Your developing baby – week 20

by Kaiser Permanente |
Fetus at week 20, illustration

This week we start measuring your baby from head to heel, and they’re about 10.5 inches long now. They weigh around 10 ounces and are about the size of an artichoke. 

As your baby continues to develop, their:

  • Eyelids now have tiny eyelashes, and their eyes can open and close.
  • Fingers have nails and fingerprints.
  • Some of the lanugo (fine downy hair) begins to disappear, especially from the face.
  • The part of the brain that controls motor movements is fully formed.
  • Digestive system is working. 
  • Ears, nose, and lips are recognizable on an ultrasound exam.

Your baby can suck their thumb and grip firmly with their hand. You may feel your baby kick and stretch more, especially in response to loud noises. You might want to talk to your baby every day. After birth, they’ll be able to recognize you and your loved ones’ voices.

This article has been created by a national group of Kaiser Permanente ob-gyns, certified nurse-midwives, pediatricians, lactation consultants and other specialists who came together to provide you with the best pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn information.

Some of the content is used and adapted with permission of The Permanente Medical Group.

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