Halfway There: Weeks 19-20

The halfway mark: 20 weeks pregnant

Congratulations, you've made it halfway.

Hopefully, the first-trimester sickness and exhaustion are behind you, and you're starting to feel like yourself again. How ever you’re feeling at 20 weeks, you’ve officially made it halfway. That’s worth marking.

Your bump is properly showing now, and you’ve likely built a survival wardrobe starring a great-fitting pair of maternity jeans and a few pairs of your favourite leggings

What’s happening at 20 weeks pregnant?

New pregnancy symptoms can crop up at this stage: say hello to heartburn, backache, and midnight leg cramps. On the flip side, your baby can now suck their thumb, pull faces, and is beginning to hear sounds, making those chats and songs to your bump feel all the sweeter.

Feeling your baby move for the first time is an exciting milestone, and those first little flutters often start around now. Most mums-to-be begin feeling movement between 16 and 24 weeks, though if it’s your first baby, it can take a bit longer. But remember, if you’re worried about your baby’s movements, you can contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice.

Your 20-week scan

Few pregnancy appointments carry quite as much anticipation as your 20-week scan. It’s another precious chance to see your baby, but also an important screening appointment so it’s completely natural to feel apprehensive alongside the excitement.

Usually happening between 18 and 21 weeks, this is a far more detailed check than your 12-week scan. The sonographer will look closely at everything from their brain and heart to their spine, hands, and feet.

Between all the measuring, you get a proper look at them too , a clear profile, tiny fingers and toes, and maybe a few somersaults on screen. It can be a hugely reassuring moment.

“After the scan I felt like I could finally relax and start enjoying the second half of my pregnancy.”

Ayesha, mum to Marley, 6 weeks

Can you find out your baby’s sex at the 20-week scan?

Boy or girl? Perhaps you’ve already got a theory and you can bet friends and family do too. Craving Haribos and M&Ms? Someone will tell you it’s a girl. Can’t get enough salt and vinegar crisps? Apparently, it’s a boy. Just remember, getting an answer on the day comes down to hospital policy and whether your baby decides to face the right way.

Practical things to think about at 20 weeks pregnant

If you’re working, now’s a good time to start planning your maternity leave. Check what pay and leave you’re entitled to, decide when you might want to stop working, and find out what notice your employer needs.

Around this point, your midwife or doctor can issue your MAT B1 form, which you’ll need as proof of pregnancy to claim Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. If you haven't received yours, ask at your next midwife appointment.

There may still be places at your nearest NCT class, so take a look at what’s available near you. With around 95% of parents staying in touch with the group they meet through NCT, you might just find your future parenting crew there too.

Starting to think about the big buys

The 20-week scan is a pregnancy milestone and for many parents, it’s when they finally feel comfortable buying those first things for their baby.

“The day after the scan I splurged on an adorable romper set, cardi and pramsuit. It felt like such a treat to get some baby bits at last.”

Freya, mum to Isla, 2 months

And it’s not just the tiny clothes. As you move through the second half of pregnancy, thoughts turn to choosing some of the bigger things too, test-driving travel systems, finding the car seat that will bring your baby home, or picking out the crib that will sit beside your bed. Sorting out the practical essentials can be surprisingly exciting and brings you a step closer to meeting your little one.

Enjoy a personal shopping experience

If you’d like a hand narrowing things down, we’re here to help. You can book a free Buying for Baby appointment for relaxed, one-to-one advice – in store or virtually – tailored to you, your home and your budget.

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