6th Month of Pregnancy – Symptoms, Baby Development & Precautions to Take

Creator: Mahak Arora
Published: 2018-06-01 10:31:14

By Mahak Arora | Updated: 29/03/2024

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Rima Sonpal (Gynecologist/Obstetrician)

Entering the sixth month of pregnancy marks a significant milestone in motherhood. Expectant mothers often wonder, ‘6 months of pregnancy, how many weeks does it encompass?’ as they track the progression of their journey to motherhood. This wondering often happens because pregnancy is a long journey with many weekly changes. As you reach this stage, you might notice some familiar pregnancy symptoms while feeling the thrill of your baby’s growth and development. From the little kicks you’re starting to feel to the changes happening in your body, there’s much to discover and prepare for. So, let’s look closer at what you can expect during this special time and some necessary steps to keep you and your baby healthy and happy.

Common 6th Month Pregnancy Symptoms

A 6-month pregnant woman experiences a variety of symptoms as her body accommodates the growing baby. Here are some of the common symptoms at six months.

1. Constipation and Indigestion

Most women experience constipation along with heartburn throughout pregnancy. The cause for the same differs at different stages of pregnancy. Constipation experienced at the early stages of pregnancy is due to hormone changes, which slow digestion due to the muscles loosening around the bowel (1). As the months pass by, the enlargement of the uterus puts pressure on the bowels, leading to indigestion. Other reasons include taking multivitamin pills, which, again, tighten the stool, causing discomfort and bloating. To control the situation, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, juices and other fluids and consume fibre-rich foods. Curd works wonderfully well in reducing constipation and indigestion. If you face extreme discomfort, speak to your doctor for laxatives.

2. Oedema

As you enter your last trimester, you will also experience swelling in your feet, ankles, and sometimes hands! As your body prepares for the baby, it retains fluid in the tissues to nourish you and the baby, which causes this swelling. A bit of swelling around the eyes and cheeks is also normal, but if high protein levels accompany the swelling, it might be a sign of preeclampsia. This serious medical condition causes blood pressure spikes (4). To avoid oedema, keep your legs up whenever possible and avoid wearing tight clothes. Try not to stand for long periods.

3. Hunger Cravings and Increased Appetite

At this stage, you are not just eating for yourself but also for your baby. The baby’s organs are developing, so your body needs to supply increased nutrients and vitamins. This is why you will feel sudden hunger pangs and increased appetite around this time. So, it’s better to satisfy your urge without feeling guilty, but simultaneously, eat wisely. Choose healthy food options like fruits, salads, and whole-grain foods over junk foods. Drink plenty of water and have six to seven small portions of meals a day instead of three large ones.

4. Snoring

Many ladies experience snoring at this stage of pregnancy. Again, blame it on the pregnancy hormones. The weight gain causes your neck and head tissues to swell, leading to snoring, and additionally, your mucous membrane also swells. It’s better to use nasal strips while sleeping for better breathing. Snoring might also be an indication of gestational diabetes, which can be monitored through blood and urine tests.

5. Backache

Experienced by most of the ladies, backache starts from your initial stages of pregnancy and goes on till delivery; many times continues even after delivery! The weight gain causes a backache, and also, as the uterus grows, it causes your lower back to curve. The relaxin hormone loosens your pelvic muscles to prepare the body for delivery, which again triggers a backache. Try to maintain a good posture while sitting and keep your legs up whenever possible.

Body Changes During the Sixth Month of Pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, you finally look pregnant. Your six-month-pregnant belly will start showing. A 6-month belly of a pregnant woman shows a distinctive roundness, indicating the development of her growing baby. By now, your body will also gain weight, and as the uterus pushes the abdomen, your belly button will protrude and remain this way until a few weeks post-delivery. Due to the weight of the baby and the growing uterus, you might experience dizziness and light-headedness at times.

What Are Some Common Concerns in the Sixth Month of Pregnancy?

The common concerns ladies face during the sixth month of pregnancy are backaches, leg pain, foot cramps, swelling along with indigestion, constipation, and haemorrhoids (5). You might witness swelling around your feet and ankles and some even go up a shoe size. This swelling should settle within 6 weeks of delivery.

Every pregnancy has its own share of not so pleasant concerns, which include:

1. Itchiness Around the Abdomen

Around the middle of the 6^th month of your pregnancy, you will experience itchiness around the abdomen. This happens because your baby is almost developed and your skin starts stretching to accommodate the growing foetus and enlarged uterus. As a result, your skin becomes dry and starts itching. This is the perfect time to apply those creams and ointments for stretch marks to retain the moisture in your skin and reduce itchiness. Also, keep drinking lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

2. Backache and Body Ache

Along with a backache, body ache will also start bugging you. You will feel more tired with each passing day. As the uterus grows, the ligaments from the pelvic area to the abdomen are stretched and put under extreme pressure, which causes lower tummy pain (8). The pain might continue for a few hours, but you must consult a doctor if it lasts for long and is followed by contractions.

3. Sleepless Nights

Most of the ladies experience insomnia around this time of the pregnancy, the reasons being hormonal changes, frequent visits to the washroom at night, and heartburn or indigestion (6). Moreover, when the baby kicks and flutters in the middle of the night, it’s obvious you might not be able to have a good night sleep. Some tips to avoid insomnia are to have your dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime and also be careful about what you eat. Secondly, follow a bedtime ritual like a relaxing breathing yoga, reading, listening to music, a warm water bath, etc. Sleep on a comfortable bed and correct room temperature.

4. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are more or less hereditary and caused because the veins have to push extra blood to your uterus to meet the nutritional requirements of the growing baby. These veins, which look swollen and purple in colour around your thighs and under the knee area, are known as varicose veins. Exercise regularly and try to keep your feet up whenever possible. Also, wear comfortable innerwear and shoes.

Baby Development at the 6th Month of Pregnancy

A 6 months pregnant fetus is almost fully grown and getting stronger daily. His organs are still growing, and his lungs are not completely developed. As the baby’s skin and muscles mature, you can experience the baby’s movements as kicks and squirms. Along with his weight increase, he has grown in length and is about a foot long (7). He starts reacting to sound.

You can determine the fetus’ position with an ultrasound and see that the face of the baby is developed and the head is in proportion to the body. He can even sense light and darkness by this time, producing white blood cells to fight against diseases. The face of the baby would be complete by now, including his eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair (9). Hair growth depends upon genetics; some babies are born with a lot of hair, while some are bald.

Twins at 6th Month of Pregnancy

During the sixth month of pregnancy, twins experience significant development. By this stage, each twin typically weighs around 1 to 1.5 pounds and measures about 10 to 12 inches. Their facial features become more defined, including the formation of eyebrows and eyelashes. Additionally, their ears are fully developed, enabling them to hear sounds from the outside world, such as their mother’s heartbeat and voice. With two little ones sharing the limited space in the womb, expectant mothers may feel even more pronounced movements and kicks. Their nervous systems also advance, allowing coordinated movements and responses to external stimuli like light and touch.

6th-Month-Pregnancy Diet

It is better to avoid junk food and stick to cleanly cooked home-made stuff. Ensure that a continuous supply of folic acid, iron and calcium is being taken, as the baby needs nutrients to develop completely. 6th month of pregnancy food includes green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, and whole-grain foods in your diet for a steady flow of nutrients and minerals. Fruits like apricot, cherries, guava, grapes, berries, apple, mango, pineapple, etc. have a great amount of antioxidants and minerals. Vegetables like carrot, beetroot, spinach, pumpkins, tomatoes, onions, celery, broccoli, etc. are some highly recommended foods that you can include in your diet (10).

Exercise for the 6th Month of Pregnancy

There are plenty of safe and effective options to maintain fitness and promote well-being during this stage. Here are five recommended exercises tailored specifically for the sixth month of pregnancy:

1. Prenatal Yoga

Yoga provides gentle stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to the changing needs of pregnant bodies. Focus on poses that improve flexibility, promote relaxation, and relieve common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and tight hips.

2. Walking

Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that is safe for most pregnant women. It helps improve cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and strengthens leg muscles without putting excessive strain on joints. Aim for a brisk pace while maintaining proper posture (14).

3. Swimming

Swimming and water aerobics are excellent choices during pregnancy (13). They support the weight of the belly and provide resistance without impact. These activities help alleviate swelling, improve circulation, and tone muscles while keeping the body cool.

4. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and bowels. Regular practice can help prevent urinary incontinence and prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth. To perform Kegels, tighten the pelvic floor muscles as if trying to stop the urine flow, hold for a few seconds, and then release.

5. Stationary Cycling

Stationary cycling offers safe cardiovascular exercise while minimising the risk of falls or injury (12). Adjust the bike seat to a comfortable height, maintain an upright posture, and pedal at a moderate intensity. This exercise strengthens leg muscles and improves endurance without stressing the joints.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can stay fit, reduce pregnancy discomforts, and prepare your body for labour and delivery.

What to Expect During Your Visit to the Ob/Gyn?

Once you enter your 6th month of pregnancy, the doctor visits will be more frequent. You might have to visit the doctor once every three months. The doctor will check the baby’s heart rate with a stethoscope. After this point, the doctor will check and measure the growth of the uterus, your limbs for swelling and varicose veins, and your body weight, and also recommend alterations to your diet, if required. At 6 months pregnant, a sonogram can provide a clear picture of the baby’s development inside the womb. If you are anaemic or likely to be, the doctor may prescribe molybdenum and other vitamins like iron, folic acid, B12, and copper.

Tests

You will be required to undergo the following tests during the 6th month of your pregnancy:

Blood pressure check-up
Weight measurement
Urine test for measuring protein and sugar
The Gestational diabetes test wherein you will be asked to drink a glass of glucose water and a blood test will be done after 2 hours.
Measuring the fundal height of the uterus
Examining the fetus’s position and size of the uterus
Examination of feet and limbs for any signs of varicose veins or swelling

Symptoms to Be Discussed With Your Doctor

An experienced and friendly doctor will always put you at ease, so you need to speak to the doctor in case you experience any of these cases (11):

Severe bleeding from the anal lining, as this could be a sign of some serious illness.
Bleeding from the vagina
Experiencing pain during the passing of urine
Continuous vomiting
Bursting of the water bag
Extreme discomfort or pressure on the lower pelvic area
Less than 10 foetal movements in an hour.
Extreme pain or prolonged pains in the abdomen area
Severe pain in the lower back
More than five contractions in an hour

To-Do List For Moms-To-Be

First and foremost, take good care of yourself.

Regularly exercising will help you stay fit and active during your pregnancy. Try practising Kegel exercises.
Get at least eight hours of sleep in a day.
Sleep on your side to promote kidney functions and put less pressure on your rectum.
Keep a relaxed body posture, and keep your feet up whenever possible. Taking Vitamin B6 on prescription is better for reducing the aches in your hands and limbs.
Get all the information and details about childbirth. Read articles on 6th-month-pregnancy precautions and childbirth. Don’t be scared. Try to go with the flow and not take things to heart.
It is very important to keep your mind positive and relaxed. Practice breathing exercises, a warm water bath, listening to music, watching funny videos, and anything that makes you happy and comfortable.

Handy Tips For Dad-To-Be

As everybody focuses on the mommy-to-be once your pregnancy news is out, we must never forget that it’s also an overwhelming feeling for the dad-to-be. You must also share all the information and details with your hubby, as he has no one else to address his concerns. You can start by explaining how he can be helpful and do things during your labour (3). It would be great if you two could attend the happy parenting seminars to prepare yourself for parenthood. Always try to visit the doctor together so that you understand the situation well enough and can openly speak to the doctor. The dads-to-be’s active participation in your 6th-month pregnancy care plays a vital role in your journey together.

Indulge in fun topics together like discussing baby names, or planning an adorable nursery for welcoming your little one. Time will fly past sooner than you can imagine, so just enjoy this phase of life without missing on a thing.

FAQs

1. Is it normal to experience Braxton Hicks contractions during the sixth month?

Yes, Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “practice contractions”, are common during the sixth month. They are usually mild and irregular and help prepare the uterus for labour (2).

2. Can I travel during the sixth month of pregnancy?

Generally, travelling during the sixth month is safe, but it’s essential to consult with your doctor before making any travel plans. Avoid long journeys and ensure access to medical facilities at your destination.

3. What dietary changes should I make during the sixth month?

Focus on consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients essential for your and your baby’s health. Include foods high in iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein. To prevent foodborne illnesses, avoid unpasteurised dairy products, raw fish, and undercooked meats.

4. How much weight gain is expected during the sixth month of pregnancy?

Expectant mothers gain an average of 1 to 1.5 pounds per week during the sixth month. However, weight gain varies for each individual, so discussing your weight gain goals with your doctor is essential.

As every person is different from another, every pregnancy is different and unique! The tips and observations stated here are based on the experiences of various mothers and the doctor’s observations. Please make a note of all the unique symptoms of your pregnancy and share it with others. Don’t overthink; relax and enjoy the incredible journey of motherhood!