Week 20: Your Baby is the Size of a Banana
You have reached the halfway point! Your uterus is now at the level of your belly button. You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions - practice contractions that feel like a tightening of your abdomen. Stretch marks may begin to appear on your belly, breasts, or thighs.
Your baby at week 20
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Size of a Banana
Baby Development
You are halfway through your pregnancy! From this week, babies are measured from head to toe rather than head to rump. The baby now weighs about 300 grams and is swallowing more amniotic fluid, which is good practice for the digestive system. Meconium (the baby's first stool) is accumulating in the bowels. The baby is very active and may respond to touch and sound.
Week 20 Highlight: Halfway there! Your baby is now measured from head to toe and is about 25cm long - the length of a banana!
Common Symptoms
Tips for Week 20
Celebrate the halfway mark!
Start a baby registry or shopping list for essentials.
Discuss birth preferences with your healthcare provider.
Practice relaxation techniques for stress management.
South Africa Specific Info
The anomaly scan (also called the 20-week scan or morphology scan) is performed around this time. This is one of the most important ultrasounds as it checks the baby's brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and other organs for abnormalities. In the public sector in SA, this scan is typically available at regional or tertiary hospitals. Ask about the sex of your baby if you want to know!
All Pregnancy Weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Due Date Calculator SA Editorial Team
Our content is reviewed by healthcare professionals familiar with South African maternal health practices. We combine evidence-based medical information with local knowledge to support South African mums throughout their pregnancy journey. Our team includes contributors with backgrounds in midwifery, obstetrics, and maternal health education.
Last reviewed: February 2026