Congratulations, you have reached the halfway mark! Your uterus has grown all the way up to your belly button. From this week onward, your baby will no longer be measured from crown to rump; instead, they will be measured from head to heel, just like a newborn.
🍼 What's Happening With Your Baby
Measured from head to heel, your baby is roughly the size of a banana (about 25cm long) and weighs around 300 grams.
The baby is producing meconium, a sticky, dark green or black substance composed of cell loss, amniotic fluid, and lanugo. This will be the baby's first diaper change after birth.
The sleep-wake cycle is becoming more distinct. You might notice the baby is highly active at certain times of the day (often right when you lie down to sleep) and quiet at others.
🤰 What You're Feeling This Week
Your center of gravity has shifted entirely, and the weight of the uterus is putting immense pressure on your spine. Lower back pain is incredibly common at the halfway point.
You might start snoring, even if you never have before. Pregnancy hormones cause the mucous membranes in your nasal passages to swell, which can partially obstruct your airway during sleep.
Heartburn may intensify as the uterus pushes the stomach upward, forcing stomach acid into the esophagus.
The Fundus Reaches the Navel
Your doctor will now measure your 'fundal height' (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) at every visit. At 20 weeks, it should measure exactly 20 centimeters, aligning perfectly with your belly button.
✅ What To Do This Week
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Celebrate the halfway point! — You have grown a human being for five months. Take a moment to acknowledge the incredible physical feat your body has accomplished.
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Sleep on your left side — Sleeping on your left side is considered optimal as it prevents the heavy uterus from compressing the liver (which is on the right) and maximizes blood flow through the inferior vena cava to the baby.
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Check your posture — Avoid the classic 'pregnancy lean' (pushing your belly forward and leaning your shoulders back). It severely strains the lower back. Keep your pelvis tucked and shoulders relaxed.
"Halfway. The top of your uterus is level with your navel. You are carrying a half-pound human who can hear your voice and taste your food. The blueprint is complete; now, we grow."
— A Note From Your Body, Week 20