Sixth month of pregnancy means you have reached half way through your pregnancy and now have started to think about labor pains and delivery and finally to have your baby in your arms. Your baby is growing rapidly inside you and there are many changes that are going on within you. Let’s see what the sixth month of pregnancy holds for you.

Your Baby

Your baby’s skin is now red and wrinkled and covered with soft fine hair. At this stage your baby still needs your womb and the lungs are still not ready to function outside the mother’s womb.

If your baby is born now, he has to be kept in the intensive care till he completes at least 37 weeks. Fat is beginning to form under the surface of the skin. This will keep the baby warm and regulate body temperature after birth. The facial features look like a miniature newborn baby. Eyelids begin to part and the eyes open. Finger and toe prints can be seen. At the end of the 6th month, the fetus is 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1-1/2 pounds.

Your Body

By the 6th month of pregnancy you can feel your baby kicking strongly. The skin on your growing belly may start to itch. Your back may also start hurting by this time. It’s advised to wear low heel shoes or flats as they are more comfortable and its better in maintaining balance. If your backache is troubling you too much, then start some simple exercises with the advice of your doctor. Avoid stand for long periods of time. You may feel pain down the side of your belly as your uterus stretches.

Prenatal Care Guide

Visit your regularly as scheduled in appointments in the sixth month of pregnancy. Complications are easier to prevent and treat if the mother has good care during the pregnancy. You will be weighed and your blood pressure will be checked. You will need to give a urine sample. The doctor will listen to the baby’s heart rate and measure the fundal height. Constipation may become a problem at the moment. Drink plenty of fluids like juices, water, milk etc. and take fibre rich food to keep constipation problems at bay. To help with heartburn, try eating 4 or 5 smaller meals during the day. Do not take laxatives or antacids without asking your health care provider.