Start putting your hand on your tummy, because you may feel your baby moving around doing her baby gymnastics around this month. Few things are as exciting as feeling your baby kick for the first time. Your baby is starting to hear, so feel free to read a book out loud or have a little conversation with your little one. She will start to recognize your voice even before she is born, how cool is that?
In this article, we are going to help guide you through your 5th month of pregnancy.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What to expect from an ultrasound
- Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
- How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
- How big is my baby right now?
- Shopping List
- Homework for this month
What to expect from an ultrasound
Between your 18th and 20th week, you will likely have an ultrasound performed. This one will not be transvaginal and instead will be read by using a transducer that is placed on the outside of mom’s belly. With the assistance of a gel that is rubbed on mom’s skin, images are obtained.
This ultrasound may take longer than others that you have experienced in the past since the entire anatomy of the baby is being checked and evaluated. From head to toe, baby is being scanned to see what is going on in her development. The sonographer will be able to see the baby’s face, genitals, kidneys, spine, and many other anatomy factors. If you are watching the screen, you may be able to get a glimpse of baby sucking her thumb if she is already a thumb sucker.
Just let your provider know if you want to keep the sex (gender? Which term do you prefer?) of the baby a surprise so they can let you know when to close your eyes during the scan. If you are planning a gender reveal party, have your provider write the news on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope so you can deliver it to the
The sonographer will be checking to see if there are any aspects of your baby’s development that your health care provider should focus on. From genetic disorders to concerning growth rates, some outcomes can be seen on an ultrasound at this point. If there is any cause for concern, your provider will have a conversation with you about it.
Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
During this month, you are hopefully feeling well and are not having any major negative symptoms. Some symptoms you may experience around this time include:
- Formation of a linea negra- a dark vertical line that goes down a pregnant mama’s belly. Don’t worry – it goes away naturally after the birth of your little one
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased hunger
- Larger breasts
- Heartburn
- Snoring
- Leg cramps
How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
You will notice your belly will start to grow and be more noticeable during this month. You may be reaching a point where your belly could use a little extra support, like a belly band, to keep everything in a comfortable position.
How big is my baby right now?
Your baby is likely growing at a nice pace around this month and is approximately the size of a mango. She will likely measure around 6.0 inches long and weigh around 8.5 ounces.
Shopping List
Some items that could help support your body during this month include:
If your partner is complaining that you are suddenly a snorer, know that this is very common and due to hormonal changes. Try some old-school breathing strips or a humidifier to give you some relief.
Is heartburn getting to you? You are running out of space in your body as your baby takes up more real estate, and as a result your stomach is being pushed up and may give you heartburn. Stay away from spicy foods and caffeine, and consider an antacid like Tums if it is ok with your health care provider
Many women’s appetite ramps up around this time in her pregnancy and sometimes hunger strikes at the worst times. Carry some dried fruit snacks like Rind snacks or a fiber-rich protein bar like zing bars to keep you satisfied and to help avoid the hangry monster from coming out to visit.
You may notice some dark spots appearing on your face. Blame those pesky hormones for this frustrating side-effect of pregnancy. To keep your skin healthy and to possibly support your skin to go back to what it was pre-pregnancy, get yourself a cute hat that has SPF to block the harmful sun rays.
Belly bands are a wonderful item to start wearing if you need the extra support.
Homework for this month
Sciatica is back pain associated with the sciatic nerve and is common in pregnancy. If you are experiencing sciatica, check in with a physical therapist who can teach you some stretches to help give you some relief
If you are planning on using a cord bank to preserve your baby’s cord blood, now is a good time to begin doing some research on the topic. Your health care provider is a great resource.
Start considering which qualities you want in a pediatrician and schedule an introductory visit to take place in the beginning of your third trimester if you want to interview more than one provider.
As you progress in your pregnancy, making sure your own needs are being met is important. Now is a good time to explore prenatal yoga if your health care provider agrees that it is appropriate for your body. Prenatal yoga can help support the muscles you will be using during labor and help give your body some relief through strategic stretches. If yoga isn’t your thing, make sure you are doing something that helps manage your stress level. This practice will help you through your parenthood journey for years to come.
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