5 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Fetal Development
Though each mom-to-be | s body changes in different ways throughout pregnancy, your baby belly might be pretty visible by the time you | re five months pregnant. This month, you | ll likely be adjusting to the physical changes that come with a growing bump and your changing center of gravity. Read on to learn about common pregnancy symptoms at five months, what happens at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, how your baby is developing, and more!
Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 5 Months Pregnant
Here's hoping that you are still enjoying the energy boost that the second trimester is famous for. It's also possible that you | re experiencing some pesky symptoms at five months pregnant. These can include:
Swollen feet. Pregnancy weight gain, fluid retention, and the pregnancy hormone relaxin might be causing this symptom. Relaxin loosens the muscles in your body in preparation for childbirth and it also loosens the joints in your feet, making your feet expand. A cool foot bath can help relieve some of the swelling. Putting your feet up might also help.
Lower back pain. At five months pregnant, your posture may start to change as you adjust to your growing belly. As your bump grows, your center of gravity shifts. This can cause some strain on your lower back, as your muscles have to work extra hard to support this extra weight and your changing body shape. Try exercises that strengthen your back muscles, and make sure you sit in chairs with good back support — or prop a pillow behind you. If your back pain is causing too much discomfort, get help from your healthcare provider.
Dizziness. As your little one grows, your blood circulation can change, resulting in less blood flow to your head. This can cause that woozy feeling when you stand up or suddenly change positions. Be careful and take things slowly, and avoid being on your feet when you feel dizzy.
Nasal congestion. Stuffy nose? Nosebleeds? Or maybe a runny nose? These issues can be caused by pregnancy hormone, which can dry out the mucous membranes in your nasal passages. Saline drops might help relieve some of the congestion, and running a humidifier in your bedroom at night can also help.
“Pregnancy brain.” If you keep losing your keys or can | t remember your phone | s password, don | t worry — this forgetfulness is known to happen during pregnancy. Although it | s not an official medical condition, it | s quite common. Many healthcare providers associate this absentmindedness with hormonal changes, stress, or sleep deprivation. Try making lists or using scheduling apps if you | re worried about forgetting something important.
Difficulty sleeping. A bigger bump can make it harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees and a pillow under your belly for extra support. Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga and taking a warm, soothing bath before bed may help you get a better night | s sleep.
Braxton Hicks contractions. It | s possible you | ll start to experience these “practice” contractions this month. These can feel like a mild tightening or a more painful cramping in your abdomen. You | re more likely to feel them later in the day, or after exercise or sex. Sometimes you may be unsure whether what you | re experiencing is Braxton Hicks or real labor contractions. Typically, Braxton Hicks go away if you move or change positions, but if you | re at all uncertain about what you are feeling, contact your healthcare provider.
How Is Your Baby Developing This Month?
Your little one might be becoming a little more active this month, with the kicks and flips finally becoming noticeable. Your baby is beginning to sleep and wake up at regular intervals, and she may even be awakened by outside noises, so don | t be surprised if you feel a reaction after a loud sound.
Your little one | s skin begins to produce both vernix and lanugo this month. Vernix is a slick, greasy coating that protects the skin while in the amniotic sac, and it will completely cover her body when she | s born.
Lanugo is soft, fine hair that helps hold the vernix in place on the skin. Most of this lanugo will disappear before birth, but some babies are born with small patches on various parts of the body.
By the end of this month, your little one may be a thumb sucker, as the sucking reflex starts to kick in in preparation for feeding once born.
How Big Is Your Baby When You | re 5 Months Pregnant?
Your baby grows from being about 5 inches long and weighing about 5 ounces, to being about 10 inches long and weighing about 1 pound around this month.
All this means, when you | re five months pregnant, your baby | s size is similar to that of a bell pepper or a banana. You | ve both come a long way in five months!
5 months pregnant belly size pictures?
