Week 20 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 330 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a kheera (cucumber, about 8 in long) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 168409 'Cucumber, with peel, raw': portion '1 cucumber (8-1/4")' = 301 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 3% (Ends). As-purchased weight = 301 / (1 - 0.03) = 310.3 g.). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

• This is the halfway point of a typical pregnancy; the mid-pregnancy anomaly ultrasound is usually offered around now (weeks 18–22).ACOG
• The fetus is typically swallowing more amniotic fluid, and lanugo hair covers much of the body.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

• Most people feel regular movement by now.ACOG
• Stretching skin may cause itching, and Braxton Hicks ('practice') contractions can begin.NHS

Nutrition this week

• Iron — blood volume rises ~50% — iron demand climbs (Red meat)
• Calcium — fetal skeleton mineralising (Dairy)
• Vitamin D — calcium absorption + bone (Fatty fish)

Tests & scans

• Anomaly (mid-pregnancy) ultrasound (weeks 18–22)

When to reach out

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
• Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
• Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
• Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
• A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
• Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
• Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.