Baby's Development for month 5

Mothers's Development

Things to do

Tips

Baby's Development for month 5 of pregnancy

• Length - 8 inches or 203 mm long
• Weight - about 226 gram
• Your baby is covered in a white cream called vernix - this protects her from the amniotic fluid. Premature babies will have this covering , but on full term babies it will be almost completely gone.
• Her permanent teeth buds are forming behind the milk teeth buds which have already developed.
• Length - 9.5 inches or 241 mm long
• Weight - about 270 gram
• If your baby is a girl, she has 6 million eggs in her ovaries, her uterus is formed and she's beginning to develop a vagina.
• Her hair begins to grow.
• Length - 10 inches or 255 mm long
• Weight - about 370 gram
• The rapid growth phase slows down this week. The heart becomes stronger and the limbs are more in proportion with the rest of the baby's body.
• Length - 10.8 inches or 274 mm long
• Weight - about 420 gram
• Your baby is developing eyebrows. In boys the testes descend. Your baby can probably hear sounds from outside now.
• Length - 11 inches or 280 mm long
• Weight - about 500 gram
• Your baby's lungs have started to develop surfactant, a substance that will help his or her lungs to expand after birth.
• Your baby now has a chance of survival if it was born now, however it would need weeks of special care. It's chances of survival are significantly improved by the time it reaches 2lbs(907grams) in weight Let's hope she decides to stay where she is for a little bit longer.
• Her fingernails are now completely formed and her bones in her ears begin to harden.

Mothers Development for month 5 of pregnancy

• You may notice that your shoes are a little tight. Many women's shoe size grows about half a shoe size during pregnancy. This may be due to water retention or due to loosening of ligaments around the body.
• You may have dry or flaky skin in places. Some women develop rashes on stretched skin. You can't prevent stretch marks but lotions and oils can ease dryness and itching. Drinking lots of water also helps.
• You may have more heartburn as the uterus pushes up against the stomach.
• Congratulations, you are half way through your pregnancy. Hopefully you are feeling good now and are not as tired as before.
• You may have some trouble breathing during pregnancy as their lungs become cramped. This usually lasts until the baby engages.
• Your belly button may pop at any stage from the uterus pressing against it.
• Some women experience temporary vision changes because of the build up of fluid in the eyes. This will revert back to normal after the baby is born.
• Your breasts could at this time produce colostrum, which can start to leak from your breasts soon.
• The average weight gain is about 10-15 lbs at this point. If you experience swelling in your ankles and feet, drink lots of water and rest with your feet elevated.
• It might be a good time to start thinking about a name. Try our baby naming tool.
• Sex may be very fulfilling for women at this stage of pregnancy, aided by the increase in blood flow to the clitoris and an increase in vaginal lubrication.
• Some women do not want to be touched at all. You should decide what is best for you and discuss it with your partner.
• You may experience back pain as the extra weight takes it's toll. Wear low-heeled shoes and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Sit with your feet up whenever you can.
• Some mothers experience Braxton Hicks contractions at this stage. Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterus that lasts about half a minute. They are preparing the uterus for the real thing in a few months time. If they change or intensify, contact your GP.
• It is a good idea to eat foods which are rich in vitamin C and iron, because your baby begins to collect stores of iron and your body also needs it throughout pregnancy.
• Your Gynae may use a tape measure to measure your fundal height to try and estimate the size of the baby.

Things To Do in month 5

• Enroll in an antenatal class, with your partner. This will prepare you for the birth and show you what you should do.
   
• You should start doing your pelvic exercises, these will help you later on in your pregnancy and after the birth aswell.

Tips

• Bring a list of questions with you when you make you next antenatal visit.
   
• Don't worry if you are not experiencing all the symptoms other women are experiencing. Every woman's pregnancy is different. If there is anything that you are concerned about, talk to your doctor about it.
   
• You may experience absentmindedness and forgetfulness, so write down the things that you want to get done.
   
• To prevent varicose veins, avoid staying in the one position for long periods, elevate your legs when possible and move around frequently.

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