Pregnancy at 20 Weeks: Your Baby Can Taste!

Congratulations—you've officially reached the halfway point of your pregnancy! At 20 weeks, your baby is growing rapidly, your body is adjusting to new changes, and you’re likely feeling those little kicks and flutters more frequently. This is a big milestone, and while there’s still plenty of time before your due date, you may already be thinking about everything from baby names to nursery decorations. Let’s take a deep dive into what’s happening this week.

Your Baby’s Development at 20 Weeks

Baby Is Getting Stronger and More Active

Your baby is now around 10 inches long from head to toe and weighs about 12 ounces—roughly the size of a banana. While they still have plenty of growing to do, their movements are becoming more coordinated, and you’re probably feeling them more often. At this stage, your little one is stretching, kicking, rolling, and even practicing grasping movements with their tiny fingers. These movements will become stronger as the weeks go by, and soon, your partner or loved ones may even be able to feel them from the outside.

Baby’s Taste Buds Are Developing

Did you know that what you eat during pregnancy may influence your baby’s food preferences later in life? By week 20, your baby’s taste buds are fully developed and can transmit signals to their brain. Though scientists are still studying whether babies can truly «taste» flavors in the womb, research suggests that molecules from the foods you eat pass through your bloodstream into the amniotic fluid. Some studies even show that babies exposed to certain flavors in utero—like garlic, vanilla, or carrot—may prefer those tastes after birth!

Baby’s Hiccups Are Common

Feeling small, rhythmic jerking movements in your belly? That could be your baby experiencing hiccups! Many moms-to-be start noticing fetal hiccups around weeks 16 to 22, and while they may feel unusual at first, they’re completely normal. Hiccups happen as a result of your baby’s developing nervous system and growing diaphragm, which will eventually help them breathe outside the womb.

Major Internal Developments

• Digestive system: Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid, helping their digestive system mature.
• Reproductive system: If you’re having a girl, her uterus and ovaries are fully formed, containing millions of eggs. If you’re having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend from the abdomen.
• First waste production: Inside your baby’s intestines, meconium is forming—a thick, sticky, black-green substance that will be their first bowel movement after birth.

Changes in Your Body at 20 Weeks

Your Baby Bump Is More Noticeable

By now, your baby bump is likely rounding out and becoming more prominent. Many women notice that their belly button starts to flatten or even pop out around this time. This happens as your uterus expands and pushes against your abdomen. While it may feel strange, this is temporary—your belly button will return to normal after pregnancy, though it might look slightly different.

Fundal Height Measurements Begin

From this point forward, your healthcare provider will start measuring your fundal height—the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. Around week 24, this measurement in centimeters will typically match the number of weeks you are pregnant. This helps track your baby’s growth and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

Hair and Nail Changes

Thanks to increased estrogen levels, you may notice that your hair is thicker and shinier than ever. This isn’t because you’re growing new hair—it's actually because pregnancy slows down the natural shedding process. After delivery, however, many women experience postpartum hair loss, which can be surprising but is completely normal. Your nails may also grow faster, and while some women enjoy stronger nails during pregnancy, others find theirs become more brittle.

Skin and Body Changes

• Itchy skin: As your belly and breasts expand, the skin may feel dry and itchy. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly.
• Stretch marks: These pink or purple streaks may start to appear, especially on your abdomen, breasts, and thighs. While they won’t go away completely, they usually fade after pregnancy.
• Increased body temperature: Many moms-to-be feel warmer than usual due to increased blood flow. Staying hydrated and wearing light clothing can help.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 20 Weeks

Restless Sleep and Discomfort at Night

Getting comfortable in bed is becoming trickier as your belly grows. You might find yourself tossing and turning at night, struggling to find the right position. The best sleeping position during pregnancy is on your side, preferably your left, which improves blood flow to your baby. Try using a pregnancy pillow for extra support—it can help relieve pressure on your back, hips, and belly.

Lower Back Pain

Your growing uterus is shifting your center of gravity, which can put strain on your back muscles. Here are some ways to ease back pain:
✔ Prenatal yoga to strengthen core muscles
✔ Swimming for low-impact support and relief
✔ Prenatal massage to release tension
✔ Using a heating pad on sore areas

Constipation and Digestion Issues

Slower digestion, hormonal changes, and an expanding uterus can all contribute to constipation. To stay regular, focus on:
✔ Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
✔ Eating fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
✔ Exercising regularly to keep things moving
✔ Talking to your provider about safe stool softeners if needed

Pregnancy To-Do List at 20 Weeks

✔ Find a Pediatrician
Your baby will need a doctor right from birth, so now is a great time to start researching pediatricians. Ask your OB-GYN for recommendations, check with your insurance, and see if you can schedule an initial consultation with a few doctors.

✔ Celebrate the Halfway Mark
Reaching 20 weeks is a big deal! Treat yourself to something special—a prenatal massage, a spa day, or even a fun pregnancy photoshoot to document this milestone.

✔ Prepare for Changing Intimacy Needs
With increased blood flow and hormonal changes, some women experience a boost in libido during the second trimester, while others feel less interested in sex. Either way, it’s completely normal! If you’re feeling up for it, experimenting with different positions can help accommodate your growing belly.

✔ Write Down Your Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try keeping a pregnancy journal to organize your thoughts, record milestones, or simply vent. Writing things down can help clear your mind and reduce stress.

Your 20-Week Belly

At 20 weeks pregnant, your belly is rounding out, and your uterus has grown to about the level of your belly button. For many moms-to-be, this is the time when their bump becomes more noticeable, even to those who don’t know they’re pregnant.

What to Expect from Your 20-Week Belly

• Your belly button might change — Some women notice their belly button flattening or even popping out as their abdomen expands. This is temporary and will likely return to normal after birth.
• Everyone’s bump looks different — Factors like body type, muscle tone, and whether this is your first pregnancy can affect how your belly looks. Some bumps are round and prominent, while others may be smaller or carry lower.
• Stretch marks may start to appear — As your skin stretches, you might notice pink or purple streaks on your belly, hips, or breasts. Keeping your skin moisturized can help with dryness and itching.
• Tightness or mild discomfort is normal — Your uterus is growing and your abdominal muscles are stretching, which can cause some aches and pulling sensations.

Taking Care of Your Growing Belly

• Stay hydrated to support skin elasticity.
• Moisturize regularly to ease itchiness.
• Wear comfortable, supportive maternity clothing.
• Avoid sudden movements to prevent round ligament pain.

Your belly will continue to grow rapidly in the coming weeks, making it even more exciting to track your progress!