Day 140 of 280, second trimester
You are 20 weeks exactly
Congratulations, you're halfway through your pregnancy. In about 20 weeks, you'll be a mom.
140 days until your due date
Does it feel like forever, or has it flown by? From now on you really are counting down. Hopefully you feel fine physically at this halfway point: you're not yet weighed down by a big belly and probably have a fair amount of energy. You may still be emotional, although you (and your partner) will probably be used to the mood swings by now.
You'll keep having prenatal appointments about every four weeks. Your doctor is there to monitor your health and your baby's progress, but also to help, so ask her advice on coping with any discomforts as you get bigger.
Good to know
Sitting correctly
Good posture can reduce pregnancy discomforts, including backache. When sitting, make sure the back of the chair supports your lower back and keep your feet flat on the floor. Sit upright with your legs apart and feet firmly on the floor to align your spine, with your lower back resting against the chair.
Yoga is a great way to learn to hold your body correctly, keeping your spine aligned and your lower back supported.
As a matter of fact
Elephant pregnancies
An elephant's pregnancy lasts an incredible 22 months, the longest of any land animal.
Newborn elephants typically weigh 260 lb (120 kg), so if your pregnancy is starting to feel long and your baby a bit heavy, spare a thought for our large-eared friends!
Ask a Doctor
I haven't felt my baby move yet. Should I be worried?
There's no need to worry yet, because your recent scan should have shown all is well. With a first baby, you may not recognize the early movements, and if you're active, you may miss the slight flutters. Women with a placenta at the front of the uterus, and larger women, may feel movements later.
Once you do feel movements, don't focus on every one. It's not until around 28 weeks that monitoring the pattern matters; from then on, how much, how, and when your baby moves show that the placenta is sustaining the pregnancy and your baby's muscles are developing. If you're ever worried about a lack of movement, talk to your doctor.
Appointments and key dates around now
- 20-week screening scanBetween 18 and 21 weeks
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
- MATB1 form available
Read the full 20 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.