6 Months Pregnant

You are nearing the end of your second trimester!

The third trimester is right around the corner! Your baby is growing rapidly during weeks 23–27, reaching roughly 12 inches in length and over a pound in weight. 

As your baby puts on more fat, the vernix caseosa begins to form and cover your baby's body. Vernix is a white, creamy film that helps protect your baby’s skin, supports moisture retention, and may play a role in immune protection.

Along with increasing in size, your baby's senses are continuing to develop—you may notice that baby is beginning to respond to sounds, including your voice! Your baby is practicing breathing movements (they are still receiving oxygen through the placenta) and even beginning sleep and wake patterns during the sixth month. You may feel stronger kicks and jabs and even visible movements on your belly as your baby is testing out those reflexes. All of this rapid fetal development may mean that your baby bump is really starting to "pop" as you approach your third trimester!

Your body is hard at work accommodating your growing baby. Some people may still be feeling comfortable physically, while others will start to experience increased aches and pains related to a changing body. Some discomforts could be related to increased blood flow, a changing center of gravity, and skin changes like stretching. Some physical changes to note at this point in pregnancy include:

• Steady weight gain continues. Many people have gained around 10–14 pounds by this stage, though this varies.

• Your uterus will grow to roughly the size of a grapefruit by the end of 6 months of pregnancy—extending above your belly button. Your provider will measure your fundal height in centimeters. 

• Internal organs are displaced slightly to make room for this uterine growth:

• Your stomach and intestines are pushed upwards, making heartburn a common side effect. 

• The bladder is compressed as your uterus expands, causing frequent urination. 

• The lungs and diaphragm shift up, sometimes making it harder to take deep breaths.

• You may notice leaking from your breasts as you begin producing your first milk—colostrum.

Month six of pregnancy may be filled with a mix of emotions! You may still be in the ‘honeymoon phase’ of the second trimester—increased energy, joy from noticing that growing belly, excitement from feeling your baby's first movements. You may also notice feelings of overwhelm or anxiety start to pop up as the reality of parenthood starts to feel more real. Fatigue, reminiscent of that first trimester, can trigger irritability, and mood swings may persist due to those pregnancy hormones. Now is a good time, if you haven't already, to prioritize self-care and open communication with your partner or support people.

Some physical symptoms you may be feeling during this month include:

• More noticeable kicks and movement

• Braxton Hicks (or practice contractions) may be felt

• Fatigue returning

• Leg cramps

• Backaches

• Constipation

• Heartburn

• Swelling in the feet or ankles

• Stretching of the skin may cause itchiness or stretch marks

While these are common pregnancy symptoms, if any are disruptive to your day-to-day life, please discuss with your healthcare provider.

1. Attend your routine prenatal visit

• Discuss the glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes, which usually happens around 24–28 weeks, with your healthcare provider.

2. Research childbirth and breastfeeding classes

• Check out our Birth and Breastfeeding virtual option, it’s a two-part series. 
• Review your birth plan preferences, make sure to discuss these preferences with your partner and support people as you get closer to your due date.

3. Continue planning for baby

• If you have one, continue adding to your baby registry. It can also include things for yourself, even a meal train! 
• Research childcare and consider touring facilities and adding your name to a list, if needed.

4. Look into your insurance coverage for your breast pump

• Check your eligibility for a standard, portable, or wearable breast pump through insurance. 

5. Focus on balanced nutrition and gentle movement 

• Continue to eat high-fiber foods to help with constipation and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Stay active by walking or with gentle exercises like prenatal yoga. You can change your exercise routine as your growing belly shifts your center of gravity. 
• Try pelvic floor therapy or simple exercises.

We created a handy, downloadable checklist that includes the key things to do or think about this month. Simply download, save it on your phone, and bring it up whenever you need a reminder! 

The end of the second trimester is full of many changes, both physical and emotional. Your pregnancy may be quite visible by this point. These physical changes may be welcomed—you may find yourself snapping pictures of your growing bump and smiling when you feel those strong baby kicks. You may also feel some of the more unwelcome discomforts associated with pregnancy—backaches, swollen feet, and constipation. This is an important time to prioritize communication with your support people. Make time to discuss birth preferences with your support persons, ask your provider questions at those prenatal appointments, and research the resources that are available to you.

60-minute class to help you plan for maternity leave and return to work as well as understand your rights at work during pregnancy and postpartum.

Prepare for the stages of labor and birth, prep for breastfeeding after birth, and learn about birth planning in these two 60-minute classes.

Learn about the different types of breast pumps–standard, portable, and wearable–and find the best pump for you.