5th Month of Pregnancy: Baby Kicks, Ultrasound and Tips
Now, you are half way through your pregnancy, and your baby is sucking on its thumbs and moving more often. If you missed the last post, read about the fourth month of pregnancy.
What happens during the fifth month?
It is a time when your baby gets its own unique set of fingerprints. Cleveland Clinic says the skin is covered with a white coating called vernix, and a soft fuzzy hair called lanugo helps keep the baby warm. The baby now often sucks its thumb. It is also the month when many women first feel the baby move. These first movements are called quickening and can feel like a flutter. At this stage, your baby can hear, and loud noises may even wake your baby up. Playing gentle soothing lullabies is a wonderful way to begin bonding with your baby. Sweet Dreams Lullaby is a soft bedtime song with the words "Sweet dreams for my baby." You can find more calm songs for you and your baby on our music page. Your tummy will start becoming more visible, and the breasts will also change in size. So make sure that you wear loose clothes, and wear a bra of the right size.
Measures to take
This is the time when your doctor will offer a detailed ultrasound. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says this exam is usually done at 18 to 22 weeks. It checks how your baby's body is developing, screens for major problems and shows the location of the placenta. It can also show your baby's movement, breathing, heart rate, size and the amount of fluid around the baby. If the baby is in a good position, it may be possible to tell the sex.
If you had a baby born too early before, talk with your doctor about ways to lower the risk this time. ACOG says vaginal progesterone may be given if an ultrasound shows you have a short cervix.
How much weight will you gain?
How much weight you should gain depends on your weight before pregnancy. The CDC says women who were at a normal weight should gain 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kg). Underweight women should gain more, 28 to 40 pounds, and overweight women should gain less. ACOG says that in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, women who were a healthy weight should gain between half a pound and 1 pound each week. Every woman is different, so ask your doctor what is right for you.
How to deal with cramps?
During pregnancy, there are higher chances of getting painful leg cramps. Cleveland Clinic says about 40% of people get leg cramps during pregnancy. Worst of all, they often happen at night. When a cramp happens, try stretching or flexing the muscle, massaging the area gently, or using heat or ice. The NHS says gentle ankle and leg exercises may help prevent cramps. Try bending and stretching your foot up and down 30 times, then turning your foot in circles 8 times each way. Mayo Clinic says stretching your calf muscles before bed might also help.
Gentle exercise
Being active will keep you fit and make it easier for you to adapt to the changes in your body. Gentle exercise for the belly muscles and the pelvic floor is a good idea, but be sure to avoid hard, tiring activities. ACOG says walking, swimming, a stationary bike and changed yoga or Pilates are good choices. You should not wear yourself out, since breathing may become harder as the pregnancy goes on. The simple rule from ACOG is that you should still be able to talk normally while you exercise, but not sing.
ACOG says pregnant women should get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week. If you were not active before pregnancy, start slowly with as little as 5 minutes a day. Add 5 minutes each week until you can stay active for 30 minutes a day. Always check with your doctor before you start.
When you are ready, read what comes next in the sixth month of pregnancy.
Questions About the Fifth Month of Pregnancy
When will I feel my baby kick?
Many women first feel the baby move in the fifth month. These first flutters are called quickening.
What does the 20 week ultrasound check?
It checks how your baby's body is growing, screens for major problems, shows where the placenta is and may show the sex of the baby.
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
For women who were at a normal weight before pregnancy, the CDC says 25 to 35 pounds. Your doctor can tell you what is right for you.
How can I stop leg cramps at night?
Stretch or flex the muscle, massage it gently, or use heat or ice. Gentle foot and calf stretches before bed may help prevent them.
Can my baby hear me in the fifth month?
Yes. At this stage your baby can hear, so talking, reading and singing to your baby is a sweet way to bond.
This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your health or your pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.