5 Months Pregnant: Fetus Size, Features, Body Changes, Baby Size

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.

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  • The 5 month fetus 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. The body’s muscles and ligaments stretch to support the weight of growing baby and hence the pain.

Body Changes For A 5 Month Pregnant Mother

Fetal Development at 5th Month 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. Call your doctor immediately if abdominal and/or back pains are severe or are accompanied by 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 During Month Five of Pregnancy

  • Frequent urination
  • Nausea
  • Tender and/or swollen breasts
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in skin and hair.
  • Dizziness or light-headed feeling
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gas, heartburn and/or constipation
  • Excess mucus and saliva
  • Headaches
  • Mild shortness of breath
  • Increase in normal 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.