Sixth month of pregnancy, fetal development and maternal sensations. Sixth month of pregnancy: what happens and how to deal with swelling, heartburn and other problems Feelings at 6 months of pregnancy

Gynecologists characterize the period of 6 months of pregnancy as relatively calm. The difficult first trimester is behind us, where the fertilized egg was exposed to external influences. At the same time, the final period of pregnancy immediately before childbirth has not yet begun. This is a time of awareness of inevitable motherhood, happy emotions, joy.

A mother always needs to know the answer to the question: 6 months equals how many weeks? This is important because doctors in antenatal clinics keep count by week. This period covers the interval from 20 to 25 per week inclusive. What processes occur in the mother’s body and how her condition changes during the development of the fetus. You should always pay attention to these issues, since the health of the unborn child depends on it.

Fetal development at 6 months of pregnancy

At 6 months all organs and functions of the child are fully formed, however, the process of differentiation and development of fetal muscles continues. Its weight can reach 550–570 grams, length 32–33 centimeters. It is found in the amniotic (amniotic fluid) fluid, performing a softening function. This liquid protects the child from external influences and maintains thermal balance. Among the significant changes compared to other months:

6 months pregnant, chaotic movements of the limbs appear, which the mother feels. The greatest amount of such movement occurs during the child’s waking phase. They are considered one of the indicators of normal child development. The facial muscles also begin to function so that ultrasound can distinguish fetal facial expressions.

At this stage, there is an increase in brain mass, the cerebral gyrus becomes more and more noticeable. Through the primary sense organs, the fetus begins to receive information. The child hears sounds and responds to the movements of arms and legs. The eyes are still covered with a special film, but he may already squint from the bright light.

The alveoli are already formed, but they are not ready to function fully, so the fetus receives oxygen through the placental circulation. Alveolar tissues begin to produce a special substance - surfactant. This prevents the alveoli from clinging to each other after the baby's chest expands during the first breath.

At the beginning of these 6 months, the fetus does not have a sufficient layer of subcutaneous fat, so it looks a little thin on ultrasound. However by the end of the second trimester the situation changes. The fetus begins to develop adipose tissue, forming a subcutaneous layer of fat. This substance is important and protects the child from hypothermia. During the same period of time, the formation of glands of various types, eyelashes and eyebrows occurs in the skin.

During this period, the skeletal system is strengthened due to the formation of calcium. This alkaline material plays an important role in mineralization processes. The baby continues to develop in a special sac filled with amniotic fluid. The baby's position is fetal head up, but the fetus may turn slightly. The active development of subcutaneous fat leads to a rapid increase in body weight. By the end of the sixth month of pregnancy, the baby's weight can reach 700 grams.

Mother's condition at 6 months of pregnancy

Changes affecting fetal organs and functions, are quite significant at this time. At the 6th month of pregnancy, the mother’s physiological processes change noticeably. The most significant changes include:

These changes should not necessarily alarm the expectant mother. Some are able to feel and enjoy this wonderful period of life. However, others may suffer from severe heartburn, flatulence or itchy skin on the abdomen. If you experience any unusual sensations, you should consult your gynecologist. This will help prevent the development of dangerous complications and maintain the health of the unborn child.

If you have a big appetite and a constant desire to eat something, need to control weight gain. This will allow you to approach childbirth in better shape. Indeed, a significant increase in body weight can be an obstacle to natural development and have a negative impact on the fetus.

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, a weight gain of 500 grams per week is considered physiologically normal. Thus, at 6 months of pregnancy, the mother’s weight should increase by approximately 2 kilograms per month. How to achieve such results?

Exist general principles of eating to adjust your weight. These include:

Frequent and separate meals.
Eat more vegetables and fruits.
Restriction on salty foods.
Remove simple carbohydrates, fast food, and carbonated drinks from your diet.
Add foods containing calcium to your food.

Positive effects of nutrients in foods for pregnant women

Why is it important to include dietary foods containing calcium? This will help form the baby’s bone skeleton and prevent calcium deficiency in the mother’s body. The healthiest food is low-fat dairy food, broccoli. Due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the digestive organs of the abdominal cavity, heartburn or constipation may occur. These conditions cause discomfort in pregnant women. A proper diet can relieve these symptoms.

To counteract heartburn, you can use it in food: jelly, potato juice, oatmeal. They have a protective effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid on the walls of the esophagus. For heartburn, it is advisable to use these products at every meal. This will lead to a reduction in abdominal discomfort.

Constipation is caused disorders of the mobility of the digestive tract. You can improve your mobility by eating fiber-rich foods. These are, first of all, vegetables and fruits. To preserve their beneficial properties, you need to consume them raw. In addition to fiber, pregnant moms will get vitamins and minerals.

Possible dangers at 6 months of pregnancy

Preeclampsia (preeclampsia) or late toxicosis. The main signs of preeclampsia are swelling, high blood pressure, too rapid weight gain in a pregnant woman, headache, nausea, a feeling of spots before the eyes, and deterioration in general health.

Preeclampsia poses a serious threat to the health and life of women, therefore, if there are signs of such symptoms, it is imperative to conduct a blood test to determine the level of glucose, a urine test, and also undergo some other tests as prescribed by the doctor. The duration of treatment is 6 months, during which time blood pressure is normalized and drugs are administered that improve the condition of blood vessels.

Amniotic fluid leak. Symptoms of the appearance of this disease: a woman may notice that the discharge is too liquid and transparent, but often the liquid pours out of the uterus in very small quantities, so the disease can be asymptomatic and difficult to detect. Due to water leakage, oligohydramnios often develops, popularly called oligohydramnios. At the same time, the process of growth and nutrition of the fetus slows down. Oligohydramniosis (oligohydramniosis) can be diagnosed during an ultrasound.

Premature birth. When babies were born before 28 weeks and weighing less than 1kg, they were considered unfit for life and the birth would be recorded as a late miscarriage. Now the situation has changed, and modern medical institutions have equipment for carrying premature babies. Thus, a baby born at 6 months gestational age has a chance of survival if you are connected to special equipment.

However, these children may experience serious health problems, so when the first signs of labor appear (brown discharge, pain and cramps in the lower abdomen), doctors try to save the pregnancy. To prevent the development of serious complications at 6 months of pregnancy, the pregnant mother is advised to take time to undergo the study and avoid the influence of harmful factors on the developing fetus. The completed control will allow the expectant mother to feel more confident in the prenatal state.

For women who are 6 months pregnant, the following tips may be helpful:

From the sixth month, it is better for a pregnant woman to reduce the degree of physical activity to a reasonable level. In the second half of pregnancy, it is better not to lift loads weighing more than 4–5 kg. Daily walks at a leisurely pace or special exercises for pregnant women, which can only be performed under the supervision of a doctor, are helpful. Following simple rules during pregnancy will help minimize the risk of complications for the development of the fetus.

For you, as for many, this month of pregnancy will be one of the best, no matter what. The feeling of complete happiness will haunt you, and a slightly rounded tummy will only spur it on. It is at this stage that you will gain weight and it will no longer be possible to hide it from prying eyes. So, what may bother you during this period:

Fetal movements will noticeably increase;
Leucorrhoea will begin to ooze from the vagina;
The abdomen may ache a little. This occurs because the ligaments that support the uterus become more stretched and are under greater tension than before;
May cause constipation;
Heartburn intensifies, problems with digestion, increased gas formation in the abdomen may occur;
The headaches also continue, and sometimes the head can even feel dizzy. You often feel weak;
Periodically, your nose may bleed and your gums may bleed. This is explained by hyperemia or plethora;
Appetite may increase;
Sometimes the spasm can cramp the leg muscles;
Swelling in the area of the feet is likely, and sometimes the face or hands may also swell, especially in the summer;
Signs of venous insufficiency may appear in the legs or in the anus;
The skin on the abdomen can sometimes itch and itch unpleasantly;
Pain in the back area intensifies;
Pigment spots may form on the face or stomach, which usually go away on their own after;
Breasts fill up slightly and increase in size;
Various emotional outbursts occur somewhat less frequently. Some absent-mindedness may appear, as well as a feeling of moral fatigue;
Anxiety continues to increase, foreshadowing the imminent birth of the baby.

Weight gain

Standard - 0.5 kg per week. But you can gain more, especially if before pregnancy your weight was not up to normal and was significantly less. In general, at the 24th week, on average, you gain about 4.5 kg.

Your baby is 6 months pregnant

Now the length of the fetus can reach 33 cm.
. The child's weight is about 570 g.

New sensations

The weight gain by this time is already quite impressive. And this is very noticeable in the noticeably cramped wardrobe. Now is the time to change things to looser ones that don't tighten or constrict. Avoid synthetic fabrics; at this stage, it is much more beneficial for you to wear natural fabrics: cotton, linen, etc. You may sweat more, and the heat will be more difficult to bear than before. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids, especially plain water.

What to do

It is worth consulting with your doctor about preparing your breasts for the upcoming feeding of your baby if you intend to raise him on.
. Raise your legs higher when sitting or lying down, place a pillow or bolster under them. This will help either avoid swelling or reduce it.
. Regular gymnastics, as well as relaxation and various breathing practices, will improve your well-being. Just don't overdo it.

Video about 6 months of pregnancy

The baby is growing

The baby’s body is quite thin, because it has not yet accumulated fatty tissue. Sweat glands begin to form in the fetal skin. Also, the baby is actively developing well-developed limb muscles (and the mother feels this “exercise” very well). Activity alternates with absolute calm. A slight tapping sound in mom's tummy can mean that the baby is either coughing or hiccupping.

In addition to physical development, psychological reactions also begin to appear. Now the fetus lies in the uterus, curled up. Amniotic fluid keeps him afloat. The required amount of food and oxygen is supplied to it through the blood, and metabolic products are also removed. All these processes are still completely entrusted to the placenta. The baby's behavior and appearance at the end of the sixth month are absolutely consistent with the fetus before birth. Only the eyes are still covered with a film, which will disappear at the 28th week, and then the child will be able to see.

The baby's hearing is slowly developing. He already distinguishes between your voice and the melodies coming through. He can also react with his behavior to certain music or sharp sounds.

Nutrition to the fetus comes through the placenta. Amniotic fluid protects the baby from all negative factors. These waters are renewed regularly, every 4 hours. They maintain a certain temperature for the baby’s comfort, and also smooth out possible shocks. In addition, this amniotic fluid prevents infection from reaching the fetus.

On an ultrasound, you can see how your baby can already frown, squint his eyes, puff out his cheeks and open his mouth. He can push, turn and clench his fists. Your baby's sleep will not necessarily adapt to your schedule. On the contrary, the baby’s activity may increase at the time when you are planning to rest.

What does a baby look like in the sixth month of pregnancy?

From the 7th month, the fetus will begin to develop the part of the brain that is responsible for thinking and consciousness. This is the time of personal development of the baby. He can suck his thumb and sometimes swallows amniotic fluid, a large amount of which can cause hiccups. It is excreted from his body in the form of urine. Preparing his body for birth, the baby develops his lungs by making breathing movements with his chest. Taste buds on the tongue begin to form. At this stage, he will already be able to taste sweet, salty and bitter.

Studies in the sixth month of pregnancy

What kind of research will you have to undergo during this period?

Weight and blood pressure measurement;
Take a urine test to determine the amount of sugar and protein in it;
The doctor will listen to your baby's heartbeat;
The doctor also measures the height of the uterine fundus;
By palpation, the doctor determines the size of the uterus and the location of the fetus in it;
The therapist also examines the legs to identify swelling or signs of varicose veins;
In addition, you can consult with a medical professional. staff about your concerns and discuss possible problems.

How do you feel at 6 months pregnant?

Your belly is growing very quickly, and you walk around proudly carrying it in front of you. Your baby is already actively communicating with you and the future dad. You feel his movements very actively. It's time to start his prenatal education - listen to music, go to exhibitions, engage in creativity - all this will help you raise a good person.

Changes in the mother's body in the sixth month of pregnancy

You are feeling very good now and enjoying your pregnancy. However, thoughts about childbirth are already overwhelming you, and sometimes the condition is already tiring - especially when evening comes. Your hormonal levels change, the changes affect your immunity - it decreases so as not to reject the baby. Therefore, the microflora of the genital tract may change and an unpleasant thing may appear - thrush or candidiasis, and sometimes vaginitis occurs. This is accompanied by unpleasant itching and increased vaginal discharge. This is a conditionally pathogenic flora, which, due to a decrease in immunity, is activated and begins to cause inconvenience. Then a smear is done, and the doctor will resort to prescribing special suppositories that are safe during pregnancy or other medications to even out the microflora and treat unpleasant symptoms. After treatment, the doctor will prescribe a control smear for you.

Changes in the mother's body in the sixth month of pregnancy

Of course, in addition to unpleasant symptoms, this can become dangerous for the baby - leading to the threat of premature birth.

At this time, the load on the heart and vascular system increases, because the volume of blood in the vessels has increased by almost half. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, as well as the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin is necessary. If anemia occurs, the doctor will recommend that you increase the amount of protein and meat products in your diet - beef, chicken, offal, and also take iron supplements.

Feelings of the expectant mother in the sixth month of pregnancy

Your tummy is growing and rounding quickly. By the end of the month, the fundus of the uterus rises 2-3 cm above the navel. Your wardrobe has already been significantly revised and changed, however, this is not a reason to wear baggy T-shirts and wide pants. Now there are many salons for pregnant women that can choose clothes for you at any time, even an evening dress so that it will highlight all your charms!

It's time for you to wear a brace. If you haven't started doing this already. It will support the tummy and reduce the load on the spine, and due to the fact that the stomach is supported, there is less risk of stretch marks on the skin. Your bond with your baby is so strong. That you feel his mood - when he is happy and when he is not. You like to play with him - he pushes into your hands, attached to his stomach, reacts to your voice.
Your weight is gradually increasing - the average increase is from 250 to 350-400g per week, your weight will be monitored by a doctor, there is no point in weighing yourself at home every day.

Minor swelling may appear in the area of the feet, face or hands, but there is no need to be afraid of this - this is fluid retention due to hormones. Try not to drink a lot of liquid, but you don’t need to limit yourself to it, don’t indulge in salty foods. Hot and spicy - it makes you thirsty. Remove tight rings and bracelets, do not wear elastic bands or tight socks.

The skin on the abdomen and chest is severely stretched

Feelings of the expectant mother in the sixth month of pregnancy

and due to the divergence of skin fibers. No need to be upset. They will turn white after childbirth and become almost invisible; their appearance depends on the characteristics of the skin and heredity. It is almost impossible to prevent their appearance, but they can be reduced by using special anti-stretch mark products. Control your weight, keep yourself in shape - good spirits are the main thing now.

Your baby (fetal development in the sixth month of pregnancy)

In this month of pregnancy, the baby will grow to 30-35 cm, and gain weight to 800-1000g. He is still a baby, but he already knows a lot. His skin is still very thin, red, and wrinkled like an old man’s. The body is covered with a cheese-like lubricant that protects the baby from the effects of amniotic fluid, which can soften the skin.

The child moves actively, opens and closes his eyes, and swallows amniotic fluid. There is still very little subcutaneous fat; it is just beginning to accumulate and become round. There is a lot of vellus hair on the baby’s body, the cartilages in his ears and nose are still thin, and his nails have not yet grown back. The boy's testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. However, if labor suddenly begins and the child is born prematurely, from the sixth month doctors can already deliver him and he will live.

Dangers of the sixth month of pregnancy

The danger may be the threat of premature birth, which can arise as a result of intrauterine infection, therefore. It is extremely important to protect yourself from colds. Contact with animals and infectious patients - especially if it is mononucleosis, herpes, cytomegaly, toxoplasmosis.

Besides. during this period, gestosis - or toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy - can make itself felt. It occurs due to disruptions in the body and is manifested by increased blood pressure and swelling. Protein in the urine is a general bad condition. Due to this, the normal functioning of the placenta and the entire mother’s body is disrupted. Severe gestosis can be dangerous to the life and health of mother and baby and requires hospital treatment.

At the end of this month, placental insufficiency may also develop, a condition in which it cannot fully perform its function - to provide the fetus with nutrition and oxygen. Then treatment will also be required, as well as detailed ultrasound and Doppler examination.

Medical observation in the sixth month of pregnancy

In the sixth month, you will visit the doctor twice and have blood and urine tests. Rule out anemia and inflammation of the urinary tract. During the examination, the doctor will determine your weight, gain over the month, the height of the uterine fundus, abdominal circumference, and from this he will calculate the expected weight and height of the baby. He will listen to the baby’s heartbeat with a special obstetric stethoscope or apparatus and determine its position. He will carefully question you about your movements and your sensations. Then the doctor will ask you to show your arms and legs to see if you have swelling, especially if you gain a lot of weight.

Do not hesitate to ask the doctor all the questions that concern you, even if they seem stupid or naive to you - this is your health and your baby, everything should be fine with him. The doctor will advise you to prepare for childbirth, take multivitamins, walk a lot and get plenty of rest, maternity leave is coming soon - if you are still working, it’s time to finish all your work.

During this period, your metabolism and your sweating increase significantly; dress lighter for walks and use odorless and dye-free antiperspirants. You may want to drink more as some of the fluid is lost in sweat. Just give preference to pure mineral water without gas, juice diluted half with water or compotes, fruit drinks. You should not consume soda, even if it is mineral water. It can provoke heartburn, and sweet soda causes thirst and increases swelling.

It's time to start doing gymnastics and breathing exercises for childbirth, this will give you the opportunity to be well prepared for it. Just do it in special courses or under the supervision of an instructor - you can do something yourself

Your baby (fetal development in the sixth month of pregnancy)

t cramps and spasms of the leg muscles are signs of calcium deficiency. Start taking a multivitamin to help you cope with cramps.

Eat little by little, but often, don’t go on diets - they don’t do you any good now. Wear clothes that do not press or rub, do not irritate the skin, and are made from natural, breathable fabrics.

It is important to monitor your stool and empty your intestines regularly, so eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.
Take a walk, relax, get creative, buy a dowry for your baby - now is the time.

The third trimester begins - entering the home stretch.

Gynecologists consider the sixth month of pregnancy to be a period of relative calm. Such feelings also arise in the expectant mother. The risky first trimester, where the fertilized egg was exposed to a number of stress factors, has passed; the final trimester, at the end of which the woman will give birth, has not yet arrived. This is the time of awareness of imminent motherhood, happy emotions, joy from the baby’s movements.

It is necessary to immediately answer the question: 6 months of pregnancy is how many weeks? This is important, since antenatal clinic specialists use weekly calculations. This period covers the interval from 21 to 24 weeks inclusive. What processes occur in the mother’s body, how the fetus develops, what is worth paying attention to - we will try to answer these questions in our article.

Baby at 6 months

By 6 months, all organs and systems of the child are fully formed, but the process of differentiation and development of fetal tissue continues. Its weight can reach 550–570 grams, its length is 32–33 cm. It is located in the amniotic fluid, which performs a shock-absorbing function. This liquid protects the child from shocks and maintains temperature balance. Among the characteristic changes compared to previous months are:

Active development of skeletal muscles, which is manifested by chaotic movements of the limbs that the mother feels. The majority of such movements occur during the baby’s waking phase. They need to be counted, as this is one of the indicators of the normal development of a child. The facial muscles also begin to function, so ultrasound examination can reveal different facial expressions.
Significant changes also occur in the central nervous system. The mass of the brain increases, and the convolutions become more clearly visible.
The senses begin to receive information. The baby hears sounds and reacts to them by moving his arms and legs. The baby's eyes are still covered with a special film, but he can open them slightly or squint from the bright light.
The formation of alveolar tissue of the lungs occurs. The alveoli are still immature, they are not ready for full work, so the baby receives oxygen through the placental circulation. They begin to produce a special substance - surfactant. It is this that prevents the alveoli from sticking together after straightening during the first inhalation.

The diaphragmatic muscles receive nerve impulses and can respond to them by contracting. This manifests itself in the form of hiccups, which the mother can also feel.
At the beginning of the 6th month, the baby does not have a sufficient layer of subcutaneous fat, so on ultrasound he looks somewhat emaciated. However, by the end of the second trimester the situation changes. The child begins to develop adipose tissue, forming subcutaneous depots of brown fat. This substance has great energy value and protects the baby from hypothermia. During the same period of time, the formation of the glandular apparatus occurs in the skin, eyelashes and eyebrows appear.
The skeletal system is strengthened by the intake of calcium. This alkali metal plays an important role in mineralization processes.

The baby develops in the amniotic sac filled with amniotic fluid. The baby's position is fetal, the head is at the top, but the baby tends to roll over.

The active development of subcutaneous fat leads to a rapid increase in body weight. By the end of the sixth month of pregnancy, the weight of the fetus can reach 700 grams.

Mom's feelings

The changes that affect the organs and systems of the fetus are quite significant. But what happens in the mother’s body? The sixth month of pregnancy significantly corrects physiological processes, and the woman begins to experience new sensations. The most significant changes include:

Increase in tummy size. It becomes round and corresponds to the size of the uterus.
The appearance of constant movements, intensifying while the child is awake.
Leucorrhoea discharged from the genital tract.
Tension of the ligamentous apparatus that supports the growing uterus. It manifests itself as nagging pain and subjective discomfort in the abdomen.
Dyspeptic phenomena associated with the pressure of an enlarged uterus on the surrounding abdominal organs. Intestinal motility may be impaired, which is accompanied by constipation.
The volume of circulating blood increases. This is necessary to transport nutrients and oxygen through the placental vascular system to the fetus. However, such circulation can lead to nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
Hormonal changes affect the functioning of the sweat glands. Most pregnant women notice an increase in sweating even with a slight increase in ambient temperature.
The skin changes, especially on the abdomen. The skin may itch, peel, and become pigmented. As a rule, all dermatological problems resolve on their own during the postpartum period. To reduce discomfort and prevent the appearance of stretch marks, it is necessary to use special creams.

The mammary glands become engorged and may increase slightly in size. It is also possible to change the shape of the nipple.
An increased volume of circulating blood and impaired outflow from the venous vascular system of the lower extremities leads to the appearance of edema. Most often, they are localized in the ankle area. When pressing in the area of the tibia, a dimple remains on the skin, disappearing over time.
The emotional background also undergoes changes. The pregnant woman's mood remains normal, but a feeling of anxiety and fear of childbirth appears. The mother worries about the health of her baby and listens to every movement. At the same time, there is some confusion in everyday life.

These changes do not necessarily completely disturb the pregnant woman. Some will only feel an increase in waist size, others may suffer from heartburn, flatulence or itchy skin on the abdomen. If any unusual sensations occur, you should consult a gynecologist.

This will prevent the development of dangerous complications and preserve the health of the unborn baby.

How to eat?

Due to an excellent appetite and a constant desire to snack, it is necessary to monitor weight gain. Such control will allow you to approach childbirth in optimal shape. After all, a significant increase in body weight can be an obstacle to natural delivery and negatively affect the condition of the fetus.

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, weight gain within 500 grams per week is considered physiological. Thus, during the 6th month of pregnancy, the weight gain should be approximately 2 kilograms.

How to achieve such results? There are general principles of rational nutrition, by following which weight gain can be controlled. These include:

frequent and small meals;
eating a lot of vegetables and fruits;
limiting salty foods;
refusal of simple carbohydrates, fast food, carbonated drinks.

It is also important to include foods containing calcium in your diet. This will help form the child’s bone skeleton and prevent a possible deficiency condition in the mother. The most useful in this situation are low-fat fermented milk dishes and broccoli.

Due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the organs of the digestive tract, heartburn or constipation may occur. These conditions cause discomfort to the pregnant woman. With the help of food, you can alleviate the manifestations of these dyspeptic problems:

To combat heartburn you can use: jelly, potato juice, oatmeal. They have an enveloping effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid on the walls of the esophagus. When heartburn occurs, it is enough to consume a small amount of the above foods at each meal to reduce discomfort.

Constipation occurs due to impaired intestinal motility. To enhance peristalsis, foods rich in fiber are used. These are primarily vegetables and fruits. To preserve their beneficial properties, you must eat them raw. So, in addition to fiber, the pregnant woman’s body will receive vitamins and microelements.

Surveys

Despite the fact that the sixth month of pregnancy is relatively calm in the life of the expectant mother, she needs to monitor her health. During this period, instrumental and laboratory tests are recommended that will show the development of the fetus and possible problems.

At the beginning of the month, you need to come to the antenatal clinic for an examination by a gynecologist. In addition to a visual examination, the doctor will conduct:

body weight measurement;
blood pressure control;
determination of the position of the uterine fundus, organ size, fetal position;
using a special device - a stethoscope - listen to the cardiac activity of the unborn baby;
check for swelling in the lower extremities.

Starting from the fifth or sixth month of gestation, the pregnant woman begins to be disturbed by thoughts about future childbirth. All nuances regarding delivery must be discussed with a specialist. This will dispel doubts and make it possible to normalize the woman’s emotional background.

In addition to examination by a gynecologist, a pregnant woman needs to undergo some laboratory tests. Mandatory tests include urine tests for protein and glucose. These substances are detected in excess when the functioning of the urinary system organs is disrupted and endocrine pathology is suspected. You should not ignore the proposed tests, as they will help to recognize a possible problem in a timely manner and maintain the pregnancy.

At the beginning of the sixth month, a second planned ultrasound examination can be performed. A specialist can determine:

gender of the unborn child with a favorable body position;
possible developmental abnormalities;
condition of the placenta;
volume of amniotic fluid;
indicators of blood flow in the placental vessels.

Thus, ultrasound examination allows not only to assess the degree of fetal development and possible malformations, but also to predict the volume of nutrients and oxygen supplied through the placenta.

Ultrasound examination is considered safe and does not cause any harm to the unborn baby. Modern devices make it possible to obtain a full 3D picture of the fetal bladder, and the detail of the image is capable of conveying even the slightest changes in the structure of the organs of the reproductive system.

Premature birth

Despite the relative calm and emotional peace, an extremely negative event can occur in the sixth month of pregnancy - premature birth. It is dangerous for the baby, since his body is not yet ready for independent life. A pregnant woman experiences the following clinical symptoms:

strong uterine contractions with intense frequency;
uterine bleeding;
increasing pain syndrome;
nausea, vomiting;
discharge of a large volume of fluid from the vagina.

These threatening symptoms are a reason for emergency hospitalization. Timely provision of qualified medical care will save the child’s life.

Pregnancy is the state when the last thing you want is any health problems. The goal of every woman is to give birth to a healthy child and not cause irreparable harm to her body. This can be achieved by following simple recommendations from experts:

Optimize your physical activity. During pregnancy, it is necessary to avoid strenuous sports (for example, powerlifting) - such exercises can harm the fetus. For pregnant women, special gymnastic exercises are recommended, which help prepare the muscles and ligaments for labor. Breathing practices will help you master the correct diaphragmatic type of breathing.

Rest with your feet elevated. In this position, venous outflow from the vessels of the lower extremities improves and prevents the development of edema.
Take more walks in the fresh air. In this case, a sufficient amount of oxygen will be supplied to the fetus.
Eat sensibly. A proper diet will provide the developing body with the necessary nutrients.
Try not to be nervous. The baby is very sensitive to the mother’s mood, so positive emotions have a beneficial effect on the baby’s condition.
Reduce the intensity of intimate relationships with your husband.

A positive attitude and following the advice and recommendations of a gynecologist can minimize problems that may arise during this period of time.

The most favorable and calm period of bearing a baby continues. The expectant mother can lead a normal life, with the exception of only some restrictions. But the second trimester is inexorably approaching its end, so the 6th month of pregnancy is the time when it is necessary to complete the most important things and prepare for the arrival of the baby.

Very soon a woman will have to significantly limit her movements, and this should be taken into account when drawing up an action plan for the current month.

It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of what week the 6th month of pregnancy begins. If you count according to the obstetric calendar, where the gestational age is 40 weeks or 10 obstetric months of 4 weeks each, then the sixth month of pregnancy falls on the period from 21 to 24 weeks.

If we take into account that the duration of bearing a baby is 9 calendar months, then the 6th month begins from the 23rd week or from the middle of the 22nd week. Therefore, when a doctor tells a woman how far along she is and how many weeks of pregnancy it is, it is better to further clarify which counting system he has in mind.

Pregnancy calculator

Fetal development

The sixth calendar month of pregnancy is characterized by rapid growth of the fetal body. At week 23, the brain weight reaches 20-25 g. Scientists believe that at this stage of its development the baby can already dream.

When the 24th obstetric week begins, the fetal pulmonary alveoli begin to produce a substance called surfactant, which prevents the lungs from sticking together. The baby's sleep and wake periods become clearer.

With the onset of the 25th week, the left or right hand of the fetus becomes dominant. Since right-handedness or left-handedness is established in prenatal age, subsequently retraining a preschooler or schoolchild is a futile and even harmful activity for the child.

At week 26, the fetus can fully open the eyes, which began to form during the sixth week of pregnancy. The skin looks lighter because fat accumulates underneath it.

By the end of the sixth month of pregnancy, the height of the fetus in a sitting position is 23-24 cm, and the total body length reaches 34-35 cm. Body weight is about 850 g, in some cases it can approach 1 kg.

At this stage, there is a possibility of saving the baby’s life in case of premature birth. But the child can survive only if he is connected to special equipment that ensures normal breathing. Under normal conditions, the baby will not be able to breathe normally, because his lungs are not yet mature enough to function autonomously.

Changes in a woman's body

At 6 months of pregnancy, the following happens in the body of the expectant mother:

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The risk of varicose veins increases. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to regularly change body position, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. After work, you can relax by placing your feet on a low chair.
A pregnant woman may begin to feel weak contractions of the uterus. Thus, the female body begins to train several months before the upcoming birth. Such contractions are practically painless, and their duration rarely exceeds 1-2 minutes. But in the case when a woman has a strong pull in the lower abdomen, and the tension in the uterine area does not disappear, it is necessary to urgently call a doctor or go to the hospital on your own.
If there is a lack of certain nutrients or poor oral care, slight bleeding from the gums may occur. For treatment, it is better to consult a dentist, who will select medications approved for pregnant women.
During the 6th month of pregnancy, vaginal discharge is usually white, clear, or has a slightly grayish tint.
Slight swelling of the legs and other parts of the body may appear, but they are usually almost invisible visually.
The emotional state of a woman at 6 months is usually not a cause for concern. As a rule, the expectant mother has long been accustomed to the idea of pregnancy, and there is still enough time before the upcoming birth to not worry about possible complications now.

Analyzes and examinations

At 6 months of pregnancy, the list of necessary tests will not be too extensive. An ultrasound examination is not performed at this time, except in situations where the expectant mother is in any danger or if, during a previous ultrasound, doubts arose regarding the condition of the fetus.

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During the next examination of a pregnant woman, the doctor will determine the woman’s body weight, abdominal circumference, height of the uterine fundus, blood pressure and other indicators. In addition, the woman will be recommended to have her urine tested in order not to miss the possible development of gestosis, a condition that poses a threat to the life of the expectant mother and baby.

During the examination, the doctor should ask the woman if she is bothered by symptoms of hemorrhoids or varicose veins. If necessary, special medications may be prescribed for treatment.

Possible dangers in the sixth month of pregnancy

During the current month, there is a possibility of developing the following complications:

Preeclampsia or so-called late toxicosis. The main signs of gestosis are swelling, high blood pressure, too rapid increase in a woman’s body weight, headache, nausea, a feeling of spots before the eyes, and a general deterioration in well-being. This condition poses a serious threat to the health and life of a woman, therefore, if such symptoms appear, you should take a blood test to determine glucose levels, a general urine test, and also undergo some other examinations. Treatment for a period of 6 months consists of normalizing blood pressure and taking medications that improve the condition of blood vessels.
Leakage of amniotic fluid. When this pathology appears, a woman may notice that the discharge is too thin and transparent, but often the fluid pours out of the uterus in very small portions, so the disease can be asymptomatic. Due to water leakage, oligohydramnios often develops, which slows down the growth and nutrition of the fetus. Oligohydramnios can be diagnosed by performing an ultrasound.
Premature birth. Once upon a time, babies born before 28 weeks and weighing less than 1 kg were considered nonviable, and the birth was recorded as a late miscarriage. Now the situation has changed, and modern medical institutions have equipment for caring for very premature babies. Therefore, a child born at 6 months of pregnancy has a chance of survival if connected to special equipment. However, such children may experience serious health problems, so when the very first signs of labor begin (brown discharge, pain and cramps in the lower abdomen), doctors will try to continue the pregnancy.

In order to prevent the development of serious complications in the 6th month of pregnancy, the expectant mother is advised to undergo prescribed examinations on time and avoid exposure to harmful factors on the developing fetus. Viewing thematic content will make you feel more confident in an unusual state.

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For a woman who is six months pregnant, the following tips may be relevant:

In order to prevent the development of gestosis, it is recommended to exclude canned food, smoked foods, fried, spicy and salty foods, as well as chocolate from the diet. It is better to limit flour products a little so as not to gain too much weight by the time of childbirth.
You should pay attention to the volume of urine excreted. If a woman begins to go to the toilet less often, then she should undergo additional examination to detect hidden edema.
It is advisable to regularly measure blood pressure using a tonometer at home. This will allow you to get fairly objective results, because in a cozy and familiar environment the expectant mother will not worry, unlike at a doctor’s appointment, which means it will be possible to exclude the psychological factor of increased blood pressure.
For sleep, you should choose the most comfortable positions, with the exception of resting on your back or stomach. If necessary, it is better to purchase a special pillow for pregnant women.
Smoking during pregnancy at any stage is unacceptable. For those girls who believe that smoking is not as dangerous as alcohol, information on a thematic forum about what consequences may arise for a child due to the presence of this bad habit in the mother may be important. It is necessary to quit smoking at least a few months before conception, and it is even better if all brides, when getting married, are not addicted to nicotine or alcohol.
Colds, poisoning and other ailments are not a reason to take medications. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable, therefore, if a woman has a stomach ache or a fever, she should consult a doctor.
Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly when they are six months pregnant. Nevertheless, you should think carefully about whether it is worth risking your health, because during the flight the load on a woman’s body increases significantly. Therefore, the trip can be made in the most urgent case, and it is better to postpone the next trip to the sea for a more favorable period.

Starting from the sixth month, it is better for the expectant mother to reduce the level of physical activity to reasonable limits. In the second half of pregnancy, work with a sharp bend of the body, as well as lifting weights weighing more than 4-5 kg are contraindicated. Daily walks at a leisurely pace or special gymnastics for expectant mothers, which can only be performed under the supervision of a doctor, will help make up for the lack of movement. Maintaining moderation in everything will minimize the risk of complications and give birth to a healthy baby.