posted 26th October 2026
From 16 to 20 Weeks: How Your Baby Changes
Between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, your baby goes through an exciting period of growth and development.
Their body continues to become more proportionate, their movements develop and their facial features become increasingly defined. For many parents, this stage also brings the anticipation of the NHS anomaly scan and the possibility of seeing their baby in greater detail.
If you're between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant, here's what is happening during these important weeks.
At 16 weeks: A growing, active baby
At 16 weeks, your baby is around 11–12 cm long from head to bottom, although individual measurements vary.
Their head, body, arms and legs are recognisable, and their joints allow a growing range of movement.
Your baby's facial features are developing, while the eyes and ears continue to mature.
Although your baby is already moving, you may not yet feel those movements. Some women begin to notice gentle flutters around this stage, while others feel them later.
At 17 weeks: Continued growth and development
During week 17, your baby continues to grow and develop.
Their skeleton is gradually becoming firmer, and body tissues continue to mature. Your baby can move their arms and legs, turn and stretch, although you may not feel these movements consistently yet.
The placenta is also continuing to support your baby's growth by providing oxygen and nutrients.
Every pregnancy develops at its own pace, so the changes you read about are general milestones rather than an exact timetable for every baby.
At 18 weeks: Movements and changing features
At around 18 weeks, your baby is becoming increasingly active.
Some parents begin to recognise their baby's movements more clearly, while others may still be waiting to feel them.
The facial features are developing, and the baby's overall proportions continue to change.
This is also around the time when the NHS anomaly scan may be approaching. In England, it is usually offered between 18 and 21 weeks.
The appointment has a clinical purpose: it examines the baby's development and checks for a range of physical conditions.
At 19 weeks: Approaching the halfway point
At 19 weeks, you're nearly halfway through a typical 40-week pregnancy.
Your baby's body continues to grow, and their movements may become more noticeable as the weeks progress.
The skin and other tissues are developing, and the nervous system is continuing to mature.
You may also notice changes in your own body, including a growing bump, changes in appetite or new aches and stretching sensations.
If you have questions about your symptoms or pregnancy progress, your midwife is the best person to advise you.
At 20 weeks: A major pregnancy milestone
At 20 weeks, you are approaching the halfway point of pregnancy.
Your baby has developed considerably since the early weeks, and their head, body, limbs and facial structures are increasingly recognisable.
Many parents have their NHS anomaly scan around this time. The exact appointment date varies, as the scan is generally offered between 18 and 21 weeks.
During this clinical examination, trained professionals assess a range of aspects of the baby's anatomy. They may also examine the position of the placenta and other relevant features.
It is important to attend your NHS appointment even if you have already had a private scan. A private reassurance scan does not provide the same screening or diagnostic assessment.
Can an ultrasound show these changes?
Ultrasound can provide a window into your baby's development.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the baby's position and the type of scan, you may be able to see the head, body, limbs and movements.
A private scan can offer an additional opportunity to see your baby and share the experience with someone close to you.
However, not every feature will be visible at every appointment, and images cannot provide a complete picture of your baby's health.
At Daisyscan, our scans are non-diagnostic and are not intended to replace routine maternity care or medically indicated examinations.
What if I haven't felt my baby move yet?
The timing of first movements varies, particularly between first and subsequent pregnancies.
Some women begin to feel movement around 16–20 weeks, while others notice it later.
If you have not felt movement by 24 weeks, contact your midwife for advice. If you have previously felt your baby move and notice a reduction or change in the pattern, contact your maternity team promptly rather than waiting for a scan.
A private ultrasound should not be used to assess concerns about reduced fetal movement.
Making the most of this stage
The weeks between 16 and 20 are full of changes, both for your baby and for you.
You may be beginning to feel movements, preparing for your anomaly scan or simply enjoying the excitement of watching your pregnancy progress.
There is no need to experience every milestone at exactly the same time as someone else. Your maternity team can help answer questions about your individual pregnancy.
Share a special moment with Daisyscan
If you would like an additional opportunity to see your baby during this stage of pregnancy, Daisyscan offers private, non-diagnostic ultrasound scans in a welcoming environment.
Our qualified midwife sonographers will explain what can be seen during your appointment and help you enjoy this special moment.
Your routine NHS appointments remain essential, and our scans are designed to complement—not replace—your maternity care.