6th Month of Pregnancy: Baby Growth, Back Pain and Tips
As you enter your sixth month of pregnancy, it is natural to be more worried, but try to stay relaxed and take care of yourself at this point. At six months, you may also worry about your looks, as your body changes quickly. Hormone changes can also make your hair grow thicker and faster, says Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. The same source says shaving, waxing and hair removal creams are safe to use while you are pregnant. Your skin may be more sensitive than before, so test a small area first. If you missed the last post, read about the fifth month of pregnancy.
What happens during the sixth month?
By the end of the sixth month, your baby is about 12 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds, says Cleveland Clinic. At this stage, most women can feel the baby move. Your doctor can hear the heartbeat clearly. The baby's skin is red and wrinkled, and it is still covered with fine hair and a waxy coating. The eyelids begin to open. Your baby can hear your heartbeat, your breathing and even your stomach rumble, and may move or have a faster pulse in response to sounds. Listening to gentle relaxing lullabies and soft music is a wonderful way to introduce comforting sounds to your baby. Go To Sleep Lullaby is a calm song with the words "Hush my baby don't weep."
If a pregnancy ends on its own before 20 weeks, it is called a miscarriage, says MedlinePlus. A baby born in the sixth month is born very early and needs special care in the hospital. Cleveland Clinic says that a baby born after the 23rd week may survive with intensive care.
Measures to take
The morning sickness of early pregnancy is usually gone by now, but because the uterus is growing bigger, some new problems may start.
Backache
As your baby grows, your body's center of balance shifts and your belly muscles stretch. ACOG says this changes your posture and puts strain on your back. Try to avoid lifting heavy things. If you have to lift something, squat down, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Do not bend at the waist. ACOG says to wear low heeled (but not flat) shoes with good arch support, and to avoid high heels. Later in pregnancy, sleeping on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your knees can help. A heating pad on the lowest setting, wrapped in a towel, or a cold pack may soothe sore muscles. If the pain is bad, ask your doctor about physical therapy.
Feeling hot or even dizzy
The HSE says hormone changes, getting too hot, low blood sugar and low iron can all make you dizzy in pregnancy. Lying on your back in the second and third trimesters can also make you dizzy. Always be careful when getting up. Wear loose clothes, keep your room cool, drink plenty of water, do not skip meals and take cool baths or showers to feel fresh.
Headaches
Some women may get headaches that keep coming back. Try relaxation and rest more often. ACOG says acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be taken during pregnancy, but you should talk with your doctor before taking it. Your doctor can tell you how much is safe. Call your doctor right away if a headache is very bad or does not go away.
Incontinence
Leaking a little urine is very common during pregnancy. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby says about 1 in 3 women have it during or after pregnancy, because the pelvic floor muscles get weaker. Pelvic floor exercises can help, and you can talk to your doctor if it bothers you.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest and throat. It happens when acid from the stomach comes back up into the tube that connects it to the mouth. To avoid heartburn, ACOG says to eat small, more frequent meals and avoid lying on your back right after eating. Try to sit up straight when eating. Fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and caffeine can make it worse for some women. Cleveland Clinic says eating yogurt or drinking some milk may help. Antacids can help too, but talk to your doctor before taking them.
When you are ready, read what comes next in the seventh month of pregnancy.
Questions About the Sixth Month of Pregnancy
How big is the baby at 6 months pregnant?
By the end of the sixth month, the baby is about 12 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds.
Can my baby hear me at 6 months?
Yes. Your baby can hear your heartbeat and breathing, and may move in response to sounds.
Is it safe to wax or use hair removal cream while pregnant?
Yes. Shaving, waxing and hair removal creams are considered safe. Your skin may be more sensitive, so test a small area first.
Can I take paracetamol for a headache during pregnancy?
ACOG says acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor first about how much to take.
How can I ease back pain in the sixth month?
Wear low heeled shoes with arch support, lift with your knees, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and use heat or cold on sore muscles.
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.