Can You Believe You’re Halfway Through Already?!
Okay, pause for a second.
Put your hand on your belly.
Take a deep breath.
And soak it in:
You are 20 weeks pregnant.
You are halfway there.
HALFWAY. 🎉
Doesn’t that feel wild?
One moment you were nervously peeing on a stick, and now here you are—bump out, baby moving (maybe even kicking!), and that second-trimester glow starting to peek through.
Whether this journey has been smooth or messy (or both), reaching Week 20 is a major milestone. It’s not just the halfway point—it’s the moment where everything starts to feel more real. And more exciting.
So let’s talk about everything going on in your belly, your body, and your schedule this week.
1️⃣ Baby at 20 Weeks: Tiny, Wiggly, and SO Busy
Your baby is now about the size of a banana—roughly 10 inches long and weighing about 10.5 ounces. They’ve come a long way from that little poppyseed!
Here’s what’s happening inside that cozy belly of yours:
✔️ Baby is fully formed, just getting bigger and stronger
✔️ Eyelids, eyebrows, and tiny fingernails are all in place
✔️ They’re practicing swallowing, yawning, and even hiccuping
✔️ You might feel gentle kicks, rolls, or flutters more consistently now
✔️ Their heartbeat can be heard with a regular stethoscope
✔️ If you’re having a girl, she already has millions of eggs in her tiny ovaries!
📌 Every kick is a little reminder: they’re in there, growing, learning, getting ready to meet you.
2️⃣ The Big One: Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan
This is one of the most detailed ultrasounds you’ll have during your entire pregnancy—and it’s a biggie.
Here’s what to expect:
🖥️ What is it?
The anatomy scan (also called the mid-pregnancy ultrasound or level 2 ultrasound) is a deep dive into how your baby is developing. It’s not just about finding out the sex (though you can if you want!)—it’s about checking that everything is growing and functioning as it should.
🧠 What they’ll check:
- Brain development
- Heart chambers and heartbeat
- Spine alignment
- Kidneys, stomach, bladder, and limbs
- Placenta placement and amniotic fluid levels
- Umbilical cord structure
- Your cervix length and uterine health
💬 Pro tips:
- The scan takes 30–60 minutes
- Drink water before (a full bladder helps with visibility)
- You might get a few printed images to keep (and swoon over)
- Bring your partner or support person—seeing baby move in real time is magical
📌 And yes—if you want to know the gender, this is the moment! Just let your tech know.
3️⃣ Your Body at 20 Weeks: Hello, Bump!
You’re probably showing by now—and if not, you will soon. Every belly grows at its own pace (and in its own shape), but by this point:
✔️ You may be feeling more pressure or fullness in your belly
✔️ You’re probably noticing more regular baby movements
✔️ You might be hungrier—and that’s okay! Baby’s having a growth spurt
✔️ Backaches, leg cramps, and skin stretching might be starting
Let’s break it down:
🤰 The Bump
By now, maternity clothes are probably a daily thing (if not, they will be soon!). Your uterus is around your belly button, and your posture might be changing to support the extra weight.
💥 Aches and Pains
Your ligaments are stretching, your joints are loosening, and your back is doing a LOT of the work. Use pillows for support, take stretch breaks, and try gentle prenatal yoga to ease the pressure.
🦵 Leg Cramps
Random leg cramps (especially at night) can show up now. Stretch your calves before bed, stay hydrated, and try magnesium-rich foods like bananas and leafy greens.
💤 Tired, but Not Exhausted
Most mamas report feeling pretty good during the second trimester—more energy, less nausea, and better sleep (fingers crossed). Enjoy it!
4️⃣ Emotional Shifts: It’s Getting Real Now
At 20 weeks, it’s common to feel a new wave of emotion and connection to your pregnancy. Maybe you’re:
💭 Dreaming about what baby will look like
📦 Browsing nursery ideas or baby names
🍼 Starting to plan your registry or birth class
🤯 Or just sitting in awe that there’s a human growing inside you
It’s all valid. You might feel overwhelmed, giddy, anxious, or totally peaceful—and sometimes all of that in the same hour.
📌 Reminder: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Baby steps (pun intended) are perfect.
5️⃣ What to Start Thinking About Now
Now that you’re halfway there, here are a few things to gently start exploring:
📋 Birth Plan Basics
You don’t need to decide everything right now—but start reading about labor preferences, pain management options, and support people.
🧼 Nursery + Baby Essentials
No need to rush, but start jotting down what you’ll actually need in those early weeks. You’ve got time, but it feels nice to plan.
🏥 Maternity Leave + Insurance
Look into your work policies, insurance coverage, and any paperwork you’ll need in advance.
📚 Prenatal Classes
If you’re interested in classes (childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn care, etc.), now’s a great time to book before spots fill up.
6️⃣ What Other Mamas Say About Hitting 20 Weeks
“I walked out of my anatomy scan in tears—happy ones. Seeing my baby move on the screen made everything feel real.” – Alana
“Halfway through and I finally feel like myself again. No more nausea, more energy, and a little bump to show off!” – Kelly
“I’ve started talking to my belly every night. It’s cheesy, but it makes me feel connected.” – Jess
Final Thoughts: Celebrate This Moment, Mama
You’ve made it to the halfway mark. That’s HUGE.
You’ve grown a placenta. You’ve adapted to hormone chaos. You’ve fed your body, nurtured your baby, and maybe even found some peace in the chaos.
You are doing it. And every day, you’re getting closer to holding your sweet little one in your arms.
So take a photo of your bump. Journal a few thoughts. Go out for your favorite dessert.
Whatever you do—just celebrate this moment.
Because you? You’re halfway to meeting your baby. 💛
