How Does a 20 Weeks Fetus Look Like

What is going on with your baby during week 20?

Note: The length, weight and size mentioned below are only a guideline, as these vary from baby to baby and from one pregnancy to another.

Your baby is about 6½ inches (16cm) and weighs about 9 oz (260g). The skin covering your baby begins growing from two layers; the epidermis which is on the surface and the dermis which is the deeper layer. One of these layers contains epidermal ridges which are responsible for the surface patterns on fingertips, palms and soles and genetically determined. The dermis lies below the epidermis. Vernix which covers your baby's body offers baby's skin protection against the amniotic fluid in which your baby lies immersed for months. Hair first appears around 12-14 weeks and grows from the epidermis. Hair is first seen on the upper lip and eyebrow; it is usually shed around the time of birth and is replaced by thicker hair from new follicles. Your baby may start to make involuntary movements like grasping or rubbing hands together; such movements are not controlled by the brain.

Week 20 Fetus

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What is going on with you during week 20?

You may have started to develop a dark line - linea nigra - down the center of your abdomen between your belly button and your pubic area. It generally lengthens upwards following the fundus as your uterus grows, a very visual way to track your growing belly. This line is caused by hormonal changes and will disappear on its own after delivery. Growth of your uterus may have been irregular to this point but usually becomes more regular after week 20.

What is going on with your head during week 20?

Now that you have reached the halfway mark, the next thing on your mind is whether or not to join child birth classes, and if so, which ones make sense. Some couples swear by them while others see them as an utter waste of time. Childbirth classes can be fun and informative.

More On Week 20 During Pregnancy

What are the key advantages to signing up for childbirth classes?

Stretching abdominal muscles

Sexual relations during week 20

Bonding before birth week 20

Your Nutrition (Week 20)

Weighty issues during week 20

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