Week 20

All measurements are approximate. Click here to see how we calculate baby's length and weight.

Baby:

Your baby is now about the size of an artichoke.

Baby’s skin is becoming more complex and layered now, and a thin surface of fat is developing underneath his skin to help him maintain a steady body temperature after birth.

Testicles or ovaries are developing in the abdominal cavity; if your baby is a boy, his testicles will not drop down until closer to birth.

Mom:
Baby registers your every move, so it’s no surprise that newborns often crave being carried around, as well. When your baby is still in utero, he often falls asleep while you are moving and wakes up when you stop – which is exactly what happens when you carry a newborn around. (Thus parents who have to take baby for a late-night stroller trip or drive in the car seat to help them fall asleep.)

Think about the kinds of movements you engage in average day. To your baby, walking, driving, swimming and dancing must all feel entirely different!

Speaking of swimming and dancing, they’re both great way to keep fit. It’s important to be physically active during pregnancy, as regular exercise lifts you up both physically and emotionally. That being said, some forms of exercise are obviously better suited to pregnancy than others. Be sure not to do anything too strenuous, but a gentle dance class or a nice swim can be a great way to stay strong and limber, which will equip you for the strain of pregnancy and birth. Not to mention caring for a baby!

This is most likely the week of your anatomy ultrasound. The ultrasound will check the brain, heart, kidneys and all other organs. It will also measure the baby to assess his growth.

The location of the placenta will be checked, as well. In some cases, the placenta appears too close to the cervix, and your doctor will advise another ultrasound in the pregnancy to make sure it has moved. If it is stays too low, it’s called placenta previa and you may have to be delivered by C-section. Fortunately, most of these cases resolve by your next ultrasound.

It’s a good idea to invite your husband or partner to this appointment. It’s so exciting to see your baby “up close and personal” in this ultrasound, and especially nice to discover the gender (if you chose to) together!

Some husbands come to all the visits in the first pregnancy, but this usually drops off with the second pregnancy!