You're about halfway through your pregnancy – what a milestone!
Your belly is starting to show, and your baby is developing at lightning speed. You might soon feel the first movements—something many parents describe as magical. At the same time, you probably have new questions: about your body, your baby, and what needs to be arranged when. In this module, you’ll find clear information, practical tips, and an overview of what matters most right now.
In this module:
- How you and your baby are changing
- Partner: your role during this time
- What we will do for you
- Checklist: your to-do’s
How You and Your Baby Are Changing
What’s happening with your baby?
Your baby is growing rapidly—by the end of week 20, they’re about 25 centimetres long (crown to heel) and weigh around 300 grams. The skeleton is strengthening, and muscles are developing—so you may soon feel those first little kicks! This usually happens somewhere between weeks 16 and 20, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The skin is still translucent but is gradually being coated in a protective waxy layer called vernix.
And here’s something special: your baby’s taste buds are already active. When you eat something with a strong flavour (like garlic or spices), your baby can taste it through the amniotic fluid. The ears are fully formed now, and your baby can hear more clearly—your heartbeat, digestion, and even voices from outside.
What’s changing in your body?
Your bump is now becoming visibly round—a moment that can feel both exciting and vulnerable. Some people may start congratulating you or asking questions, and not everyone feels comfortable with that. It's completely fine to set boundaries.
Internally, your body is working at full capacity. By mid-pregnancy, your uterus reaches up to your belly button. This can put pressure on your bladder or bowels. Your blood volume keeps increasing, which may leave you short of breath or more easily tired. Your skin may also respond to the hormones, with pigmentation changes (like the “pregnancy mask”), itchiness, or a dark line on your belly (the linea nigra). All of this is normal—and usually temporary.
Many people feel more energetic during these weeks than they did in the first trimester. It’s a great time to prepare things—or simply enjoy bonding with your growing belly.
Partner: your role during this time
Maybe you’ve already felt the baby move, or heard the heartbeat. These are powerful moments – and they can help you connect more deeply with the pregnancy. Even simple things like putting your hand on the belly or talking to the baby can strengthen your bond.
You may notice your partner becoming more focused on preparing things: the nursery, the checklist, what to buy. You might feel it’s too early – but for many pregnant people, that need comes from a real place. They might sense they’ll have less energy or mobility later on. Talk it through and make a plan together. What needs to happen now, and what can wait? Finding common ground helps avoid stress.
The 20-week scan is coming up soon. Take time to talk about what you both expect, and how you want to handle different outcomes. You’re not just support – your perspective matters too.
What We Will Do
During this stage, you’ll typically have about two check-ups with us, though more frequent visits are always possible if needed or if you’d like. Each appointment lasts about 20 minutes. (Up to 24 weeks, you’ll usually visit us every 4–6 weeks. From 24 to 30 weeks, every 3 weeks. From 30–36 weeks, every 2 weeks. And from 37 weeks onwards, weekly.)
At each visit, we’ll check on your baby’s development by:
- Feeling your belly
- Measuring the baby’s size
- Estimating the amount of amniotic fluid
- Checking the baby's position (from 28 weeks onward)
- Assessing the tension of your uterus
- Measuring your belly growth
- Listening to the baby’s heartbeat
- Occasionally doing an ultrasound
We’ll also monitor your health by:
- Measuring your blood pressure
- Running blood tests (sometimes)
- Tracking your weight (sometimes)
Of course, there's always time during every check-up to answer your questions.
Heartbeat drop-in (Hartjesspreekuur)
Sometimes you just want some reassurance—just to hear that everything is okay in there. That’s why we offer the Hartjesspreekuur: a walk-in moment to listen to your baby’s heartbeat without a full check-up.
Checklist – Your To-Do’s
- Read the articles in Module 3
- Decide whether you want the 20-week ultrasound scan. If so, schedule this at an ultrasound centre.
- Planning childcare after your baby’s birth? Start visiting daycare centres and put your name on waiting lists early.
- If you’re not married or in a registered partnership, the baby must be legally acknowledged by the father or co-parent at the city district office before birth. Waiting times can be up to 3 months, so plan this early.
- After 22 weeks, make an appointment with the child health clinic for the whooping cough vaccination (and possibly the flu vaccine). This protects your baby immediately after birth.
- Sign up for pregnancy exercise or yoga classes and a birth prepariation course.
- If you’d like, start ordering furniture and a stroller for your baby’s room. Delivery times of 10 weeks are quite common!
Curious about what else is coming up? Check out the full Pregnancy Checklist.