Another milestone awaits you in the 5th month of pregnancy. At 20 weeks' gestation, you have reached the halfway point of your pregnancy. You probably can't believe it yet 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 preparations and anticipation.
In our pregnancy calendar for the fifth month, you can find out what stages of development your baby will go through between weeks 17 and 20 of pregnancy. We summarize how the size changes, how you feel as a pregnant woman and which symptoms are typical now. We will also introduce you to the spring cradle from swing2lseep : This innovative sleep aid offers your baby a sense of security and a peaceful night's sleep.
Your baby's development in the 5th month of pregnancy
There is a lot going on with your baby in the 5th month of your pregnancy. Over the past few weeks, the organs in particular have been developing. This will change in the coming weeks, as your baby is about to experience a major growth spurt. Over the course of the month, your baby will double its weight.
It will also go through numerous developmental stages:
Strengthening arms & legs:
In the coming weeks, your baby's arms and legs will grow. At the same time, your baby will be 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 baby movements this month.
Development of the lungs:
In the 5th month of your pregnancy, your baby's lungs continue to develop. Your baby will now start to breathe in amniotic fluid. This training strengthens its lungs and prepares them for its first breath.
Formation of the gender:
Your baby's sex can be clearly seen in the ultrasound, 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. This means that you will probably find out the sex during your check-up.
Formation of the vernix:
Your baby is lying in the amniotic fluid: During this phase of pregnancy, it forms the so-called 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.
Intensification of perception:
Your baby is now able to perceive a wide variety of stimuli. For example, it can hear your heartbeat and the rush of blood in your body. At the same time, your baby can now also recognize changes in light outside your belly.
In the 5th month of your pregnancy, there is a lot going on again and the baby in your belly is developing rapidly. Many pregnant women are particularly happy to finally feel their baby in the 5th month. It is now kicking wildly in your uterus and training its muscles. As it sleeps for around 20 hours a day, you shouldn't be surprised if you don't feel it for longer.
Height & weight in pregnancy month 5
If you are 5 months pregnant, this month you will see your baby go through a growth spurt and gain a lot of weight. In the first few months, the organs of the fetus have formed - in this phase, your baby is getting stronger and gaining a lot of weight and size.
At the beginning of the 5th month, your baby is around 11 to 12 centimetres tall. Towards the end of the month, it will measure 16 to 20 centimetres. Your baby will gain weight even faster: In SSW 17 it weighs around 140 grams. In week 20 it will already be 250 to 300 grams.
Can you get a better idea of your baby's size by comparing it with different fruits or vegetables? At the beginning of the 5th month of pregnancy, your baby is about the size of a pear. In the SSW 18 it is then a sweet potato and in the SSW 19 a mango. By the end of the 5th month, your baby will be about the size of a bell pepper.
You have now reached the halfway point of your pregnancy and are probably in the middle of preparing for your baby. Have you already looked around for a cradle? The spring cradle from swing2sleep is recommended by midwives and osteopaths: It offers your baby a safe nest and gently rocks them to sleep.
5 months pregnant: how you feel as an expectant mother
Your body has now got used to the pregnancy: many pregnant women feel good in the 5th month of pregnancy and enjoy the time to the full. The initial nausea has passed and the tiredness should also have subsided.
If you are 5 months pregnant, you will certainly notice one detail: Your belly is growing noticeably. Show it off with pretty maternity wear and maybe even do a photo shoot to capture this special time.
Your uterus is growing as your baby needs more and more space. You will also notice this in your own weight. Mums-to-be in the 5th month of pregnancy often notice a significant weight gain.
You may also have noticed that you have slowly developed the so-called pregnancy glow. Your hair shines and grows particularly quickly. Your skin glows and you simply radiate from within. This special glow is caused by the pregnancy hormones and makes many pregnant women feel good.
Typical symptoms in the fifth month of pregnancy
Although you will have gotten used to your pregnancy by now, you will still experience some symptoms in the 5th month of pregnancy. The severity of these symptoms 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. You will struggle with constipation throughout your pregnancy. Diarrhea and mild nausea are also not uncommon.
Most women complain of shortness of breath as early as the 5th month of pregnancy. Swollen feet and varicose veins are also common. Your growing belly can also itch: The itching is caused by the stretching of the skin and can be soothed with oils for pregnant women.
At this stage of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are busy furnishing the nursery. One thing that should not be missing is a cozy place for your baby to sleep. The spring cradle from swing2sleep has been developed for over 30 years and combines the latest technology with years of experience.
Second ultrasound between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy
The second major ultrasound appointment is scheduled at the end of the 5th month between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy. Your baby will be measured precisely and checked for age-appropriate development. The amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta are also checked.
For many parents-to-be, this appointment is particularly exciting, as it is usually now that the sex of your baby can be determined. If you don't want to find out the sex until the birth, you should tell the doctor.
Halfway through your pregnancy: what else is important
You have now reached the halfway point of your pregnancy. Make sure you find a midwife early on, as they are in high demand in many regions. A birth preparation course can also help you to 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.
Spring cradle from swing2sleep: Silent motor rocks your baby to sleep
Many babies have problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night after birth. Our swing cradle offers your baby a safe nest. The silent motor gently rocks your baby to sleep and adapts to your baby's movements thanks to sensors. You can conveniently control the motor via app and receive push notifications.
