Month-by-Month Pregnancy Guide: Month Five

The Pregnancy HelpDesk

Month Five:

At this time you may be showing more than a pooch. Thinner women tend to show more than heavier women. You may also be feeling butterflies. Most women describe this as a tickling sensation, or butterflies, and it is usually felt around the belly button. If you have not felt it yet, try to feel this unique sensation right after you eat. Get in a comfortable position a place your hand on your abdomen. You may not feel anything on the outside, but you may feel the "butterfly" feeling on the inside. Women who have had a child before may feel this sensation earlier because they know what to expect. Women who have not had a previous child, usually feel this by 22 weeks (about 5 and 1/2 months).

During the fourth, fifth and sixth month, you are going to experience the energy of pregnancy. The second trimester is marked by increased energy. Most women will feel their best during these middle months. This is a great time to clean and get ready for the baby because you will tire again during the last three months. Some women will get the "nesting" syndrome and others will not. Do not depend upon getting this marked feeling of energy before labor because this is not always the case. If you feel energized now, begin planning for bringing your baby home.

These Are Things You May be Feeling:

You may feel sleepy or tired. Try to get more rest so that your body can concentrate on getting the uterus ready to carry a fetus full-term. If you work or stay very busy, consider cutting back on your schedule until your second trimester (4-6^th month). Make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins and eating right.

You may have to urinate (pee pee) more frequently. This usually begins 4-6 weeks after conception and lasts throughout pregnancy.

You may crave or dislike certain foods. Some women do experience this very early in the first trimester, but most will experience this around the end of the first trimester (3^rd month).

You may have symptoms like premenstrual syndrome. You may feel depressed, irritable, moody, sad, or bouncing between any and all of these. Remember your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes. Most women will begin to feel better during the fourth month and will gain a new sense of calmness and have energy.

Morning Sickness (or any other time). Usually women will begin to experience this around 2 to 8 weeks after conception. A diet that is high in protein and/or carbohydrates can help. High protein foods are foods such as: nuts, whole-grain products, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and soy burgers. Carbohydrate food sources are things such as: baked potatoes, whole-grain (wheat) bread, rice, dried beans and peas, and vegetables. You should also drinks lots of fluid to replace the fluids lost by vomiting.

You may experience headaches. If you had headaches while taking birth control pills and/or before becoming pregnant, you have a greater chance at having headaches now. Aspirin and Ibuprofen medications (Advil, Nuprin, Medipren) should be avoided during pregnancy. Most doctors will suggest Tylenol (Acetaminophen) after the first trimester (after 3^rd month). Please check with your physician. You can try a cool wash cloth on your forehead or the back of your neck. If lights bother you, go to a dark room that is very quiet. If you can, try to take a nap.

Note: Some women get migraines or headaches because of TOO much sleep. If this is the case, try to regulate your sleeping patterns.

You may be getting dizzy or having faint like spells. Try to stand up slowly will raising from a sitting position. If you are standing a lot, try to turn your head slowly. Sometimes you may be in too big of a hurry for your body to deal with at this time. If you continue to have these spells check with your doctor.

You may be experiencing constipation. If this is happening during your pregnancy, try to eat more raw vegetables and fiber. One suggestion is to eat celery and carrots dipped in Ranch dressing. Not too much Ranch though! You should also try to drink more fluids.

You may experience an increase in appetite during this month. Many women will have stopped feeling nauseated an will regain a desire to eat. Make sure you eat things that are nutritious.

You may also begin to feel a calming feeling. Most women will have know for at least a couple of months now and because the body is getting more use to the increased hormones, things will start to calm down. You may be accepting the pregnancy now or getting use to the idea now. Whatever it is, past the third month you just plain feel better. That is... until you get to the 9^th month.

Development of Fetus:

During the fifth month, the fetus has a big spurt in growth. The fetus will be 10-12 inches long and weigh about 1/2 -1 pound by the end of the month. The mother can usually feel the strong kicks by the 20^th-22^nd week. The fetal heartbeat can clearly be heard through a stethoscope. The first fetal movement felt is called quickening. A protective coating called vernix and lanugo now covers the fetus. The vernix caseosa is a creamy lotion type paste. Lanugo is the fine hair covering the entire body. The fingernails have now grown to the tips of the fingers and she/he even has a little hair on their head. The fetus may even suck its thumb or fingers now.

This fetus is sucking its thumb.

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