In the 5th month of pregnancy, another milestone awaits you. With week 20, you have reached the halfway point of your pregnancy. You probably still can't believe it and are looking forward to the coming months with excitement. For many expectant mothers, the 5th month of pregnancy is a relaxed time full of preparation and anticipation.
In our pregnancy calendar for the fifth month, you will find out which developmental steps your baby goes through between pregnancy weeks 17 and 20. We summarize how the size changes, how you are doing as a pregnant woman, and which symptoms are typical now. In the process, we introduce you to the automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep: This innovative sleep aid offers your baby security and a peaceful sleep.
Development of your baby in the 5th month of pregnancy
In the 5th month of your pregnancy, there is a lot going on with your baby. In the past weeks, the organs in particular have been formed. This changes in the coming weeks, because a big growth spurt is now due for your baby. Over the course of the month, your baby will double its weight.
In addition, it goes through numerous developmental steps:
Strengthening of arms & legs:
In the coming weeks, your baby's arms and legs will grow. At the same time, your baby is doing wild gymnastics with them in your belly. This strengthens the delicate muscles and prepares them for the time after birth. You will probably feel the first fetal movements this month.
Development of the lungs:
In the 5th month of your pregnancy, your baby's lungs continue to develop. Your baby now begins to inhale amniotic fluid. With this training, it strengthens its lungs and prepares them for their first breath.
Formation of the gender:
On the ultrasound, your baby's gender is clearly visible, as long as it is not covered by the legs or arms. In boys, the testicles have already formed. If you are expecting a girl, she has already developed her own uterus. You will therefore likely find out the gender at your prenatal check-up.
Formation of vernix:
Your baby is lying in amniotic fluid: In this phase of pregnancy, it forms the so-called vernix (Vernix Caseosa). This protects your baby's skin from the amniotic fluid. Towards the end of the pregnancy, this will recede and will hardly be visible at birth.
Sharpening of perception:
Your baby is now able to perceive a wide variety of stimuli. For example, it hears your heartbeat and also the rushing of your blood in your body. At the same time, your baby can now also recognize changes in light outside your belly.
So, in the 5th month of your pregnancy, there is once again a lot going on and the baby in your belly is developing rapidly. Many pregnant women are particularly happy in the 5th month to finally feel their baby. It is now kicking wildly in your uterus, training its muscles. Since it sleeps about 20 hours a day, you shouldn't be surprised if you don't feel it for a longer period of time.
Size & weight in pregnancy month 5
If you are 5 months pregnant, you will experience your baby going through a growth spurt and a significant weight gain this month. In the first few months, the fetus's organs were formed – in the current phase, your baby is getting stronger and gaining significantly in weight and size.
At the beginning of the 5th month, your baby is about 11 to 12 centimeters tall. Towards the end of the month, it will measure 16 to 20 centimeters. Your baby gains weight even faster: In week 17 it weighs around 140 grams. In week 20 it will already be 250 to 300 grams.
Can you imagine your baby's size better when compared to different fruits or vegetables? At the beginning of the 5th month of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a pear. In week 18 it is a sweet potato and in week 19 a mango. By the end of the 5th month, your baby has reached about the size of a bell pepper.
You have now reached the halfway point of your pregnancy and are probably in the middle of preparations for your baby. Have you already looked around for a cradle? The automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep is recommended by midwives and osteopaths: It offers your baby a secure nest and gently rocks it to sleep.
5 months pregnant: How you are doing as an expectant mom
Your body has now gotten used to the pregnancy: Many pregnant women feel good in the 5th month of pregnancy and enjoy the time to the fullest. The initial nausea has vanished and the fatigue should also have subsided.
If you are 5 months pregnant, you will certainly notice one detail: Your belly is growing noticeably. Showcase it with pretty maternity wear and maybe even do a photo shoot to capture this special time.
Your uterus is growing because your baby needs more and more space. You will also notice this in your own weight. Expectant moms in the 5th month of pregnancy often record a significant weight gain.
Perhaps you have also noticed that you have slowly developed the so-called pregnancy glow. Your hair is shiny and grows particularly fast. Your skin glows and you simply radiate from within. This special glow is caused by pregnancy hormones and gives many pregnant women a good feeling.
Typical symptoms in the fifth month of pregnancy
Although you have gotten used to the pregnancy by now, some symptoms will also occur in the 5th month of pregnancy. How severe these complaints are varies from woman to woman. So don't be surprised if you don't feel some symptoms at all.
Many pregnant women have problems with their digestive tract. Throughout the pregnancy, you will repeatedly have to deal with constipation. Diarrhea and slight nausea are also not uncommon.
Most women already complain of shortness of breath in the 5th month of pregnancy. Swollen feet and varicose veins also often occur. Your growing belly can also itch: The itching is caused by the stretching of the skin and can be relieved with oils for pregnant women.
At this point in the pregnancy, many expectant mothers are busy setting up the nursery. What should not be missing is a cozy place for your baby to sleep. The automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep has been developed for over 30 years and combines state-of-the-art technology with years of experience.
Second ultrasound between pregnancy week 18 and 20
The second major ultrasound appointment is due at the end of the 5th month between week 18 and week 20. During this, your baby is precisely measured and checked for age-appropriate development. The amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta are also checked.
For many expectant parents, this appointment is particularly exciting because the gender of your baby can usually be recognized now. If you want to find out the gender only at birth, you should inform the doctor.
Halfway through your pregnancy: What else is important
You have now reached the halfway point of your pregnancy. Take care of finding a midwife early, as they are in high demand in many regions. A childbirth preparation class can also help you prepare mentally and physically for the birth.
Continue to avoid alcohol, nicotine, and unnecessary medication. Exercise, a healthy diet, and initial organizational preparations for parenthood are ideal in the second trimester.
Automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep: Silent motor rocks your baby to sleep
Many babies have problems falling asleep and staying asleep after birth. Our automatic baby hammock offers your baby a secure nest. The silent motor gently rocks it to sleep and, thanks to sensors, adapts to your baby's movements. You can conveniently control the motor via app and receive push notifications.
