Dates and numbers:
There are 137 days until your due date on February 26, 2009.
You are 143 days pregnant.
You are 4.7 months pregnant.
You are in your 5th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: May 22, 2008 to August 20, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: August 21, 2008 to December 03, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: December 04, 2008 to February 26, 2009. (28 - 40 weeks)

Congratulations! This week marks the half way point of your pregnancy. It has been 18 weeks since the date of conception and your baby's crown-to-rump length is 5.6 to 6.4 inches. The fetus weighs about 9 ounces and your belly definitely has an obvious bulge. Your waistline has expanded and is no longer visible. Your uterus has now moved up enough that it is pushing your abdomen outwards. The top of your uterus is even with or just below your navel.
Sex organs are showing clearly on this girl
For the remainder of your pregnancy, the growing uterus puts pressure on your lungs, stomach and kidneys. This will make you feel short of breath, the need to urinate more frequently and can cause indigestion. The added pressure on your abdomen can also cause your bellybutton to protrude and cause an `outy` instead of an `inny`. Many pregnant women begin to notice stretch marks around this time as well. Your abdominal muscles are being stretched and pushed apart as your baby grows inside of you.
Your baby's skin begins to thicken this week and will develop four layers. Your baby's sebaceous glands secrete a waxy substance called vernix caseosa. Your baby will be born with this wax and it will look like paste. The vernix caseosa is crucial because it protects the fetus' fragile skin from the continuous immersion in amniotic fluid. Lanugo hairs secure the vernix caseosa in place and it is thick around the eyebrows. Scalp hair and toenails are beginning to form at this point. Hair can also be seen on the upper lip and eyebrows.
Around twenty weeks, most doctors will order a routine ultrasound to check the baby's development. Measurements will be taken and the sonogram technician will check to make sure there are no defects or abnormalities. Your ultrasound technician can also see how long your cervix is and can tell you approximately how much your baby weighs at this time. Most expectant women also find out the sex of their baby during this time! If your sonographer does not offer pictures, ask them for a copy of the photos.
Comments on week 20Comments 1-49 of about 2766 from week 20
24 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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Show latest comments from all weeksprettypenny -
19 minutes ago
I haven't had any BH yet. What do they feel like? When are we 'supposed' to get them? prettypenny -
36 minutes ago
Well I am of course having a boy, but I get sick everyday. Thank goodness I still have my Reglan!herewego -
4.7 hours ago
I'm from week 40, but I saw some of you talking about feeling dumber a few days ago - here's a new article refuting the myth of pregnancy brain: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081010/hl_afp/healthaustraliawomenpregnancy -----so who knows why we find our keys in the freezer sometimes :)MommyKourtneyandPrincess -
7.6 hours ago
I get BH contractions too..at this point i noticed alot of moms have started getting them so im assuming its normal. and wow...im going to have to start buying my baby stuff online now. What great deals. As far as the old wives tales and nausea go; i have had two boys and this is my second girl and with both my boys i was only sick during the first trimester and with both my girls i was sick till the 5th month..im just now getting over it with this baby girl and with my other daughter i was sick till around the time i found out her gender as well..maybe its all the estrogen or overdose of 'girl' chemicals from us and our daughters systems in our bodies that makes us sick..anyway..just a thought. Hope your all well.
Kourtneyieks -
9.7 hours ago
Tiny Tummies gas drops meant for babies always worked the best for me, I use them all the time for gas that hurts so bad that I'm bent over in pain. Works really good for heart burn too.hyperwink -
10 hours ago
For the ladies suffering from heartburn, my FIL takes organic (Braggs) apple cider vinegar for his heartburn. He mixes a tablespoon with water a couple of times a day and said that it really helped him. I think they have information on their website.Frances[hvng a Girl] -
10.6 hours ago
yesterday was my 20 week appointment, and Everything was perfect with the baby and we also found out we are having a GIRL GIRL GIRL!!!!!
i am sooooo extremely excited!hyperwink -
10.6 hours ago
For some reason, girls tend to make their moms queasier than boys. It's a old wives tale with a hint of truth. Even my u/s doc said that in all the years he's been doing it, he noticed that the really sick moms are more likely to have girls. Then he put the wand on my belly and blew that myth out of the water!!ieks -
10.7 hours ago
I read the comment about Ross and TJ Maxx and stuff, it is true THEY ARE GREAT (so is Marshalls). I was at both Ross and TJ Maxx yesterday, I unded up buying so many cute toys for cheap for my daughter (3 years old), I had to leave I was so tempted to buy so much. Just be prepared, the toy section is usually a wreck cause some parents, I won't name names, let their kids run wild and tear open the toys and throw them everywhere. Still worth it though. stargazer530 -
11.9 hours ago
From what I have read on different sites and from other pregnant women, it's not unusual to have them start in the second trimester. Plus, if they're infrequent and don't last long and there's no bleeding or anything it looks like it's just normal. Kinda scary though, huh?cassie -
12.1 hours ago
Last pregnancy I had a boy and nausia went away by the first trimester...this time its a girl and I'm nautious everydaymonjadety -
13.1 hours ago
Stargazer.. Funny you mention that too, though. Just last night before bed I had the wierdest cramps ever. Nothing like mentstral as they were all in the abdoment area & I just had to lye there for moment. It was wierd & I told DH about it & he was very concered. He wanted me to call the dr but they went away within 2 minuites. I've read up on braxton Hicks contractions & hope that its not bad to start having them this early in the pregnancy. Then again... I have to catch myself... EARLY??? We're 5 months already. only 4 more months to go....monjadety -
13.1 hours ago
Hey hyperwink.. What puking myth are you talking about? Were hvaing a boy & Im interested in what myth your talking about..stargazer530 -
13.3 hours ago
Thanks miracle3. This is my first time having them so I guess I just freaked out a little. I guess I had one a couple of weeks ago, I just didn't know what it was and I was half asleep since it happened when i got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom for the 100th time. Lol. Makes me feel better to know it's normal. Thanks! Miracle 3 -
13.5 hours ago
Yes - I have. I was getting them frequently with walking too. I could feel my whole uterus tighten and become hard and felt very crampy. All after sex about a week or so ago.( no bleeding) Got lots of the practice contractions with my other 2 babies and think they are starting up again this month. Although uncomfortable, I'm glad to start prepping for the big day. :-)stargazer530 -
13.7 hours ago
Good morning ladies. I was wondering if anyone else has had B/H contractions yet? I think this is what I experienced last night after sex, but want to be sure. It was like a slight pressure in my front, sorta from my bellybutton down. It only lasted a short time and I haven't had any bleeding or anything, just want o be sure this is normal. Thanks. hyperwink -
14 hours ago
It's a boy!!! Pretty Penny and I have officially broken the girl/puking myth!
Check out the sonogram picture. It is the only shot the baby would give us, he wouldn't show his face! This will look great in his baby book! Let's just say his daddy is, um...PROUD!prettypenny -
14.2 hours ago
Wow monjadety! I love Ebay, but even that was a good deal! I bought 2 lots, about 100 pieces of clothing age 0-9mo for about $50 with shipping on sunday. Maybe I should shop during the week. Still getting clothing for 50 cents a pop isn't to bad. I'm also waiting on a crib, Costco online sold out of the one I wanted. I've been waiting for a month! monjadety -
14.5 hours ago
Oh... Im also upset.. Yesteray we went to Burlington, Baby Depot, to buy the baby crib & they were all out of the one we wanted. Apparently, due to all the damage Ike caused a couple of the stores are closed closer to Galveston & the ones in our area are out of the stuff that I wanted. Another girl was there that wanted the same crib that I did & neither of us got it. The floor model was missing too from it hvaing been sold already... I asked the guy how much time it would take them to restock & get more of them cribs & he said it can take up to 16 weeks. DH & I just smiled & told him to put our names down cuz we have 20 more weeks to go.. Also, I bought the little one some baby stuff on Ebay yesterday & just love that I saved SOO much money. It was cheaper than going to a garage sale!! Got this one lot that had like 30 pieces of clothes for 3-6 months & paid only $4.99 for it. Awesome!!!monjadety -
14.6 hours ago
I too have felt my little guy move. Just yesterday he kicked or punched me like 5 times within 30 minuites. Yesterady DH tried to feel it & while the little guy was kicking me DH said he couldnt feel a thing. I believe him cuz I've tried to feel the baby with my hand & cant feel a thing with it but do feel it on the inside. Its something else!!!cool mum -
17.4 hours ago
does anyone has a weight problem? i've been told that im putting on weight so fast so i took an appointment from a health educator and need 2 run a glucose test...dieting is really not what i was expecting during my pregnancy. prettypenny -
21.8 hours ago
For all you moms who didn't vote, I think my gender poll is still active. If you want to go to my page you can find it faster. prettypenny -
21.9 hours ago
Yesterday my boy was kicking all day long. I told DH about it and he asked me 'when do you think I can feel him?' I've been telling him for a week that he's been kicking my hand...gezz. So he got really excited and tried to feel the baby, but no Bub was done for the night. MommyKourtneyandPrincess -
23.8 hours ago
well i got lots of pink today! But i didnt buy it..my friend has a 4 month old and gave me a big box of her daughters newborn, and 0-3 mnths clothes...she went crazy and bought everything she saw..lol..but now im benefitting from her compulsive shopping. hehe..anyway, i got so much stuff including 4 pairs of girl shoes that havent even been worn and half the stuff she gave me never got worn because she had so many clothes..they all still look brand new too..shes going to just keep giving me her daughters stuff as she grows out of it..just because shes such a good friend..plus she always buys her daughter the most adorable stuff and we have similar taste so she knows i like all the stuff she gets. Anyway i was in the hospital tonight with my sister because she thought her water was leaking but it wasnt..she is having her c-section this Monday..its crazy how time flies..i remember sitting with her in the bathroom when she took the test and now she is about to have her son..how exciting!! Anyway, hope your all doing well.
Kourtneymizzthrasher -
1 days ago
I found out today Iam having a boy. That makes 3 boys. I really thought it was going to be a girl. But instead I got a healthy baby boy. I am thrilled. Oh all the testosterone!!!preggiebelly -
1 days ago
YAY!!! Half way done!!!
Congrats 20 weekers!
Gotta love these new found leg cramps and the shortness of breath! :) sweetp22 -
1 days ago
OMG THE HEARTBURN!! I bought the chewy rolaids for heartburn and gas and it's not relieving either! I'm on my way to the store to get some TUMS. I wish I knew what foods to stay away from, but I just don't know what the culprit is.... HELP :)prettypenny -
1 days ago
Whoo! 20 weeks!!!!!mrshernandez -
1 days ago
Hello ladies... I'm from week 39! I'm here to give alittle advice. I know everyone is getting ready to do the nursery's for your lil ones. If you are looking for bedding don't go all out and think you have to have anything super expensive...I did and I feel like an idiot! I went to Ross and TJMaxx and Walmart and found really cute bedding for 1/2 if not more off of the price I paid for my bedding! And these places are also really go places to find really cute cheap clothes and blankets! And one more tip...register for free baby magazines...most have awesome coupons in them...Almost all have a 10% off any one item from Baby Depot...which is also a great store to get things from! Hope this helps you ladies! Goodluck...it's gonna be a bumpy ride!Ashley1562 -
1 days ago
Yes week twenty today and so excited! And i prey everything keeps going well and i hope all you ladies are doing well and havin wonderful pregnanciesBonbon81 -
1 days ago
I had such an emotional breakdown! It started when i woke up this morning and didnt have any hot water in my apartment. Then i got to work where half of my department is out and everyone keeps coming to me with issues that did not concern me. Then this one lady kept coming into my office to chat when i was super busy. Then to top it off an irate investor called and bitched me out. I got off the phone and burst into tears and just couldnt stop crying. Why did he have to pick on the pregnant emotional one?? I just want this day to be over.stargazer530 -
1 days ago
Thanks ladies. Glad it's not just me. Mommykourtner - I am having a little girl too. I can't stop buying her stuff. Everything is so cute! My husband told me the other day that she needed more than just pink things. Lol. I don't know if you have a Ross Dress for Less in your area or not, but I went and couldn't quit buying. They had little pink Dr. Seuss character onesies. They are going to look so adorable on her. Bonbon81 -
1 days ago
Stargazer..yes i feel the same way about being forgetful and absent-minded. I call it 'Preggo-Brain'!! I am focusing extra hard at work so i dont mess anything up!MommyKourtneyandPrincess -
1 days ago
well hmm..symptom list for week 20 so far..shortness of breath alot, heartburn,hungry constantly, stuffy nose this week, and yes STARGAZER i feel like im more clumsy,forgetful, and less intelligent lately..lol..but im having my GIRL so that completely overrides any symptoms that are annoying me..lol..i still cant believe im having a girl. I convinced myself almost this whole time that it was probably going to be my third boy..so even my husband is still saying it hasnt sunk in for him either because he also thought it was going to be a boy.I think the more pink i buy the more i will feel her girlish identity is a reality. So theres another excuse to buy more girly stuff..lol. My daughter has not stopped talking about how she is finally getting a sister. Everyday she says 'is it still a girl?' its so cute. Anyway, hope your all doing well.
Kourtneystargazer530 -
2 days ago
Has anyone else become slightly dumb during pregnancy? I have the normal forgetfulness, but I also feel like my intelligence has plummeted drastically. Especially at work. Maybe it's an effect of the hormones? Lol. I hope so!Miracle 3 -
2 days ago
Mr Active won't stop!! All day Yesterday and last night he was kicking hicupping and moving constant!:-) Fun but made me nervous as my 2nd girl was so overactive her 1st 2 years- ( thought I was going to have nervous break down) I hope he is a little more mello - somewhere between my older 2!! preggo again -
2 days ago
LOL AND NO HEARTBURN WITH THIS BABY ..... LAST BABY I HAD KILLER HEARTBURNpreggo again -
2 days ago
Today my little one is kicking me like Bruce Lee.
My little one is moving up a storm.Mumble -
2 days ago
I found out this morning that I am having a girl!!! not sure why but I got so emotional and burst into tears!!! and the husband was a bit suprised with my reaction!!! maybe it is the hormones...Bernice777 -
2 days ago
Last day in week 20! Oh my heartburn! Got some gaviscon for it yesterday, had one teaspoon full and nearly chucked. I won't even say what it reminded me of! It only worked for 30mins anyway. Still no cravings. Just cola cubes! Yesterday was the first day I felt and looked pregnant. Baby creeping up now and it feels so hard under my ribs. Could feel baby's feet kicking and stretching there all day. I see I'm not the only one who feels like they're finally stretching out. Get's a bit uncomfortable at times doesn't it? I'm definitely getting one of those pillows! Love B7 xMiracle 3 -
2 days ago
Thanks hyperwink - will have to check into it.. I toss and turn so much now although it takes more time..hehe Is it hard to move with such a huge pillow?rebbers -
2 days ago
Anyone else feel like that full switch to the stomach is turned off? I take meds for nausea or I wouldn't eat but seeing as I take them and they work great, I find now I just eat all the time and rarely feel full. Anyone else an eating machine? A bit worried because I was the same way with the first and she was a big baby, I am worried about having another big one or even bigger than the first ouchie.preggo again -
2 days ago
I MADE SOME ZESTY CHICKEN TACOS TONITE IT WAS GOOD WITH THE ZESTY SAUTED CHICKEN AND THE MEXI SHREDDED CHEESE SOUR CREAM SALSA CRISP SHREDDED LETTUCE AND JUICY MOUTH WATERING TOMATOES.... MMMMMM...... I GOT LEFT OVERS THAT I WILL EAT 3:00AM MY HUBBY SAID HE LIKED THE TACOS HES GONNA FIX ANOTHER.edhmom2b -
2 days ago
Anyone know anything about CAH? After having our level 2 ultrasound today we found out our genetic daughter has a penis and testicles. I had to do another amnio because I am hoping that they tested MY chromosomes instead of the baby's. If not the doctor thinks its CAH. I don't know much about it except I will have a Tom Boy I don't care about that but I do care about health issues. I've read a tiny bit about having to take medicine every day or she can die. babymomma143 -
2 days ago
YAYYYYY!!! The half way mark!! WOOHOO!! I got to go to the doc yesterday and it's a GIRL!! Yayyy!! I can't put into words how excited we all are. I have been having some serious stretching pains the past few days. The baby has been moving a lot! It is the sweetest feeling in the world. Makes me smile almost every time, even in the worst of moods. It's just a reminder that I am carrying a miracle. I can't wait to meet my daughter. I hope all is going well with all of you. God bless. Mumble -
2 days ago
I am 20week today, and got my next scan tomorrow... is it a boy or a girl?!!! I can't wait to find outMommy Lissa -
2 days ago
Anyone else have achey pelvic pain? Baby is sitting so low it feels like it's pinching nerves in my legs. This is my second pregnancy, so I've heard that can happen. Anyone know of any techniques to help relive pressure?MrsSilva -
2 days ago
Hey ladies! We're trying to vote to make this sight private so those sicko's that copy and paste pictures of us, our babies, bellies and familys, then use them for God knows what. So if you would please take a second to message Durk and tell him you would like the sight to be set as private that would be great. You can find him on your profile page somewhere on the top right 'ask Adm' them select Durk. THanks!
preggo again -
2 days ago
ive been having back pain and abdomninal painshug1stbebe -
2 days ago
I'm having sore bb's also. I also noticed a few droplets on the nipple of one the other night. But besides just being sore, are anyone elses itchy and flakey?