During the sixth month of pregnancy, you are approaching the end of the second trimester. The possibility of meeting your baby soon is enough to energize you despite the few lingering symptoms: heartburn, hot flashes, and backaches.
Common Symptoms in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy
There’s no need to panic, as you’re unlikely to have all of them:
- Heartburn: Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscles that prevent stomach acid from contacting the esophagus. Stomach juices can flow back up to the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. If this happens to you, try dividing your meals (like having six small meals instead of three large ones) and avoid foods that seem to worsen it, such as fried or spicy foods, citrus fruits, or chocolate.
- Lower Back Pain: As your belly becomes rounder and heavier, your abdomen in the sixth month of pregnancy starts pulling on muscles in your lower back, which can become painful afterward. You can try alleviating these symptoms by taking a warm bath, and if you’re experiencing really severe pain, ask your healthcare provider if it’s safe to take pain relievers.
- Hot Flashes: You might have thought that hot flashes were only associated with menopause, but that’s not the case. Since pregnant women burn more calories and therefore generate more heat, it’s not uncommon for them to experience these symptoms occasionally. If these hot flashes bother you or make you sweat, remember to drink plenty of fluids and try wearing loose clothing or using a fan in your home or office for cooling.
- Fainting: With a 6-month-old fetus in your womb, blood circulation changes, which can especially decrease blood flow to the upper part of your body and head. You may then feel dizzy. Make sure not to make very sudden movements when changing positions, drink plenty of water, and don’t stand for long periods.
- Leg Cramps: Some pregnant women suffer from leg cramps, especially at night. The cause has not been well identified, but you can try reducing their severity by exercising regularly, keeping yourself well-hydrated, and massaging your knees before bed. If you experience muscle cramping, you can try stretching the muscles, taking a warm bath, or applying an ice pack to the affected area.
- Rapid Heartbeat: Surely, your heart may beat a little faster if you can’t wait to hold your little one, but it’s relatively normal for pregnant women to have a slightly higher heart rate. In fact, your body now contains about 50% more blood than usual, and your heart is working hard to circulate it well. However, if you notice that your heartbeat remains excessively high for long periods of time or you have difficulty breathing, consult your healthcare provider.
Your Baby’s Development in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy
In the sixth month of pregnancy, your baby still closes their eyelids, but their eyes move behind them. When not sleeping, they may move in response to your voice or sudden noises. During this month, their lungs complete their growth, although they’re not yet fully ready to function outside your womb. Their sucking reflex improves, and they may even reach for their thumb now. In addition to all these vital internal organs, something very important grows for your baby in the sixth month of pregnancy: their fingerprints and toeprints. Their genes are half yours and half theirs, but their fingerprints belong to them alone.
Your Baby’s Size in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy
In the sixth month of pregnancy, your baby’s length increases slightly to about 30 centimeters and weighs around 700 grams.
How Your Body Changes in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy
Every pregnant woman experiences significant differences, but after 6 months of pregnancy, your weight should be between 6 and 8 kilograms approximately. This weight gain might bother you, along with your new body shape: some pregnant women feel happy about their new bodies, while others may feel beautiful sometimes and less so at other times. Try to remember that your body is doing something amazing deserving all your love. A little exercise and following a good diet can help you feel your best and give you the strength needed for labor and delivery. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts, meaning some activities like daily exercise or simple sleeping positions may become a little more challenging in the sixth month of pregnancy. Sex might also become more difficult, but there are no “wrong” choices.
Are There Tests to Be Done in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy?
Some tests your healthcare provider might request in the sixth month of pregnancy include gestational diabetes screening or blood tests to check for Rh compatibility between your blood and your baby’s.
How Can I Sign Up for Childbirth Preparation Classes?
Your healthcare provider can advise you on childbirth preparation classes available near you. These classes cover many topics such as childbirth itself, as well as relaxation, postpartum care, baby care, and more.
When Should I Start Babyproofing?
If you’re feeling strong enough and have the time, 6 months of pregnancy is a good time to start babyproofing your home. Ideally, you still have plenty of energy and time before birth so you don’t feel rushed.
