The countdown is on when you're 5 months pregnant! You'll be meeting your sweet bundle of joy in the near future.
This month brings some exciting developments for both you and your baby. To help you stay on track, here’s an overview of what’s happening at five months pregnant.
Table Of Contents
- 5 Months Pregnant: Your Baby
- 5 Months Pregnant: Your Body And Mind
- 5 Months Pregnant: Doctor Visits
- What To Do When You’re 5 Months Pregnant
5 Months Pregnant: Your Baby
Running from weeks 18 to 22, month five of your pregnancy falls in your second trimester. It marks the halfway point of your pregnancy.
Inside your womb, your little one is continuing to grow and develop. Here’s what they’re doing in there.
Developmental Milestones
Your baby is a mover and a shaker, and many expecting moms feel this movement for the first time this month. This quickening is one of the best parts of pregnancy! The tiny twitches help reassure you that a baby really is growing inside you.
At this stage, you may not notice consistent kicks yet. That’s because your baby is still small, and your body cushions much of the impact. But as they get stronger, the movements will as well. And since this is the month your baby starts putting on fat, you’ll feel lots of movement in no time.
Their hair is also growing. Soft hair, known as lanugo, forms on their shoulders and back to help with temperature regulation.
In addition, vernix caseosa is forming. This is a thick biofilm that coats your baby’s skin. It’s thought to protect their skin from the amniotic fluid and help them prepare for birth and life outside of the womb.
Baby’s Size
By the end of the fifth month of pregnancy, your baby is about 10 inches long, which is about the length of a banana. And they weigh between ½ a pound to a pound.
5 Months Pregnant: Your Body And Mind
Your pregnancy is chugging along. And just when you think you're getting used to carrying a baby, a new symptom pops up. To help you sort through what's normal and what's not, here are a few changes you may experience this month.
Physical Changes
Your 5-month pregnant belly is growing bigger, so your center of gravity has shifted. As a result, you may feel unsteady on your feet and clumsier than normal.
Don’t worry. You’ll get your balance back after delivery. Until then, be extra careful when you’re on your feet.
Let's look at some other physical symptoms you may notice.
Lower Back Pain
The extra weight of your baby bump may lead to lower back pain. It feels like a dull ache and is most noticeable after long periods of standing or sitting.
To help manage this symptom, practice good posture and do light stretches or yoga poses that focus on strengthening your core muscles. A prenatal massage can also bring relief, especially if our Melting Massage Balm is used.
Swollen Feet
As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll likely experience swelling in your feet and ankles. The extra fluid causes this symptom.
Taking breaks and putting your feet up throughout the day can help reduce swelling. You may also want to wear compression socks or opt for shoes with roomy toes.
Also, if your swelling becomes severe, call your doctor immediately. It could be a sign that there’s a problem.
Snoring
As your 5-month pregnant belly grows, you may find yourself snoring more often. This is due to the extra weight pressing down on your diaphragm and airways, making breathing harder.
To reduce snoring, make sure you’re getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and lying on your side instead of your back. And if your partner is having trouble sleeping, try using a white noise machine to mask the sound.
Practice Contractions
You may start feeling practice contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks, this month. These harmless contractions usually feel like a tightening in your abdomen. They can frequently happen throughout the day but typically don’t increase in intensity.
Braxton Hicks contractions don’t indicate labor has started, but they help your body prepare for the real thing. Often, taking a warm bath or simply changing positions can help alleviate the pain. You can also try drinking a tall glass of water.
If the contractions don't go away or if they become more regular and intense, call your doctor. It could be a sign of preterm labor.
Restless Nights
It's much harder to get comfortable at night when you have a baby bump. Add to this the fact that you're likely getting up to go pee, and it's no wonder pregnancy can result in many restless nights.
To get the best sleep possible, try sleeping on your left side. This position helps improve blood flow to your baby. Also, try using pregnancy pillows or cushions for extra comfort. These help you stay positioned correctly so you don’t roll as much during the night.
Emotional Changes
Your emotions may be all over the place this month. Here's what you might experience:
Pregnancy Brain
If you feel like your brain is wrapped in cotton wool, you’re not alone. This stage of pregnancy can often bring on pregnancy brain — forgetfulness, fatigue, and difficulty focusing.
To help combat this foggy feeling, try jotting down notes and reminders for yourself. You may also want to get more sleep and exercise. Both of these things can help clear the cobwebs.
Moodiness
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may cause you to feel more emotional. It’s perfectly normal to feel joyful one moment and sad the next. These mood swings just come with the territory of carrying a baby.
Deeper Connection To Baby
When you feel your baby's first kick, it can be a very magical moment. You can feel just how alive and vibrant this little being you’ve been carrying inside of you is. As a result, you often form an even stronger bond with your little one.
5 Months Pregnant: Doctor Visits
At this point in your pregnancy, you’re still visiting the doctor once a month. When you head in for your five-month appointment, here are some things that might happen.
Measure Fundal Height
Your doctor will likely measure your fundal height — the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus — to check on the baby’s growth. Typically, this length will be one centimeter for every week you are pregnant.
Listen To Fetal Heartbeat
Your doctor will likely also listen to the baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler. This lets you hear your baby's heart pumping away, which is always a reassuring sound.
Check Your Blood Pressure
To make sure you're not developing preeclampsia, your doctor will check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a sign of this condition, so getting tested regularly is important.
Get An Ultrasound
Your baby is the perfect size for an in-depth ultrasound. This scan can give you a better look at how they develop inside the womb, including their features and organs.
And, if you're eager to plan a gender reveal party, the 20-week ultrasound is the perfect time to find out if you're having a boy or a girl!
What To Do When You’re 5 Months Pregnant
Now that you know what to expect during your fifth month of pregnancy, here’s a checklist of things you should do around this time:
- Start planning your baby’s nursery
- Decide if you want a gender reveal party and plan it if you do
- Get your ultrasound to check on your baby’s development
- Research options for your birth plan
- Keep brainstorming baby names
- Take a bath to help relax and use Mustela Shampoo & Body Cleansing Bar to get clean
- Look for childbirth classes in your area
- Keep stretch marks at bay with Stretch Marks Oil
- Go on a date with your partner. It’s easy to get caught up in all things baby, and it’s important to spend time with your partner, too.
5 Months Down, 4 To Go!
When you're 5 months pregnant, it's a great time to prepare for your little one's arrival. But don’t get so busy you wear yourself out. Instead, take some time to enjoy these last few months of pregnancy.
Cherish the moments when you feel your baby kick. Enjoy a bath, rub some Stretch Marks Oil on your growing belly, take a walk in nature, or just curl up on the couch and rest.
You only have four months to go before your little one arrives, so make the most of each day while you get ready for the thrilling journey ahead!