeee finally here! I feel so tired, my feet feel heavy, im already walking like a duck! Im afraid for the weeks to come< im already transforming into a big mama duck *Hides*
	Comment from Kfinzue » Posted Jul. 16, 2012 8:18am I feel like time has both slowed down and flown by. I want my baby to be here right now, but I love being pregnant and looking forward to such a special mirecal.