Sixth Month Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetal Development

Sixth Month Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetal Development

By the sixth month of pregnancy, the baby is turning into a tiny human. As for the mom, she cannot wait to meet her little one. The body continues to change and begins to prepare for delivery. Here are the changes that the mother’s body will go through in the 6th month of pregnancy, the developmental changes in the baby and the most important tips to enjoy this stage of your pregnancy.

Sixth Month Of Pregnancy: Bodily Changes in the Mother

The baby is growing fast and your body is changing to keep up. Here is what you can expect in the sixth month of your pregnancy.

  • Weight: The weight will continue to increase at about 500g to 1kg each month. Your belly is fully rounded by this time and the belly button has also popped by this month.
  • Hormones: The hormonal changes in the body lead to a condition called melisma. You will notice dark patches of skin near the forehead, neck, and cheeks.
  • Braxton Hicks Contractions: Most women experience contractions that are strong but not painful. This is the body’s way of preparing for labor which is not very far away.
  • Shortness of breath reduces: As the baby descends in the uterus, the pressure on the lungs will be eased, allowing you to breathe a lot better.Shortness of breath: The lungs begin to press against the other organs as the uterus expands. This can lead to shortness of breath.
  • The breast produces colostrum: A yellowish liquid is produced from the nipples. This is called colostrum which is the first food that you will give your baby immediately after delivery.
  • Sleep: With the increase in the size of the baby, sleeping does become a challenge. In addition to this, frequent bathroom breaks, nasal congestion and aches in the body might lead to insomnia.
  • Pregnancy brain: The hormonal changes in the body lead to absent-mindedness. This condition is called pregnancy brain or momnesia.

 

Fetal Developmental During Sixth Month of Pregnancy

The changes that take place in the baby in the sixth month are as follows:

  • Size: The growth of the baby spurts in this month. The length of the baby is between 8 to 10 inches by this time. The baby will weigh between 8 ounces to 1 pound. ( about 500g)
  • The body: The head and the body are proportional now. The baby has fully developed features as well.
  • The lungs: The lung is able to make a very basic gas exchange at this stage. The terminal sacs develop which will further change into the alveoli.
  • The brain: The increase in brain weight is between 400-500%. Most of the nutrition and energy is used by the baby for the development of the brain.
  • Genitals: The ovaries and uterus are fully formed. The testicles begin to descend in case of boys and move to the scrotum.
  • Skin and hair: Fat begins to develop under the skin. The hair and nails continue to grow. The baby is still covered by a layer of hair called the lanugo.
  • Placenta: The placenta is the primary source of nourishment for the baby, carrying nutrients from the mother’s body to the growing fetus.
  • Blood cells: The bone marrow begins to make blood cells in the sixth month.
  • Excretion: The intestine produces the meconium which is the first bowel of the baby.

Sixth Month Of Pregnancy: Pregnancy Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Flatulence
  • White vaginal discharge
  • Constipation
  • Nasal congestion
  • Increased appetite
  • Swelling in the limbs
  • Backaches
  • Varicose veins

Sixth 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

  • Your calorie consumption must be at least 2400 calories per day to make sure that the baby is getting enough nourishment.
  • The most important nutrients at this stage are calcium, iron and folic acid.
  • Choose foods that are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Keeping yourself hydrated is extremely important at this stage.
  • Keep stress at bay.
  • Kegel exercises will help you prepare for labor and strengthen your pelvic muscles.
  • Make sure you avoid any exposure to harmful chemicals.

Prenatal Check-Up

  • A regular check-up which includes a weight check and blood pressure check is done.
  • Glucose tolerance test is extremely important at this stage to check for gestational or pregnancy-induced diabetes.
  • An ultrasound is recommended to check the weight and development of the baby. It also helps understand the functioning of the different organs.

Also Read: Is it safe to eat ghee during pregnancy

Sixth Month Of Pregnancy: FAQs

How is Braxton Hicks contraction different from premature labor?

Braxton Hicks contractions are more irregular and will stop or subside with time. They do not become more intense as they would in case of premature labor.

How to relieve leg pain?

Keeping the leg elevated, wearing compression socks and comfortable shoes and keeping yourself hydrated helps reduced achy legs during the sixth month.

Where can I find classes to prepare for childbirth?

You can contact your doctor to check for different classes to prepare for childbirth, especially if this is your first child. Most maternity hospitals offer these classes.

 

Read Also: Makhan During Pregnancy

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