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Halfway ThereAt five months, the pregnant woman has reached the halfway point of pregnancy. But this does not mean she can rest. Although pregnancy symptoms tend to decrease, the signs of the baby inside the belly become stronger and can be bothersome. Besides the belly, which grows disproportionately as the fetus develops, the movements are also much more noticeable.
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17 weeks
At the 17th week of pregnancy, the fetus is starting to lose that rosy look of translucent skin and is forming fat beneath the skin. This fat will help balance its body temperature1. The little body can now measure up to 12 centimeters, and the arms and legs have developed enough to move non-stop. Many women begin to feel their baby move during this period, as they are now bigger and move all the time.
18 weeks
When we get to the 18th week, in the fifth month of pregnancy, a difference in weight is noticeable not only for the mom, which should be closely monitored, but also for the fetus. At this time, the fetus weighs about 150 grams. Now it grows and gains weight very rapidly, reaching 14 centimeters. The ears are fully functional, and it can listen to your heartbeat and the sounds of your stomach.
19 weeks
By the 19th week of pregnancy, the fetal sensory system is in full development. A substance called myelin2 starts to form around the neurons, activating the senses such as hearing sounds, smelling odors, tasting flavors, and feeling touch. It's a very important phase for the proper functioning of the nervous system. If you don’t know the sex yet, you will be able to find out now, as the genitals are fully developed and totally visible.
20 weeks
During the 20th week in the fifth month, the pregnancy is already more than halfway through. The fetus is much stronger, weighing on average 260 grams, and is growing faster every day. A sticky substance known as vernix3 now covers the skin of the fetus, protecting it, since it’s immersed in the amniotic fluid for such a long time.
21 weeks
As you enter the 5th month, you reach the 21st week. At 5 months, the fetus is about 27 centimeters long. Its tiny eyelids can now slowly open and close. The ears, which could previously only pick up internal sounds from the womb, now begin to pick up sounds from the outside. This way, the baby can recognize its mother’s and father’s voices. At this stage, women need to take extra care with balance since the belly is considerably larger. Extra attention should be paid to footwear and where you walk. At five months of pregnancy, there is an increased risk of falls.
Readers' Questions
What is the baby like at 5 months pregnant?
At 5 months, the baby is in its most active phase, moving constantly, mostly at night. It measures around 80 cm and weighs about 700 grams on average. Even though it is fully formed and developed, it does not yet look like it will at birth, as its skin is still very thin, reddish, and wrinkled. This appearance will change in the coming weeks.
What does the belly look like at 5 months pregnant?
By 5 months pregnant, the belly is already well-rounded and clearly shows the pregnancy. Even for those who take longer for the belly to show, at this period you can see your new gestational silhouette.
How much weight should I gain at 5 months pregnant?
Each pregnancy should be evaluated individually, but typically the recommended total weight gain is 7 to 15 kilos over 9 months. At 5 months, the most recommended is about 1 kilo per month, or a small variation if you had weight loss at the start due to nausea and vomiting.
Photo: Lee Kelleher
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