Pregnancy week 20

Trimester 2 · Baby is about a banana

Halfway there. The baby swallows amniotic fluid and produces first stool, called meconium.

How your body may feel

  • Bump is clearly visible.
  • You may feel movements from the outside soon.
  • Shortness of breath during activity.

Self-care this week

  • Attend the 20-week anomaly scan.
  • Start pelvic-floor exercises daily.
  • Pace activity — rest is not laziness.

Milestone

Halfway point of pregnancy.

Seek care urgently if you notice

  • Severe headache that will not clear, or blurred vision and flashing lights
  • Any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
  • Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
  • Burning or painful urination, or fever
  • Reduced or absent baby movement once a pattern is established

Related resources

Related articles

Related FAQs

Related warning signs

  • Heavy bleeding — Soaking a pad in under an hour, or passing large clots
  • Severe headache that won't ease — Especially with blurred vision or sudden swelling
  • Difficulty breathing — Breathlessness at rest or when lying down
  • Chest pain or a racing heart — Pressure, tightness or fluttering that doesn't settle
Read the full warning signs guide

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