In this article you will be able to read about everything related to being 20 weeks pregnant. You'll find information about the baby's development, how the mother's body is changing and tips you might need along the way. At 20 weeks pregnant, the fetus is the size of a broccoli.

Baby: The fetus now weighs 300 grams

The fetus in week 20 is about 24 cm long and weighs almost 350 grams. The baby in week 20 is looking more and more like a child with each passing week. The arms and legs are now in the right proportions to each other compared to the rest of the body!

Development in week 20

The nervous system and nerves are becoming more developed every week and the fetus is now able to make some conscious movements and not just reflex ones. It is very individual how and when you feel fetal movements, or realize that they are fetal movements you have felt for some time.

The fetal fat that the baby has over its body has an antibacterial effect that protects the immature skin. This is one of the reasons for not washing the baby in the first few days after birth but waiting a few days: to let the fetal fat act as a protective ointment on the baby!

During this period, significant fetal development takes place. An ultrasound scan and screening of the organs can give a detailed picture of the size and development of the fetus. Heartbeats can often be clearly heard at this time.

Mom: Pregnant in week 20

By the end of this week, you will be halfway through, hurrah! You have reached the halfway point of your pregnancy, which is an important milestone for many parents-to-be.

In the coming weeks, your pregnant belly v20 will start to grow at a faster rate and now it is possible to feel your uterus with your hand if you press gently below the navel. The amount of amniotic fluid will also increase to give the baby more room to move.

Fetal growth and your body

Since a couple of weeks ago, the fetus has started to gain weight by about 50 grams per week, and by the end of the second trimester, the fetus will gain almost 100 grams per week!

This means that you and your pregnant week 20 belly may start to grow at a faster rate now, which may also put additional strain on your body and especially your spine and lower back. Try to be mindful of your posture during the day and to sway as little as possible - this will reduce any pelvic pain. Change your position often and try to stretch your body for a little while each day.

Sleeping during pregnancy can become more challenging as your belly grows. Sleeping on your back in week 20 can be uncomfortable for some, so try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs for better support.

Glutes and exercise

During pregnancy, your glutes become less active, which affects your posture and can cause back and pelvic pain. Therefore, it's a good idea to pay extra attention to the back of your body if you are able to exercise.

If you are used to running or weight training before, it may be good to adapt your training now, for example by switching to running at slower intervals or reducing the weight of the weights. Adapting your training and adding mobility exercises or exercises for your posture is great both mentally and physically.

Pay attention to a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen or urine leakage when you move, as a feeling of heaviness or leakage signals that you need to be extra careful with your pelvic floor. In this case, make changes to your training and adapt so that all exercises feel good in your body. The most important thing when it comes to exercising during pregnancy is to listen to your body - that's why you're exercising during your pregnancy - so that your body feels good and can cope with this major stress.

Pregnancy symptoms and health

At 20 weeks pregnant, you may experience various pregnancy symptoms. Nausea has often subsided by this time, but other symptoms may occur. It is important to keep an eye on your iron levels, as iron deficiency is common during pregnancy. Discuss with your midwife if you need iron supplements.

Regular midwife visits to the midwifery clinic are important to monitor your health and that of your baby. During these visits, you can ask questions and get advice on everything from diet to birth preparations.