20 Week BUMPDATE | Anatomy scan!

Oh my goodness, hitting the 20-week mark and finally having that anatomy scan is such a huge milestone in pregnancy! I know for me, it felt like we'd been waiting ages for this appointment. It's not just about finding out the gender, though that's definitely a highlight, but it's primarily about ensuring your little one is growing healthy and strong. When you go in for your 20-week anatomy scan, sometimes called a mid-pregnancy scan or level 2 ultrasound, they'll be doing a really detailed check-up on your baby from head to toe. The sonographer will carefully examine all of the baby's vital organs – like the heart, brain, kidneys, and spine – to make sure everything is developing as it should be. They'll count fingers and toes, check the placenta's position, measure the amniotic fluid, and even look at blood flow. It’s truly incredible to see! For me, walking into that scan, I had so many emotions. A little nervousness, a lot of excitement, and just a deep hope that everything would be okay. When the tech started pointing out all the different parts and saying 'perfect,' it was such a relief. They also gave us an estimated weight – for our little guy, it was around 11oz +/- 2oz, which is right on track for 20 weeks! Seeing the baby kick and wiggle so much, and knowing all those essential checks came back clear, was just the best feeling. It makes all the nausea and exhaustion worth it. If you're heading for your own 20-week scan soon, here are a few tips I found helpful. First, don't be afraid to ask questions! This is your opportunity to understand your baby's development. Second, sometimes they recommend coming with a full bladder initially, but then you might be asked to empty it for better views later – so be prepared for both! Some parents also like to have a little snack before to encourage baby movement, although it's not always necessary. Beyond the scan, 20 weeks is such a magical time. You're halfway there! Movement becomes much more noticeable and frequent, which is such a comforting feeling. I've definitely felt stronger kicks and even think I felt hiccups once, which was so wild! Your bump is probably starting to 'pop' more prominently, and you might feel a surge of energy compared to the first trimester. It's a fantastic time to really connect with your pregnancy and start preparing for arrival. Enjoy every moment of this incredible journey!