Week 20 of Pregnancy: Your Baby Is the Size of a Banana

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your pregnancy.

TL;DR

Your baby is about 25.6 cm — the size of a banana (measured head to toe now).
You might feel the first real kicks this week.
You're officially halfway through your pregnancy.
Take a moment to celebrate this milestone — you've come a long way.

Your Baby This Week

A big shift happens this week: from now on, your baby is measured from head to toe rather than head to rump, which is why the size jumps significantly to 25.6 cm. Your little one is about the length of a banana and has crossed the halfway point right along with you.

You might feel the first unmistakable kicks this week. While earlier movements felt like flutters or bubbles, these kicks are more defined — little thumps and nudges that leave no doubt that there's a real, active baby in there. Many parents describe this as one of the most emotional moments of pregnancy.

Your baby's skin is thickening and developing layers. The vernix caseosa continues to coat and protect the skin, and lanugo (that fine, downy hair) covers the body. Your baby is swallowing more amniotic fluid, which helps the digestive system practice for life outside the womb.

The nervous system is increasingly sophisticated. Your baby can now feel touch and may respond when you press on your belly. They're also establishing patterns of activity and rest, though these won't align with your sleep schedule for quite some time.

Your Body This Week

Congratulations — you're halfway there. Twenty weeks down, twenty to go. This is a meaningful milestone, and it's worth pausing to acknowledge how far you've come. Your body has done incredible work to get here.

Your uterus is now at about belly button level, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds (though this varies considerably). From here, you can expect to gain about a pound per week for the rest of pregnancy.

Heartburn might become a more regular companion around now. The growing uterus pushes your stomach upward, and progesterone relaxes the valve between your esophagus and stomach, allowing acid to creep up. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and not lying down right after eating can help.

You may also notice increased swelling in your hands and feet, especially at the end of the day. This is usually normal and caused by the extra fluid your body is retaining. Prop your feet up when you can, stay hydrated (it actually helps reduce swelling), and remove rings if they're getting tight.

Common Questions at Week 20

Is my baby's movement pattern normal?

At 20 weeks, movement is still irregular. You'll feel kicks one day and then nothing the next — this is normal because your baby is still small enough to shift into positions where you can't feel them. Regular kick counting doesn't usually start until the third trimester.

What if my anatomy scan showed a soft marker?

Soft markers are minor ultrasound findings that, on their own, are usually harmless but can sometimes be associated with chromosomal differences. If your scan found a soft marker, your provider will discuss what it means and whether additional testing is recommended. Try not to spiral into worry before that conversation.

How do I handle unsolicited advice?

You're going to get a lot of it — from family, friends, coworkers, and complete strangers. It's okay to smile and nod, change the subject, or say "thanks, I'll talk to my provider about that." You don't owe anyone an explanation about your choices.

Is it normal to feel emotional about the halfway point?

Very much so. The halfway mark can bring a mix of excitement, anxiety, nostalgia, and impatience. Some people feel overwhelmed by everything still left to do, while others feel a deep sense of gratitude. Whatever you're feeling, it's valid.

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This Week's Tip

Celebrate the halfway point. However that looks for you — a special dinner, a bump photo, a quiet moment with your partner, or a journal entry about how you're feeling — take time to mark this moment. Pregnancy is a journey, and the midpoint is worth acknowledging. You've built an entire human being to banana-size, your body has adapted in remarkable ways, and there's so much to look forward to in the weeks ahead.

Milestone: Halfway There

Twenty weeks. Half of your pregnancy is behind you. If the first half felt long, the second half often passes faster as you have more appointments, more visible changes, and more tangible preparations to focus on. If the first half flew by, the remaining weeks will be filled with increasingly exciting milestones — stronger kicks, a growing bump, and the nesting instinct that kicks in as you prepare for your baby's arrival. Either way, you're doing this.

Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
Mayo Clinic. Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester.