5 Months Pregnant

2 min. Read

You've made it to halfway through your pregnancy!

This month you’ll really start to feel your little one's presence in your uterus. There's plenty of room for them to squirm around in and you can bet they will be making the most of it!

Most importantly this month, look after yourself. With all that is going on inside, it's good to be a bit selfish and rest more than you might feel you need to.

Your second trimester is commonly labeled the feel-good trimester. Make the most of it and consider going on a relaxing vacation with your partner while you're feeling relatively well and comfortable.

On an exciting note, your baby's reproductive organs and genitals are now fully developed. Your healthcare provider will be able to reveal whether you are having a boy or girl. Don't feel pressured to find out just yet. It's a very personal decision and completely your own.

You at 5 months pregnant

You might be starting to show now. Your uterus has certainly grown, and you may have put on some extra pounds which is normal and very healthy. At the end of this month your healthcare professional might suggest scheduling a 20-week scan. This ultrasound will analyze your baby's growth and development and confirm your due date. As you progress through your pregnancy, you may experience some mid-pregnancy aches and pains. An achy abdomen or back, feeling dizzy, heartburn, constipation, and slightly swollen feet and ankles are all very common symptoms at this point in your pregnancy. However, consult your healthcare professional if any of your symptoms alarm you or seem excessive.

Your baby at 5 months pregnant

Your baby is now close to half the length it will be at birth. Its growth spurt is slowing down and putting on fat will now be the reason for your baby's growth. This month your little one will also be testing out its reflexes. During an ultrasound you might see your baby yawn, stretch, suck, swallow or even get the hiccups. Sounds will affect your baby now too. They can hear your voice, your heartbeat and music playing around you. Singing and talking to your baby from this point onwards can help to soothe them after childbirth when they recognize familiar sounds. Other loud sounds can even make them jump or shield their little ears.

Things to think about

If you've heard the term pregnancy brain now is the time that you or others might notice it come into effect. Jotting down notes and helpful reminders is a good idea from here on out. Most importantly, this month should be all about looking after you. In particular:

Dizziness and feeling faint is very common at five months pregnant. Sit or lie down if you feel lightheaded and don’t stand up too quickly.
If your back gets sore, watch your posture and again, lie down if you need to. If you're still working, make sure you sit in an ergonomic chair, avoid standing for long periods of time and always lift with your leg strength not your back.
If you haven’t already, consider enrolling in a local childbirth class with your partner. Labor can be a very challenging experience, both mentally and physically, and feeling prepared will be a huge help when the time comes.

From conception to birth, track your pregnancy week by week with Huggies.

The information of this article has been reviewed by nursing experts of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). The content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations/diagnosis or treatment. For more advice from AWHONN nurses, visit Healthy Mom&Baby at health4mom.org.