5 Months Pregnant – Foetus Size & Features, Body Changes in Mother at 5th Month Of Pregnancy
Baby during 5th month of pregnancy
Your baby weighs about one pound and is about ten to twelve inches long. It is about the size of a regulation football. You are half way through pregnancy presently.
- The 5 month foetus now starts to gain a little weight because of the accumulated deposits of brown fat under her skin. This fat will help control her body temperature in the outside world.
- If you were not feeling her presence last month you will do so now because of her bulkiness.
- An ultrasound will show her clenched hands, which open and close freely. They also have their own unique fingerprints.
- The fetus is now enveloped in a white oily substance known as vernix caseosa that acts as a chap-stick.It prevents her fluid soaked skin from peeling and protects against infection. The vernix will be present on the baby even at birth, usually in the skin folds. The quantity of vernix will be less if she is post-term and more if she is born early.
Mother During The Fifth Month Of Pregnancy
Your body will experience a new set of aches and pains this month.
Body Changes for a 5 month pregnant mother
The skin of your belly is stretching, tightening and itching. A good moisturizing cream hydrates your skin and can relieve the itching. But it fails to prevent or eliminate striae gravid arum (stretch marks). Genetics has a major role to play whether or not you will develop stretch marks. However multiple gestations and excessive weight gain increases your chances of acquiring stretch marks.
The body produces excess collagen in response to the rapid stretching of the skin. Due to this whitish, red or purple lines of striae are created. They may appear on your abdomen, breasts or any other part of the body that is expanding. Stop worrying because these striae usually fade to almost invisible silver lines after pregnancy. But if you do feel conscious and in severe cases some treatment are available.
Varicose veins or spider veins are fine marks that usually appear on the lower legs. They are caused when increased volume of blood and pressure damage the valves that control the flow of blood. As a result blood gets pooled in the vein and gives rise to red or blue lines. Resting on your left side, putting up your feet, supportive stockings and taking occasional walk when you have to stand for long help relieve leg soreness associated with varicose veins.
Feelings of a 5 month pregnant mother
You may experience occasional discomfort in your inner thighs, hips and lower abdomen called round ligament pain. This is because the ligaments that support your uterus are carrying load that is increasing. Pelvic tilt exercises helps tone your perineum and ease pregnancy aches and pains.
The pelvic tilt can be performed by standing against a wall or in a crawling position. (Four on the floor style). The exercise is most comfortable if done in the crawling position. Keep your head aligned with your spine. Pull in your abdomen. Tighten your buttocks and tilt your pelvis forward. This will enable your back to have a natural arch up. Hold the position for three seconds and then relax. During this neutral position always maintain a straight level. Repeat the tilt three to five times. Eventually increase it to ten repetitions.
Pregnancy hormones are responsible for almost all uncomfortable things. It also contributes to the lower back pain that you are experiencing. With your growing belly your back is feeling the strain as well. Lower back pain occurs in almost fifty percent of pregnant women. Women who are having twins are prone to lower back pain.
Note – Call your doctor immediately if abdominal and/or back pains are severe or are accompanied by vaginal bleeding, vomiting, leg numbness or fever. Back pain during pregnancy is quite normal. But it can also be a sign of kidney infection, pre term labor or other medical problems in severe cases.
Pregnancy brings about changes in your metabolism. And added weight causes further problems. You may feel hot and uncomfortable. Cool yourself in the shower or tub; dress comfortably, invest in an Air conditioner. If you cannot afford it then buy an extra fan.
Other symptoms that may start or continue to experience month five of pergnancy include
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Tender and/or swollen breasts
- Fatigue
- Changes in skin and hair.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Bleeding gums
- Gas, heartburn and/or constipation
- Excess mucus and saliva
- Headaches
- Mild shortness of breath
- Increase in normal vaginal discharge.
At the Doctor’s
Besides the usual check-ups (Blood Pressure and weight) your doctor may advice you for a glucose tolerance test (GTT). This is usually carried out at the end of the month between weeks twenty four and twenty eight. You maybe asked to keep a count of fetal movements.
Since you are half way through pregnancy you may have a new set of questions in your mind. Clarify the same with your doctor. You can start collecting information on different childbirth methods from local hospital and birthing center. Bing, Bradley and Lamaze are some of the different childbirth methods. You and your partner can decide on the method that is appropriate for you.
Also see: 1 month pregnant, 2 months pregnant, 3 months pregnant, 4 months pregnant, 9 months pregnant
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33 Responses to “5 Months Pregnant – Foetus Size & Features, Body Changes in Mother at 5th Month Of Pregnancy”
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Please advice,
I am in my 5th month and have severe left leg pain and also my stomach aches which is tolerable, could you please advice me as what to do to avoid these kind of aches. How about having beer once in a week? How necessary is the tetanus injection? To increase haemoglobin which is the best food intake and I eat only chicken and occassionally eat fish as well.
Please respond at the earliest.
Thanks!
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allison Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 2:22 am
Were you being sarcastic about the beer thing????
If you want your baby to develop FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and have developmental setbacks as well as depleted physical features – sure, drink beer! retard
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donna Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Why are you being so harsh Allison? A beer a week or even two a week is NOT GOING TO CAUSE FAS OR Developmental setbacks/depleted physical features. Allison, If you can not be constructive and help educate woman who are being honest, then keep your comments to your self- retard!
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Anonymous Reply:
April 4th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I agree with Allison! Why in the world would you even think of alcohol as a relief during pregnancy.
Princess Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I also agree with Allison, beer or anything else like that should not be thought to relieve pain during pregnancy. Why don’t you just go to the doctor that would be the most smart thing to do. I am also in my fifth month and I would not dare think of doing that.
I am in my 5th month and have severe left leg pain and also my stomach aches which is tolerable, could you please advice me as what to do to avoid these kind of aches. How about having beer once in a week? How necessary is the tetanus injection? To increase hemoglobin which is the best food intake and I eat only chicken and occasionally eat fish as well.
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Anonymous Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Beer once a week? You are out of your mind!
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donna Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Thanks for your honesty about your questions. And shame on those who could not be supportive.
I would strongly recommend speaking to a health care professional… (Even a local woman’s clinic if you are currently uninsured) with these very important questions you have. I am pregnant with my second child and have asked all of these questions myself. Yes excessive alcohol in any form can be detrimental to your child. However, a beer or a glass of wine with your meal once in a while is perfectly reasonable. Do not drink every day, or drink excessively during pregnancy, or anytime really. Ask a health care professional about alcohol and pregnancy. The tetanus issue is important but again you need a PROFESSIONAL HELPING YOU. PLEASE SEEK SOME MEDICAL COUNCIL ASAP
I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL 
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I am five month pregnant. What type of care or measures should I take? I am a working woman, and have over loads of work. I travel 2-3 hours daily by bus. ho can my husband help me during this pregnancy phase?
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donna Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Try to elevate your feet while on the bus… which may be awkward but it will help with any back aches you might be having. Have hubby cook or pick up dinner so you don’t have to worry about that too when you get home. If you sit a lot, be sure to take a short 5 minute stroll to get the blood moving at least every hour. Listen to your body and seek medical advice. Good luck with everything
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I am Five months into my pregnancy and I love feel the baby movement a lot also I work and doing part time schooling. I really enjoy this experience and would like to make the best of it.
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I am five months into my pregnancy. I drive everyday to work and do some grocery shopping. Is it okay if I drive everyday while I am 5 months pregnant?
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donna Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I drove almost 100 miles a day with my first pregnancy and was fine. You should be fine also. However, at a certain point I found that I had to pee so often that is was a serious inconvenience to be on the road constantly. Map out all the places with public rest rooms
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Holistic Health Reply:
March 9th, 2010 at 6:37 am
In pregnancy uterus increases in its size, uterus is very adjacent to the urinary organs, the gravid uterus compresses against the urinary organs which cause irritation to the urethra and hence person gets the urge to pass the urine. In your case the same is true. While sitting, the uterus compresses on your urinary organs which leads an urgency to urinate.
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I don’t think driving at 5 months pregnant is a problem at all.
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I had a tetanus injection when my pregnancy was almost five month, but my arm kept paining as if a sore grew inside,what can i do? help me
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I am 5 months pregnant. I need some tips for the type of food and diet I need to maintain for my babys health.
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SS Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 8:45 am
I want tips for food and diet for someone who is 5 months pregnant.
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allison Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 2:27 am
Food: eat all the food groups! Because they all have vitamins and minerals you and your body and baby need! (except sugars and oils)
Take prenatal vitamins. Obviously, eat foods with folic acid (beans, orange family and broccoli)
Eat small meals frequently and your calorie intake should increase as your pregnancy progresses (because the baby is growing and needs more energy and vitamins) – so don’t worry about gaining weight from food, your baby needs you to gain weight and as long as you eat healthy foods and monitor sugar/oils/fats you shall be just fine!
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I am 5 months pregnant. I need some tips for the type of food and diet I need to maintain for my babys health.
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I am 5 months and 2 weeks pregnant and still waiting on an ultrasound to find out if I am having boy or girl. Anyway I feel baby moving a lot now and its strong. Is that a good sign as this is my first pregnancy.
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I am 4 months pregnant. Before pregnancy I was chewing tobacco regularly. After I got pregnant I have taken tobacco during the first month of pregnancy, but the ultrasound reports are normal. When I came to know about my pregnancy, I quit tobacco. Is there any harm of tobacco mentally or physically to my unborn?
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PUP Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 6:39 am
Apart from being carcinogenic, tobacco has many other side effects, like low birth weight of the child if the mother is a regular smoker, miscarriage is more in females who consume tobacco in any form.
You have left tobacco at the right time, complete stopping tobacco before the second trimester will have no significant risk, compared to non smoking mother.
There is no demonstrated risk of increase in fetal malformation, or mental development associated with tobacco.
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I am 19 years old and pregnant with my first baby. I am 5 months pregnant today and my left leg is so sore when I touch it, it just feels like it is burning on the inside of it, it hurts so bad. Since I have been pregnant I have been craving hot & spicy chicken wings. I am still scared a little about my first baby cause I have never been through this before its something different to me.
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I am 4.5months pregnant. In which month do we start feeling baby movements? I am only feeling the heaviness.
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PUP Reply:
April 24th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Baby movements are generally felt between 16 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. It depends on individual, if the female is pregnant for the first time, she may feel the movement between18 to 22weeks, if this is her second pregnancy, the movement can be felt little earlier also.
You may be worried about the movements being not proper, but these normal occurrences can be due to your excessive body weight, the position of the baby, and the position of the placenta.
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Princess Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I started feeling my baby movements at 17 weeks. And this is my first pregnancy.
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I am five months pregnant, and I like eating salty food. Am I carrying a male baby?
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PUP Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 12:03 am
There is extra desire to eat sour and salty food in many women in pregnancy. This eating desire does not confirm the gender of the fetus.
In fact eat salt reasonably, even if there is more desire, because eating more salt may cause extra cellular fluid accumulation resulting in swelling in legs. And some times pregnancy induced hypertension.
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I am 5 months pregnant and i’ve been having some odd lower back pains. Could this be because of my pregnancy? Also, how can I make sure i’m eating the right amount of food so its just enough for me and the baby and not causing me to become fat or produce diabetes? I am only 16 and I could really use the knowledge of helping my baby come out healthy and problem free.
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I am 19 weeks (5 months pregnant) pregnant and I still haven’t felt my baby kick. Is this normal or should I be worried?
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At 19 weeks I would not really be worried it really depends on the individual and your body type. But ask your doctor because sometimes the reassurance on the internet is just not good enough I have personally found. Good luck!
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I am 5 months pregnant and I have the worst pressure down really low, and I am having lower back cramping with it. I am so worried about going into labor early, could anyone tell me if they have gone through this? This is going to be my second child and with this one it is completely different then when I had my son, this one is a girl. I would really appreciate anyone’s help.
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