20 Weeks Pregnant You're Halfway There Mama Anatomy Scan Sweet Potato Baby

You've made it to 20 weeks, and that means you're already halfway through your pregnancy journey! Take a moment to breathe (if congestion isn't getting in the way totally normal, by the way) and acknowledge this amazing milestone.

It's completely okay if you're feeling a mix of excitement and nerves right now. Many mamas tell us they feel like "time is flying but also crawling" at this point. You're not alone in feeling this way.

Your Baby at Week 20

How many months is 20 weeks pregnant?

If you're 20 weeks pregnant, you're in month 5 of your pregnancy. Only 4 more months to go! We know it can feel confusing trying to figure out the weeks and months you're definitely not "going crazy" if you've wondered about this.

How big is your little one at 20 weeks?

Your baby is now about the size of a small banana roughly 10 ounces and about 6½ inches from crown to rump. While that might seem tiny, it probably feels pretty significant when those little kicks start happening!

The beautiful thing is there's still plenty of room in there for your baby to move around, which is why you might be feeling those sweet (and sometimes surprising) somersaults and kicks.

Finding out if it's a boy or girl

Feeling curious about whether you're carrying a little boy or girl? This is often when many mamas get their first peek during the anatomy scan, usually scheduled between 18 and 22 weeks.

It's perfectly normal to feel nervous about this ultrasound you're not being "extra" if you've been losing sleep thinking about it. This detailed exam gives your care team a chance to see how beautifully everything is developing.

If you're having a girl: Her tiny uterus is fully formed this week, and she already has about 7 million primitive eggs in her little ovaries. By the time she's born, that number will naturally reduce to 1-2 million isn't the body amazing?

If you're having a boy: Those little testicles are getting ready to start their descent, though they're still waiting in the abdomen for the scrotum to finish developing.

Your Body at Week 20

You're officially halfway there!

Your sweet potato-sized baby is becoming more real every day as you feel those movements and notice people starting to smile when they see your growing bump. It's okay if this feels overwhelming - becoming a mom is a huge life change.

Your 20 week pregnant belly

By now, your belly is probably showing that adorable baby bump shape. Your appetite might be returning (thank goodness if you've been dealing with nausea!), and you may finally feel ready to show off those cute maternity clothes.

But please don't worry if your bump looks different from other mamas at the same stage. Every body is different, and there's such a wide range of "normal." Whether this is your first baby or you've done this before, your body knows what it's doing.

If you're feeling anxious about your bump size, that's completely understandable. Trust your body and check with your healthcare provider if you need that extra reassurance.

Changes you might notice

Stronger nails and fuller hair: You might notice your nails are stronger and your hair feels thicker. Those pregnancy hormones are working overtime to bring extra nutrients to your hair and nail cells. Enjoy this little perk!

Just know that after delivery, your hair will return to its normal cycle so don't be alarmed if you notice more hair loss later. It's just your body getting back to its regular rhythm.

Feeding your growing appetite

Are you suddenly hungry all the time? After weeks of feeling queasy or having food aversions, it makes total sense that you want to make up for lost time with eating.

Here's a gentle suggestion that might help you feel your best: instead of large meals (which might bring back that uncomfortable heartburn), try eating smaller amounts throughout the day. Many mamas find that 5-6 small meals and snacks help them feel more comfortable and give baby a steady supply of nutrients.

Studies show that moms who eat this way are more likely to carry to full term, so you're doing something wonderful for both you and your baby.

Gentle Guidance for This Week

The big ultrasound is coming

If you haven't had your anatomy scan yet, it's likely coming up soon. It's completely normal to feel nervous about this you're not being "paranoid" if you've been worried about it.

This scan will check your baby's growth, organs, and the amount of amniotic fluid. The whole thing takes about 30-45 minutes, and unlike those early fuzzy ultrasounds, you'll be able to see so much more of your little one.

Are those baby kicks?

First-time mama? You might be wondering if those fluttery feelings are your baby moving or just your tummy rumbling. Both are completely normal, and it can be tricky to tell the difference at first.

Those first movements often feel like gentle bubbles or butterflies. Don't worry if you're not feeling strong kicks yet every baby has their own timeline.

Moving your body safely

Your muscles and ligaments are naturally loosening up right now, which means they need a little extra care. If you're exercising (which is wonderful!), listen to your body and don't push through pain.

This isn't the time to test your flexibility limits gentle stretching that feels good is perfect.

Taking care of your skin

If you're dealing with skin changes (so common during pregnancy!), look for products labeled "non-comedogenic," "unscented," and "oil-free" if your skin is feeling oily. If it's feeling dry, moisturizing products will be your friend.

Nutrition that nurtures

If you love nuts, keep enjoying them! Eating nuts during pregnancy may actually help lower your baby's risk of nut allergies later. They're packed with vitamin E, protein, and brain-boosting nutrients for your growing baby.

Remember, you're doing an incredible job growing your little one, even on the days when you don't feel like it.