20 Weeks Pregnant: Halfway, Morphology Scan & What's Ahead

20 Weeks Pregnant: Halfway, Morphology Scan & What's Ahead

Congratulations, you're halfway there. At 20 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a banana and is practising sucking, swallowing and even hiccupping. Many people have their morphology scan around now, and you may be feeling regular kicks.

Baby's size
About the size of a banana (around 25cm head to heel, 300g)
Milestone
Halfway through your pregnancy
Common symptoms
Itchy skin, an outie belly button and shortness of breath
This week
Your morphology scan, and planning ahead

What's happening this week

Your baby measures around 16 cm from crown to rump. Their organs are formed and working, and they'll keep maturing over the next 20 weeks.

Sucking

Practice makes perfect

Your baby is practising the sucking reflex they'll need to feed, and they may even suck their thumb or fingers.

Sleep

Finding a rhythm

Your baby is developing patterns of sleep and wakefulness. You might notice they're more active at certain times of day, and you may feel little rhythmic jerks when they have hiccups.

Senses

Taste and sound

Taste buds are maturing, and your baby can hear sounds from inside your body. Tooth buds are developing in their gums.

The top of your uterus is now about level with your belly button.

Your morphology scan

The morphology scan, usually done between 18 and 20 weeks, is a detailed ultrasound that checks your baby's growth, organs and spine, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. It can also show your baby's sex, if you want to know. Most scans show everything developing as expected. If anything needs a closer look, your doctor will talk you through the next steps. Here's what the morphology scan checks and what to expect.

What's ahead in the second half

You've made it through the first half. Here are the key milestones and appointments coming up.

  1. Whooping cough vaccineWeeks 20 to 32

    Recommended in every pregnancy and free in Australia, to help protect your baby in their first months.

  2. Glucose tolerance testWeeks 24 to 28

    A blood test that checks for gestational diabetes.

  3. Third trimester beginsWeek 28

    From now, go to sleep on your side, and get to know your baby's movement pattern. If your blood type is Rh negative, you may be offered an anti-D injection.

  4. RSV vaccineWeeks 28 to 36

    A free vaccine that helps protect your newborn from RSV, a common respiratory virus.

  5. Full termFrom 37 weeks

    Your baby is ready to be born any time from now. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks.

Symptoms at 20 weeks pregnant

As your bump grows, you might notice these changes:

  • Itchy skin. Your breasts and belly may itch as your skin stretches. Use a fragrance-free moisturiser and try not to scratch. Here's when itching needs checking.
  • An outie belly button. Your growing uterus can push your belly button outwards. It usually goes back after birth. See your doctor if you notice a painful lump nearby.
  • Shortness of breath. Hormones make you breathe more deeply, and your growing uterus takes up more room. Slow down and rest when you need to. Your baby still gets the oxygen they need.
  • Good hair and skin days. Hormones and extra blood flow can give you thicker hair, stronger nails and a healthy glow.
  • Changes in sex drive. Many people notice a higher sex drive in the second trimester. For most people, sex is safe in pregnancy.

Call 000 if you have chest pain or sudden, severe breathlessness. Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have sudden swelling, a severe headache, blurred vision or pain under your ribs, as these can be signs of pre-eclampsia.

Celebrate the halfway mark

You've come a long way, so take a moment to celebrate:

  • Treat yourself. A foot massage or pregnancy massage can be a lovely way to rest your feet.
  • Capture your bump. Book a photo shoot or take regular bump photos to look back on.
  • Start a registry. Friends and family may want to help. Our pregnancy checklist can help you decide what to add.
  • Plan the nursery. It's a fun project to share with your partner. Our sleep list covers everything for a safe sleep space.

Your to-do list for week 20

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list The sleep listEverything for your baby's sleep spaceSee the list BassinetsA safe first bed for your newbornShop bassinets

Week 20 FAQs

Is 20 weeks halfway through pregnancy?

Yes. A full-term pregnancy is counted as 40 weeks, so 20 weeks is the halfway mark. Babies can arrive any time from 37 to 42 weeks, so your due date is an estimate.

How big is my baby at 20 weeks?

About the size of a banana, around 16 cm from crown to rump and 25 cm from head to heel. They weigh roughly 300 g.

Why has my belly button popped out?

Your growing uterus pushes your belly button outwards. It's harmless and usually goes back after birth. See your doctor if you notice a painful lump near your belly button, as it could be a hernia.

What happens if the morphology scan finds something?

Most scans show everything developing as expected. If something needs a closer look, your doctor will explain what was seen and may suggest another scan or tests. Finding out early means you and your care team can plan ahead.

Is sex safe at 20 weeks pregnant?

For most people, yes. Your baby is well protected inside your uterus. Your doctor or midwife may advise against it if you've had bleeding, a low-lying placenta or other complications.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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