Era health

Baby development at 20 weeks

Published 05 March 2025 | Written by Dr Bruce B. Lanier

Tags:

Baby development at 20 weeks

Baby hiccups

If you notice some baby movements that feel like subtle, rhythmic jerking, don't worry – baby hiccups in the womb are totally normal. Many expecting moms start to feel baby hiccups around the same time they feel other fetal movements, typically between 16 and 22 weeks.

Your baby can taste

Many of your baby's taste buds can now transmit taste signals to their brain, and your baby is swallowing molecules of the food you eat that have passed through your blood into your amniotic fluid. Researchers aren't positive whether babies can taste these molecules, but some research indicates that what you eat during pregnancy can influence the foods your baby prefers later.

Having twins?

Learn more about being 20 weeks pregnant with twins.

Pregnancy symptoms during week 20

Itchy skin

You may feel especially itchy around your belly and breasts as your skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby. Many expecting moms experience itchy skin at some point. Use cold packs and slather on moisturizer for relief. (Scratching can make it worse!) Get more tips on easing the itch, and find out when itchy skin could signal a problem.

Restless sleep

Do you shift around all night trying to find a comfortable sleeping position? These suggestions may help: Lie on your side, with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. For extra comfort and support, arrange other pillows under your belly and behind your back. You can also try using a pregnancy pillow.

Hair and nail changes

Finally, some enjoyable pregnancy symptoms! You may be noticing you have longer nails and thicker hair at this point. Hair often gets thicker during pregnancy – not because you're growing more, but because estrogen makes the growth phase longer. Basically, you're losing less hair. All the hair you didn't lose during pregnancy will start shedding about three to five months after delivery. It's normal, but postpartum hair loss can come as a surprise. Also, your nails are growing faster than usual now and possibly looking different. Some expecting moms have harder nails, while others find their nails are softer or more brittle.

Lower back pain

You're likely to experience some lower back pain in pregnancy. Your growing uterus is putting strain on your back, and the extra weight you're carrying makes your muscles work harder. Plus, your hormones are making your joints and ligaments less stable. Some exercise can help ward off lower back pain: Weight training can help strengthen your core muscles, stretching increases flexibility in the muscles that support your back and legs, and swimming not only strengthens your body but also takes the strain off your joints and ligaments. To cope with lower back pain, try getting a prenatal massage, applying heat or cold, and learning relaxation techniques.

Constipation

Constipation during pregnancy is common, caused by hormone changes, decreased activity levels, and an expanding uterus. Constipation can cause other problems, too. One of the most common is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. To ease constipation, drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods like whole grains, exercise regularly, and talk to your provider. They may advise you to use a stool softener, take magnesium, or switch prenatal vitamins to one with less iron.

Pregnancy checklist at 20 weeks

Look for a pediatrician

You're going to see your baby's doctor a lot in the first few years. Get some tips on choosing a doctor for your baby, and make sure to pick someone you genuinely connect with. You can ask your ob-gyn or midwife, friends, and relatives for recommendations; then check to see who's covered by your insurance and conveniently located. See if you can meet your top candidates in person – there could be a charge, but insurance may cover it.

Treat yourself

You're at the halfway point in your pregnancy, so celebrate! How about a facial, prenatal massage, or pregnancy photoshoot to mark the occasion? If you don't feel like spending money, do something nice for yourself like getting books from the library, going on a beautiful walk, or taking a bubble bath.

Experiment in bed

At 20 weeks pregnant, some expecting moms find they have a higher sex drive and better orgasms because of increased blood flow and lubrication. For most women, sex during pregnancy is completely safe and beneficial – it helps you stay active, releases hormones that make you happy and relaxed, and facilitates a close bond with your partner. If your belly is starting to get in the way, experiment with pregnancy sex positions that will accommodate your bump.

Do a "brain dump"

If you're feeling stressed or having trouble falling asleep because your mind is racing, try writing down everything that's bothering you in a journal. Don't worry about making it neat or well written. The most important thing is to get the worries out of your head and on to the page.