Second trimester
20 weeks pregnant
Baby is about the size of a banana.
Week 20 of 40 · in your second trimester · Updated
Your baby this week
Halfway! ✨ Baby weighs about 10 oz and is the size of a banana.
- You're halfway through your pregnancy! Baby weighs about 10 oz (300g) and is roughly 6 inches long crown to rump.
- Baby is producing meconium — a sticky greenish substance that will be their first bowel movement after birth.
- Patterns of sleeping and waking are emerging.
Your body this week
Belly is showing for most. The anatomy scan is typically this week.
- You might feel kicks more clearly now — many describe them as popcorn or gentle taps.
- Your uterus is at your belly button level.
- Total weight gain so far should be around 10 lb (4.5 kg) on average, though normal varies widely.
Common symptoms
- Definite movements/kicks
- Shortness of breath
- Sore back/hips
- Increased appetite
- Stretch marks
Things to do this week
- Anatomy ultrasound (if not done yet)
- Start a baby registry
- Tour potential hospitals/birth centers
- Choose a pediatrician
Tip
Start thinking about a birth plan and pediatrician choices.
For partners this week
Halfway there!
- If the anatomy scan hasn't happened yet, book the time off to come.
- Start the baby registry together.
- Look into where you'll give birth and book a tour if they offer them.
Typical visits around this week
Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.
Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)
Weeks 12–28
Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
- Is this symptom I've been having normal?
- What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
- What's coming up before my next visit?
Anatomy (detailed) ultrasound
Weeks 18–22
A detailed ultrasound, usually at 18–22 weeks, that looks at the baby's brain, face, heart, spine, organs, arms and legs, and checks growth and where the placenta is.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Can my partner come, and can we have pictures?
- Where is the placenta, and does that matter for us?
- When will my provider go over the results with me?
- If we want to know the sex, can it be shared at this scan?
Coming up
Gestational diabetes screening
Weeks 24–28
A blood sugar test offered to everyone between 24 and 28 weeks. It usually starts with a sweet drink and a blood test an hour later; if that result is high, a longer fasting test follows. Some people are tested earlier.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Do I need to fast or change what I eat beforehand?
- How long should I plan to be at the lab?
- When will I hear about my results?
- What happens if I need the second test?
A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →
Follow your pregnancy week by week in MyBabyBase.
A due-date countdown, a mood and symptom journal, appointments, and a safe place for your documents — all in one hub.
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Further reading from health authorities
- Pregnancy — Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Your pregnancy — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
- Week-by-week guide to pregnancy — NHS (UK)
- Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)