Trimester 2
Week 20
Your baby is about the size of a banana.
Length: 25.6 cm · Weight: 300 g
Common this week: Regular baby kicks, Back pain, Shortness of breath (uterus pressing up), Heartburn, Swollen ankles.
Baby development
- Halfway there! Baby now measures from crown to heel, not just crown to rump.
- The baby can hear loud noises and will startle at sudden sounds.
- Taste buds are developing and amniotic fluid carries flavours from your food.
- The immune system is developing — maternal antibodies are crossing the placenta.
Changes for you
- Halfway milestone — time to celebrate!
- The fundus (top of the uterus) is now at navel height.
- Kicks are regular and should be noticeable most days.
- Skin changes such as stretch marks and linea nigra are now more visible.
Tips
- Celebrate the halfway milestone.
- Discuss birth preferences with your partner — birth centre, hospital, natural vs medicated.
- Consider a maternity photoshoot soon — many photographers in Sydney offer them.
- Update your will and review your life insurance — a practical but important step.
Appointments
- Morphology scan if not yet completed.
- Routine antenatal check.
Warning signs
- Bleeding
- Loss of fluid
- Chest pain or shortness of breath at rest
- Severe headache
Australian notes
- At 20 weeks, you are entitled to discuss Centrelink Family Tax Benefit eligibility with Services Australia.
- Now is a good time to start researching NSW hospital antenatal classes if not yet enrolled.