Fifth Month Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetus Development

Fifth Month Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetus Development

The fifth month of pregnancy is when the baby becomes more active. Welcome to the month of feeling your baby kick and move in the womb. How does the body change to help your baby grow and develop? Let us find out.

Fifth Month Of Pregnancy: Bodily Changes in the Mother

The steady increase in the baby’s size will change your body to accommodate him or her. The baby is also more active which means that your body is working harder to meet the changing needs of the baby. Here are the changes that are noticeable in the fifth month:

  • Weight: The weight gain is steady in this month with an increase of 500g to 1 kg each week. However, gaining significantly more than 1kg a week warrants a check-up with the doctor. You will notice maximum weight gain around the abdomen and the buttocks in the fifth month
  • Hormones: The hormones in your body will cause two significant changes this month. You will notice the development of prominent varicose veins. It is a good idea to keep your legs elevated whenever possible. The second change is that your vision may become blurred. This will return to normal after delivery or in the next trimester.
  • Nipples become soft: The chest will expand and your breasts become larger. The nipples become softer and develop small bumps around it. These are glands that produce an oily substance called sebum that lubricates the skin.
  • Faster heart rate: The heart rate increases as the volume of blood pumped increases
  • Shortness of breath: The lungs begin to press against the other organs as the uterus expands. This can lead to shortness of breath
  • Dryness of skin: As the belly grows, the skin stretches around it. This makes the skin itchy and dry. Using a good moisturizer and wearing loose clothing made from natural fibers are recommended
  • Sleep: Most women experience insomnia at this stage. This is also because you will need more bathroom breaks at night. The baby is more active during the evenings with activity levels spiking when you are trying to get some sleep

Read Also: Pregnancy Myths And Facts

Fifth Month Of Pregnancy: Developmental Changes in the Baby

The most significant changes in the baby in the fifth month are as follows:

  • Size: The baby is 7-10 inches long and weighs close to 6-10 ounces. The head is smaller than the body as the limbs become longer
  • Skin and hair: A greasy substance called vernix caseosa covers the skin and keeps it protected. The fine hair called lanugo remains on the body. Hair begins to grow on the head
  • Heart: The heart begins to follow a circadian rhythm or a daily cycle
  • The nervous system: The nerves are developed and get covered with a layer of tissue called myelin
  • The musculoskeletal system: The bones develop most prominently in the fifth month. The central points of the skeletal system, namely the long bones and the skull are developed. The other bones become visible. Even the tooth buds develop in this month
  • Movements: The baby is able to make the suckling movement of the mouth. Limb movement is more coordinated. The baby also has ample space in the womb which leads to changes in the position as well
  • Placenta: The placenta is the primary source of nourishment for the baby, carrying nutrients from the mother’s body to the growing fetus
  • Other changes: The ears are fully developed and the fetus can now hear. The vocal cords become more mature. The eyebrows and eyelashes begin to appear.

Fifth Month Of Pregnancy: Pregnancy Symptoms

  • Backaches and pain in the abdominal region
  • Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
  • Swelling of the hands and legs due to edema
  • Achy feet
  • Constipation
  • Breathlessness
  • Change in skin pigmentation
  • Fatigue
  • Flatulence
  • Absent-mindedness
  • White vaginal discharge

Fifth Month Of Pregnancy: Things to Take Care of

Take good care of yourself in the fourth month of pregnancy with these simple tips:

General Health:

  • Iron and calcium-rich foods must be increased this month
  • The intake of folic acid should be at least 600mcg each day to prevent any spine and brain disability in the fetus
  • Foods rich in vitamin D, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A should be consumed to help your eyesight and for stronger bones
  • Protein intake is extremely important to prevent any muscle loss
  • Uncooked foods and unpasteurized cheese and milk must be avoided to prevent any health issues
  • Fried foods and spicy foods must be avoided
  • Make sure you drink lots of water and continue some physical activity at this stage.

Read Also: Stage wise development of fetus (0-9 months)

Prenatal Check-Up

  • Weight and blood pressure must be checked
  • The fetal heartbeat is monitored
  • The position of the baby and the health of the placenta is monitored
  • Different marker tests such as Alpha-fetoprotein test, Hcg test, Inhibin test, and estriol test must be conducted to check the function of the placenta
  • Incase of women with a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities, a cordocentesis test is recommended

Fifth Month Of Pregnancy: FAQs

What symptoms signal any complication during this month?

Make sure that you see the doctor if you have vaginal bleeding, fever of over 100.4 degrees or more, vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours, dark colored urine, less urination or painful urination

How much food is needed during the fifth month?

You can increase your calorie intake by about 300 calories each day

What activities should be avoided?

Avoid lifting heavy objects. You must also avoid any activity that can potentially cause any trauma to your abdomen.

 

Read Also: How to take Bath During Pregnancy

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