6 Months Pregnancy Guide: Ultrasound, Symptoms, Belly Size, What To Expect

You may start to feel more than gentle kicks as you enjoy your 6^th month of pregnancy. Your baby is getting stronger as evidenced by some pretty solid punches you may feel. Baby is growing and developing as you can probably tell from your growing belly. You are so close to holding that little bundle of joy in your arms and it is likely getting very exciting to know that the special day will be here before you know it.

In this article, we are going to help guide you through your 6th month of pregnancy.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• What to expect from an ultrasound
• Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
• How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
• How big is my baby right now?
• Shopping List
• Homework for this month
• Bottom Line

What to expect from an ultrasound

You may not get a peek at your baby during this month as an ultrasound is not always conducted. Of course, this decision depends on your provider’s judgement.

If you have an ultrasound during this month, expect it to be conducted in the same way as the anatomy scan that occurred last month. Your provider will be able to see the anatomy of your baby to monitor whatever is needed.

This scan may not require as much time as the scan conducted last month. Pro tip: have a snack before your ultrasound to possibly encourage your little one to be more active during the visit. It may help your provider see what she needs to see.

Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?

You will likely start to notice some major changes in your body to help support the extra weight you are carrying in your belly. Your body is also adjusting to your baby taking up more and more space in your belly, and therefore pushing some of your organs (like your lungs and stomach) out of the way.

Some symptoms you may notice include:

• Experiencing lots of baby movement
• Fuzzy memory (every hear of pregnancy brain?)
• Bloating
• Increased appetite
• Swollen ankles
• Stretch marks on belly and thighs
• Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor pains you may feel as your body is getting ready for the main event)
• Leaky breasts
• Darker nipples
• Increased urination frequency

How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?

Your belly is expanding in every which way at this point. Since your uterus extends around 1.5 inches above your belly button at this point, you will notice that your bump is extending higher than it was a few months ago. You may also notice that your belly button is starting to poke out, too!

How big is my baby right now?

Your baby is now approximately one foot long (perhaps a bit under) and is around one pound. Go ahead and grab a 1-pound weight and you will be able to feel how heavy your baby is in. your own hand. 

Shopping List

Keep loading up on healthy snacks. Foods like parks and Nash bone broth soups provide high-quality protein and is ready in minutes in the microwave.

If you are having trouble finding the perfect position for bedtime, try a pregnancy pillow. It will help support your belly and body while you drift away into dreamland.

If you haven’t gotten yourself some new maternity bras, now is the time. Your breasts are changing, and you will likely need a larger sized bra to keep yourself comfortable.

To support a restful sleep which is incredibly important right now, try some ear plugs to block out any outside noise (or snoring partner) that may be negatively affecting your sleep.

Homework for this month

Although baby’s eyelids are sealed shut, your baby can perceive light and dark. Play with your baby by shining a flashlight on your belly and see if she moves.

Schedule your glucose tolerance test if you haven’t already. Most pregnant women get this done between weeks 24 and 28 to determine whether you have a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. If you happen to learn that you have gestational diabetes, schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator to help guide you in a personalized way.

Talk to a professional about what you need to do to update your life insurance and will. You want to make sure your little one is taken care of during a worst-case-scenario.

Figure out your childcare situation and start interviewing baby nurses or night nurses if this is an option you are going to pursue

Make a point to do Kegel exercises daily to keep your pelvic floor strong. With an empty bladder, lift and squeeze your pelvic floor muscles. Hold for five to 10 seconds and repeat. Some women do these exercises every time she is waiting for a red light to turn green.

Bottom Line

You are past the halfway mark of your pregnancy and your baby has certainly come a long way from being a microscopic ball of cells a few short months ago. Enjoy the journey-the best is yet to come.