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6 Months Pregnant: Body Changes, Symptoms & an Essential Checklist

L. Elizabeth Forry

At six months pregnant, you are two-thirds of the way through your pregnancy and getting closer to meeting your baby every day!

As the third-trimester approaches, we consider a timely checklist, your baby’s development, changes to your body, and what to expect at your upcoming prenatal visits.

6 Months Pregnant Checklist

Here are some things you may want to do during the sixth month of your pregnancy:

• Look into childcare options if you will be returning to work after you have your baby.
• Think about who you want in the delivery room to support you.
• Consider hiring a doula. 
• Develop a birth plan .
• Sign up for a childbirth education class .
• Figure out two routes to the hospital or birthing center.
• Begin making a list of baby names .
• Plan a maternity photoshoot for the third trimester.
• Plan your baby shower and create a registry.
• Start looking for a pediatrician (Tip: If you have friends that have young children ask them for a recommendation!).
• Take a day off and pamper yourself.

Your Baby at 6 Months

The sixth month of pregnancy is weeks 21 to 24 . You will be feeling baby kicks and movements, which are likely getting stronger, and your partner may be able to feel them too. If you feel a rhythmic twitching in your abdomen, your little one probably has hiccups, which sometimes happen as the lungs mature. 

Your baby’s development is not changing as rapidly as it did in the early weeks of pregnancy, but there is still a lot of crucial growth that needs to occur before they are ready to meet you. Your baby is almost a foot long, and they weigh about 1-1.5 pounds. 

During the sixth month of pregnancy , your baby can suck their thumb, fingerprints are starting to form, and their hair is developing. Your baby is getting larger, fat is forming under their skin, their lungs are continuing to develop in preparation for breathing, and most of their time is spent sleeping. 

Your Body at 6 Months Pregnant

From months six to seven, your second trimester is coming to an end. You will have a growing baby bump and be able to feel your baby’s movements becoming stronger and more noticeable. Your uterus is expanding to fit your growing baby, and you may notice a few stretch marks or varicose veins. You will see weight gain, most of which can be attributed to the growth of your baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and an increase in the amount of blood in your body. 

Your feet may have begun to swell due to the increase in blood volume, resulting in edema (or water retention). The weight of your uterus causes the veins in your legs to work double-time as they pump extra blood throughout your body, which can cause fluid to settle in your lower legs, resulting in edema.

Putting your feet up when you can, wearing comfortable flat shoes, drinking enough water, and soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt are all excellent ways to ease the discomfort. Compression stockings, available at most pharmacies, may also be helpful.

In most cases, edema by itself is nothing to be concerned with. However, call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience sudden and severe swelling of the face and hands, along with a severe headache and/or vision changes, as these could be signs of preeclampsia and would require medical evaluation. 

Common Discomforts of the Second Trimester

These symptoms are common and are most often normal, but it’s always a good idea to discuss any symptoms you may be having with your healthcare provider at your next prenatal visit: 

• Nausea, food cravings, or food aversions
• Gas, constipation, hemorrhoids, heartburn
• Frequent urination
• Increase or change in vaginal discharge
• Fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Bleeding gums, especially when you floss
• Skin and hair changes
• Excess mucus and saliva
• Mild shortness of breath
• Headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness
• Round ligament pain, lower back pain, leg cramps
• Mild swelling of legs, feet, and hands
• And your belly button may pop to an outie!

Use this list as a checklist to discuss any symptoms you may be having with your healthcare provider at your next prenatal visit.

Thoughts and Concerns at 6 Months Pregnant

As your sixth month arrives, the reality of becoming a parent for the first time, or adding to your family, may be becoming very real. You might be wondering, “What will my baby look like?” and “Am I going to be a good parent?” The unknown can sometimes bring out stressful and anxious thoughts.

As your due date approaches, your pregnancy hormones may make your mood fluctuate, but most likely not as much as your first trimester. Most people feel calmer and at ease during the second trimester because of an increase in serotonin . However, those that already suffer from depression or other mental health conditions may notice a worsening in their condition. Always speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing an increase in stress, feeling anxious, or having depressive thoughts.

As you approach the third trimester, try to take advantage of these final days of relative comfort and sit back and savor your pregnancy. Find ways to pamper and treat yourself and to relieve any stress that you may be experiencing. 

This is a great time to start thinking about who will be present with you during your birth as a support person, research hiring a doula, ask friends with kids for recommendations for a pediatrician, and make a list of support people you can call on during the postpartum period. You should also be signing up for a childbirth education class and thinking about methods for coping during labor (Have you heard of Hypnobirthing ?) as you make your birth plan. 

What to Expect at Your Prenatal Visits

There will be more of the same this month as your provider checks your weight, vital signs, fundal height, and continues to track fetal wellbeing by listening to your baby's heartbeat. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend testing for gestational diabetes around 28 weeks, so expect a conversation about this test during the sixth month of pregnancy. 

In most cases, if you are experiencing a healthy pregnancy, you will not have another ultrasound after your 20-week scan unless you request one, or a new health condition presents. 

Your healthcare provider will discuss your risk factors for any complications and review signs of preterm labor, preeclampsia, and other symptoms to watch out for.

To learn about what milestones and pregnancy symptoms to expect next, check out Month Seven of Your Pregnancy .

Bradley, S. (2020, July 29).  What to Expect at 6 Months Pregnant . Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/6-months-pregnant#fetal-development

Dekker, R. (2023, August 30).  Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes and the Glucola Test - Evidence Based Birth® . Evidence Based Birth®. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/gestational-diabetes-and-the-glucola-test/

Edema - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic . (2023, July 28). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493

Marcin, A. (2023, April 26).  My Baby Hiccups in the Womb: Is This Normal?  Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/baby-hiccups-in-womb#When-to-expect-hiccups

Sears, B. (2018, July 3).  Sixth Month . Ask Dr Sears. https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/pregnancy-childbirth/prenatal-checkups/sixth-month/

The Importance of Checkups in the Second Trimester . (2020, April 20). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/second-trimester-checkups-tests#testing

About L. Elizabeth Forry

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What Happens during Your Sixth Month of Pregnancy?

The sixth month of pregnancy comprises week 21 to 24 of pregnancy. From this moment on, fetal development is at an advanced stage, since you are now halfway through your pregnancy.

At month 6, we are almost at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, which is commonly the most comfortable one for the pregnant woman. Both the woman and the baby, however, continue experiencing great changes, especially in the unborn baby, who is already in a fetal position in the uterus.

Provided below is an index with the 9 points we are going to expand on in this article.

• 1. Symptoms to expect
• 2. Changes in the baby
• 3. Sixth month of pregnancy by week
• 3.1. Week 21
• 3.2. Week 22
• 3.3. Week 23
• 3.4. Week 24
• 4. Medical visits during month 6
• 4.1. Screening glucose challenge test
• 5. Tips for the 6th month of pregnancy
• 6. FAQs from users
• 6.1. Is it normal to have contractions at 6 months?
• 6.2. I've heard about the 4D ultrasound scan. Can you do it at 6 months?
• 6.3. What is the average weight gain for 6 months pregnant women?
• 7. Suggested for you
• 8. References

Symptoms to expect

All the symptoms of the previous months aggravate during the sixth month of pregnancy. The following are the most common ones:

These symptoms can be more or less annoying depending on each woman and the characteristics of her pregnancy. In any case, if you notice some kind of abnormal sign, we recommend that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Changes in the baby

Even though the size of the baby is a considerable one, there is still little room for him or her to move freely inside your womb. This is the reason why you notice vigorous movements inside you.

The most obvious changes at this point of pregnancy are a considerable weight gain as well as an increase in length . On average, when a fetus is 6 months old, the weight can be 750 g and the length as long as 35 cm approximately.

The body is more proportioned now, with a much more human-like appearance, especially the facial features, since both eyebrows and eyelids form during this month. Approximately during this month, the baby is able to open the eyes and even react to certain visual stimuli.

The skin is still thin, although it is starting to wrinkle. In spite of this, it is not totally transparent now: it has acquired a more pinkish color due to the presence of capillaries. Still, more fat layers have to form under the skin.

The ear, which started developing during month 5, finishes its formation throughout month 6. By the end of it, the baby is able to distinguish the voice of others aside from his/her mother's.

The sense of taste continues its development this month and, by the end of it, the taste buds will be fully formed, allowing the baby to differentiate between different flavors, since now he is able to drink and swallow amniotic fluid.

As for the lungs, they are still in an immature phase. In fact, given that they are not necessary until the moment of birth, they are the last organs that form. At this point, they are filled with amniotic fluid, and the pulmonary alveolus have not developed fully yet.

Sixth month of pregnancy by week

Find all the details about each one of the weeks that form the month 6 of pregnancy below:

The baby's activity starts being frenetic in this week. In fact, according to different medical reports, the fetus can change the position up to 50 times in an hour during this stage of pregnancy. All these movements favor the baby's correct physical and mental development.

If the baby-to-be is a girl, by the end of this week her ovaries will be filled with up to 6 million follicles (structures that contain egg cells). From this moment on, this amount will diminish up to the moment of birth, when the follicle count ranges between 1 to 2 million.

Another substancial change that occurs in babies during week 21 is that the bone marrow is almost fully formed, and is now in charge of red blood cells production. Till this moment, the spleen and the liver were responsible for carrying out this function.

At week 22, the baby already weighs about 1 kg and the presence of vernix caseosa, a fatty layer that covers his skin, is more than noticeable.

The limbic system of the baby, formed by the thalamus, the hypothalamus, and the amygdala develop during these days. This part of the nervous system is responsible for making emotions, memory and hunger possible, allowing the baby to have the first mood swings.

Assisted procreation, as any other medical treatment, requires that you rely on the professionalism of the doctors and staff of the clinic you choose. Obviously, each clinic is different. Get now your Fertility Report , which will select several clinics for you out of the pool of clinics that meet our strict quality criteria. Moreover, it will offer you a comparison between the fees and conditions each clinic offers in order for you to make a well informed choice.

In week 23, the thin skin of the fetus, which used to be red to date, starts turning into a more pale color. The baby will be born with a mild pigmentation in the skin, but will not have its definitive color up until he or she is at least 1 year old. The iris of the eyes is not pigmented yet, so the color of his/her eyes remains unknown.

Lanugo, the thin layer of hair that covers his body, is becoming darker, covering the head as well.

As for the skeleton, its development continues: cartilage is turning to bones through a process known as calcification . The duration of this process continues for several years post birth.

The respiratory system starts rehearsing little breathing movements , although the supply of oxygen that the baby requires is provided by the mother through the umbilical cord.

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All sense organs are almost fully formed, except for the sight, which requires various months after childbirth until its complete formation. Nonetheless, they are sensitive to bright light through the mother's skin.

During week 24, the baby learns to open and shut the eyes . This movement is the precursor of the blinking reflex.

Medical visits during month 6

Normally, the second trimester ultrasound is conducted before the sixth month of pregnancy, so there is no need for the woman to go for any other image test.

Nonetheless, it actually depends on the development of each pregnancy. For instance, in cases of high-risk pregnancy, or if the mother or the fetus have some kind of problem, it is likely that a greater level of control is needed.

During month 6, pregnant women usually undergo a test called screening glucose challenge test , also called O'Sullivan test . It is typically performed from week 24 onwards and is used to detect gestational diabetes .

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that appears in pregnant women.

The specific cause of gestational diabetes is still unclear, although it is believed that it is due to the huge hormonal changes that occur in women when they get pregnant, including a deficiency in the cells to collect glucose.

In most pregnant women, pancreas detects that insulin levels are insufficient for the proper collection of glucose. As a result, it produces greater amounts of insulin, thereby solving this abnormality.

However, if insulin production does not increase, glucose levels in blood won't descend, causing gestational diabetes .

This condition disappears after pregnancy in most cases, when hormone levels have returned to normality.

You might also like: What Is Gestational Diabetes? – Symptoms & Causes.

Screening glucose challenge test

This diagnostic test involves a bloodwork as the first step to measure glucose levels, and then they are written down. After that, the pregnant woman drinks a glucose solution (water with 50 g of glucose). Finally, the bloodwork is repeated within an hour, and glucose levels are measured again.

Most specialists render a diagnosis of gestational diabetes if glucose levels are above 140 mg/dl. Keeping this in mind, the potential outcomes of the test can be:

Tips for the 6th month of pregnancy

Given that each pregnancy and woman are different, so are the different medical tests you will have to undergo. Nevertheless, there exist a series of common symptoms, like nausea and backache, the are commonplace in month 6 of pregnancy.

The following are a few useful tips for you to follow at this stage of your pregnancy:

• Increase the presence of zinc in your diet
• Try not to drink water or any other liquid right after getting up
• Avoid very fatty foods or canned food, as well as sugary drinks
• Try to ventilate enclosed spaces , since your sense of smell gets more sensitive during pregnancy and this could increase your nausea
• Practice relaxation techniques and breathing exercises

Most doctors recommend that 6-month pregnant women take up antenatal classes from this month onwards. It is crucial that you start training your body for childbirth in advance.

FAQs from users

Is it normal to have contractions at 6 months.

Yes, it is possible that you have a type of contractions called Braxton-Hicks contractions . In fact, some women start having them from month 5. These contractions are typically so mild that most pregnant women do not even notice them. Their function is to prepare the body for labor.

I've heard about the 4D ultrasound scan. Can you do it at 6 months?

Yes. As a matter of fact, month 6 is a good moment for women to undergo this test. As explained above, the baby has a more human-like physical appearance by this time

What is the average weight gain for 6 months pregnant women?

Actually, there is no average weight range for this gestational age, as each woman has a different weight based on their body complexion. Nonetheless, according to experts, most pregnant women will have gained between 6 to 8 kg by this stage of pregnancy.

This is just an approximate range. As explained earlier, each body and pregnancy is different, and so their progression.

Suggested for you

Making it to week 21 of pregnancy means going through the halfway point of it. It is a crucial stage of pregnancy, since the fetus starts developing the five senses and moving more humanly. Read this next: 21 Weeks Pregnant.

As we know, the diet to follow is a common doubt amongst pregnant women from the first month of pregnancy, as well as what activities are advisable and when should they visit their doctor. Get answers here: The Importance of Staying Healthy during Pregnancy.

Last but not least, we know that having sex during pregnancy is another controversial topic for couples during pregnancy. In general, you should know that it causes no damage at all to the baby, although you should be specially careful during the final weeks of pregnancy. This post will provide you with a much deeper insight on this: 10 Tips to Enjoy Sex During Pregnancy.

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Alcolea Flores, S., Mohamed Mohamed D. Guía de cuidados en el embarazo. Consejos de su matrona. Hospital Universitario de Ceuta (Dirección Territorial de Ceuta e Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria (ed.). Colección Editorial de Publicaciones del INGESA. ISBN: 978-84-351-0408-1

Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía (2002). Proceso Asistencial Integrado: Embarazo, Parto y Puerperio. Consejería de Salud, Junta de Andalucía. Sevilla.

Cunningham F, MacDonald P, Gant N et al. (1996). Adaptación maternal al embarazo. Masson SA. Cunningham F, MacDonald P, Gant N, et al. 4ª ed, Barcelona; pp. 201-237

Duyff, R.L. (2002). American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (2nd Ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Dickason E, Silverman B, Schult M. (1996). Enfermería maternoinfantil (1.a ed.). Barcelona: Mosby-Doyma Libros.

Eugene S, Bonapace MD, Robert S, Fisher MD. (1998). Constipation and diarrhea in pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am; 27: 197- 211.

Gary F, Mc Donald P. (1996). Adaptación materna al embarazo. En: Gary F, MacDonald P, Grant N Lereso K, Gilstrap L, editores. Williams. Obstetricia (4.a ed.). Barcelona: Masson.

González Merlo J. (1992). Modificaciones fisiológicas producidas en el organismo materno por el embarazo. En: Williams. Obstetricia (4.a ed.). Barcelona: Masón.

Grupos de trabajo de la Guía de Embarazo y Parto, Guía de Salud Oral, y Guía de Lactancia Materna. Consejería de Sanidad, Dirección General de Salud Pública y Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias. Octubre de 2015.

Health Service Excecutive (Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte) (2010). A guide to your pregnancy month by month. Breastfeeding.ie - Your breastfeeding support network. Order Code: HPM00341

March of Dimes, Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center. Exercise during Pregnancy. Retrieved March 11, 2008

National Health Service (NHS) (UK) (2009). The Pregnancy Book. Your complete guide to: A healthy pregnancy, Labour and childbirth, The first weeks with your new baby. Crown copyright 2009. Produced by COI for the Department of Health.

Obstetricia 4ª edición. J. González Merlo. Ed. Masson. Barcelona, 2003

Ramírez García O, Martín Martínez A, García Hernández JA. (2003). Duración del embarazo. Modificaciones de los órganos genitales y de las mamas. Molestias comunes del embarazo normal. Panamericana Ed. Tratado de Ginecología, Obstetricia y Medicina de la Reproducción. Cabero Roura L, Madrid.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2005). Your Pregnancy and Birth (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Meredith Books.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2011). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ156). Pregnancy.

The American Dietetic Association. (2008) Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy Outcome. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 108:553-561.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Moms-To-Be. Retrieved April 09, 2010

FAQs from users: 'Is it normal to have contractions at 6 months?' , 'I've heard about the 4D ultrasound scan. Can you do it at 6 months?' and 'What is the average weight gain for 6 months pregnant women?' .

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6 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Fetal Development

months pregnant

At six months pregnant, you’re nearing the end of your second trimester. You might be feeling pretty energized and excited about your baby's arrival in a few months, even if you're dealing with common pregnancy symptoms like heartburn, hot flashes, and backaches. Inside your belly, your baby is making great strides in development this month, as his lungs and sucking reflex are nearly ready for when he makes his grand entrance! Want to learn more about what’s to come this month? Read on!

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 6 Months Pregnant

At six months pregnant, you might experience some of these common pregnancy symptoms, but likely not all of them:

Heartburn. Those pesky pregnancy hormones are at it again, this time relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This allows stomach acids to leak into the esophagus, causing that uncomfortable burning sensation. If you’re bothered by heartburn, try eating about six smaller meals each day (rather than three larger meals), and try to avoid foods that seem to make it worse, such as spicy or fried dishes, citrus, and chocolate.

Backaches. When you are six months pregnant and your belly continues to grow, the extra weight gain begins to place more strain on your back muscles, and can cause lower back pain. A warm bath can be soothing, and if the pain persists, speak to your healthcare provider about safe pain medications you can take.

Hot flashes. If you thought hot flashes were only a sign of menopause, think again! It’s not uncommon for moms-to-be (who are burning more calories and generating more heat) to experience this symptom occasionally. If hot flashes are making you uncomfortable and sweaty, stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing, and consider using a portable fan at home and at work.

Dizziness. At six months pregnant, as your belly grows, your circulation is changing, and there may be less blood flow to your upper body and head. If you feel lightheaded, move slowly when changing positions, drink plenty of water, and avoid standing for long periods of time.

Leg cramps. Some moms-to-be get cramping in their lower legs, particularly at night time. The jury is still out on what exactly causes these cramps, but regular exercise, staying hydrated, and massaging the calf muscles before bed can sometimes help prevent them. If a cramp does strike, try stretching the muscle, taking a warm bath, or applying an ice pack to the affected area.

Fast heartbeat. The thought of meeting your little one might make your heart beat a little more quickly than usual, but did you know that an increased heart rate can be normal during pregnancy? Your heart is working extra hard to pump up to 50 percent more blood around your body now. If you notice that your heart rate stays elevated for long stretches, or if you also have difficulty breathing, speak to your healthcare provider.

How Is Your Baby Developing This Month?

Your baby’s eyelids are still shut, but those little eyeballs are moving behind the lids. When he's not asleep, your baby might also respond to loud noises or your voice by moving in response. By this month, your little one’s lungs are completely formed. Of course, there’s still a way to go before they’re ready to function in the outside world. Your baby’s sucking reflex is improving, and he might be looking for his thumb right now while you’re reading this article. Aside from vital organs and internal systems, your baby has also developed something else that’s very important when you’re about six months pregnant — his very own fingerprints and toe prints. He may have gotten his genes from mom and dad, but these prints are all his!

How Big Is Your Baby When You’re 6 Months Pregnant?

Wondering about your baby’s size when you’re six months pregnant? He could weigh more than 1 pound and be almost 12 inches long around this time.

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What Does a Fetus Look Like at 6 Months?

Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re six months pregnant:

6 Months Pregnant: Your Body’s Changes

What does six months pregnant look like? It’s different for every mom-to-be, but by this month, you may have gained somewhere between 10 to 15 pounds. Your changing body and your weight gain at six months pregnant may affect how you feel about how you look from day to day. Some moms-to-be love their pregnancy bodies, and that’s great! For other women, it’s perfectly normal to go back and forth between feeling more or less comfortable with their appearance each day. Your body is doing an amazing job right now, so try to remember to give it (and yourself) the love you both deserve. Moderate exercise and a healthy diet can help you feel your best. These strategies can also ensure you have the strength you’ll need for labor and delivery. As your belly grows and your center of gravity changes, certain activities, like your usual exercise routine or even sleeping, can become a little more difficult at six months pregnant. Another one of these activities is sex. If you and your partner feel like having sex, great! If you don’t, that’s OK too. For more on this topic, check out this article on sex during pregnancy .

How Far Along Are You at 6 Months Pregnant?

At six months pregnant, you’re finishing up the second trimester , and you might be wondering just how many weeks six months pregnant is. The answer can be confusing because there are several different ways the weeks of pregnancy can be split into months. It turns out that six months pregnant could start at week 21 , 22, or 23 and extend through week 24 to week 27 or 28.

Checklist for When You’re 6 Months Pregnant

If you’re experiencing “momnesia” (i.e. forgetfulness, absentmindedness, having trouble concentrating, and general spaciness) read up on what may be behind “pregnancy brain” and what you can do about it.

As your bump grows and your pregnancy progresses you may have some questions about how sex during pregnancy is different. Speak to your healthcare provider about any specific questions you have and keep the lines of communication open with your partner.

Start finalizing your baby registry list as your baby shower might be just around the corner. Your shower host will need the registry details before sending out the invitations, so ask her when she needs your finished registry list by.

If you’re starting to shop for baby gear, check out the best baby products as voted by Pampers Parents. We surveyed thousands of Pampers Parents to find out which specific items they love and recommend, and we reviewed all their favorite items so you can make the right choice for you and your little one.

There’s still time to plan a babymoon. Have some fun with our quiz to determine your ideal babymoon destination .

Keep searching for the perfect baby name using our Baby Name Generator .

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• Mayo Clinic: Fetal development: The 2nd trimester
• Mayo Clinic: 2nd trimester pregnancy: What to expect

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6 Months Pregnant - What to Expect

Find out what could be on the horizon for you and your baby during your sixth month of pregnancy.

At 6 months pregnant, you’re winding down your second trimester. Mamas-to-be may be experiencing some discomforts such as body aches and swollen feet, as well as incredibly special moments like feeling those sweet baby kicks. Here’s a look at some of the things you could expect during weeks 21–24.

6 months pregnant body changes and experiences

Your lower back, hips, and pelvis may start aching as your belly grows, putting pressure on ligaments as extra weight shifts your center of gravity. Taking a warm bath, practicing good posture, and wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes may ease some discomfort.

Regular exercise, such as walking and gentle stretching—with your doctor’s OK—can help keep your body strong and flexible. You may also want to consider using a pregnancy belly band for extra support.

Swollen and achy feet

If your shoes fit a bit tighter these days, it could be because your feet and ankles are swollen. That’s right, it’s not just your belly that’s growing. Body changes and hormones may contribute to this not-so-swell swelling. Hormones may also be relaxing your foot’s tendons and ligaments, widening your feet.

If you’re dealing with foot swelling and achiness, try to stay off your feet as much as possible, consider wearing compression stockings or supportive tights, avoid standing for long periods, and elevate your feet when resting. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any foot swelling or pain.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes called “false labor,” are unpredictable, irregular, and uncomfortable uterine contractions that last for 15 seconds and up to two minutes. They aren’t actual labor but are believed to be your body’s way of preparing for the real deal.

How can you tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor? Unlike actual labor, Braxton Hicks contractions won’t increase in intensity or frequency. They may be triggered by dehydration or vigorous activity by baby or mom. While Braxton Hicks contractions typically occur during the third trimester, you could feel them now.

If you experience these “practice” contractions, try drinking water, resting, or changing positions, which may help them stop. If you have any concerns or are worried you may be in actual labor, contact your doctor right away.

Constipation

If you’re having fewer bowel movements, with firm or hard-to-pass stools, you could be dealing with constipation. This common pregnancy concern, often accompanied by bloating, can be due to the hormones and your growing baby’s pressure on your bowel. Another potential culprit is the iron in your prenatal vitamins, which has been associated with constipation.

To help move things along, try to incorporate more fiber-rich foods into your diet, such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Consuming plenty of water, soups, teas, and fruit juice may also help stimulate the colon.

What else could be happening at 6 months pregnant?

Every mama-to-be is different, but during your sixth month of pregnancy, you may also experience dizziness, leg cramps, and skin changes. You may develop dark splotchy areas on your face, and breast changes and vaginal discharge may continue until delivery. But since you might be feeling pretty good compared to the first trimester, you may also have an increased appetite and cravings may kick into high gear.

What size is a 6-months pregnant belly?

Belly size can vary from woman to woman. By 6 months, you will likely be noticeably pregnant...or possibly not. You may look smaller if it is your first pregnancy, if you have strong abdominal muscles, or if your baby is in a certain position. If your belly is protruding, your belly button may as well.

What’s happening to your baby during the sixth month of pregnancy?

At 6 months pregnant, your fetus is going through a growth spurt. Your baby’s lungs are formed but still developing, their brain is gaining weight, and fat reserves are growing.

Those little kicks you may have started to feel last month are not so little any more; they may feel quite strong now, accompanied by jabs and punches. And while your nugget is now about the size of a papaya, they still have wiggle room in the womb.

Pregnancy checklist for month 6

• Take a glucose screening test . This routine test is performed during pregnancy and checks your blood glucose level for indications of gestational diabetes.
• Begin baby-proofing your home and decorating the nursery while you may have some extra energy.
• Create a birth plan that shares your labor delivery preferences with doctors, family members, and friends.
• Treat yourself to some cute maternity clothes.
• Take a babymoon. Generally speaking, as long as you don’t have complications, now may be a good time to fit in some pre-baby travel since some unpleasant first-trimester issues, such as nausea, may be in the past. Talk to your doctor before traveling, and be sure to stretch frequently and drink plenty of water if you’ll be sitting for long periods.

Join Enfamil Family Beginnings

At 6 months pregnant, your baby and your body are reaching new milestones every week. Enfamil Family Beginnings can help you get ready for the amazing changes pregnancy and parenthood will bring. It’s the perfect resource for new and expecting moms. Save on Enfamil products, track your bump and baby’s growth, and get helpful articles each week relevant to your journey. Join now .

Frequently asked questions about the sixth month of pregnancy

How many weeks is 6 months pregnant?

6 months pregnant is 24 weeks pregnant. The sixth month of pregnancy spans approximately weeks 21 through 24.

How could your baby be moving during the sixth month of pregnancy?

Your baby’s movements may have felt like flutters last month, but now you may be feeling full-blown kicks, which may grow in intensity until the day you meet your sweet pea. Your baby will also be turning from side to side in the womb.

Should you monitor your baby’s kicks?

Your doctor may recommend keeping track of your baby’s movements to help monitor your little one’s health, size, and strength. Reach out to your healthcare provider for additional guidance.

Is there a 6-months pregnant ultrasound?

If you didn’t have a second-trimester ultrasound, also called an anatomy scan, last month, your doctor will likely perform one now. This screening scan examines your baby’s physical development and organs in detail, from bone growth to heart rate.

Explore other pregnancy and baby development topics

• 21 Weeks Pregnant
• 22 Weeks Pregnant
• 23 Weeks Pregnant
• 24 Weeks Pregnant
• Second Trimester

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All information on Enfamil , including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil .

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Your Pregnancy To-Do Checklist

You have a lot to think about between preparing for your baby and staying as healthy as possible. Follow our week-by-week to-do checklist to make it easy.

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Pregnancy is a monumental journey. So many changes and milestones happen along the way—and it's normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. There's a lot to look forward to, a lot to remember, and many adjustments along the way. Reduce stress and keep on track by following this pregnancy to-do checklist.

Week 1 of Pregnancy

Congratulations! You're actively trying to conceive—and you might even be pregnant already! Here's what you need to do now:

• Start taking a prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid if you haven't already.
• Write down the date of your last period or two.
• Create a family health history, including any genetic or chromosomal disorders.
• Quit smoking, and focus on having a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Week 2 of Pregnancy

• Reduce your caffeine intake.
• Talk to a health care about safe medications during pregnancy .
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet .
• Talk to a health care provider about your exercise routine . Note: It won't harm your pregnancy, and your body will tell you when it's time to slow down.

Week 3 of Pregnancy

• Look for the early signs of pregnancy .
• Buy an at-home pregnancy test.
• If you have an employer that provides you with health insurance, find out what their policy is on paid family leave benefits .
• Learn what foods you should avoid during pregnancy.

Week 4 of Pregnancy

• Take a pregnancy test if you've missed your period.
• Tell your partner the news if you have one!
• Make an appointment to see your medical provider to confirm your pregnancy and calculate a due date .
• Consider the alternative of a certified nurse-midwife .

Week 5 of Pregnancy

• Pick up a pregnancy book.
• Download a pregnancy app to help you stay organized.
• Buy a journal or memory book to record your milestones, symptoms, and questions for the next nine months.
• Join an in-person or virtual pregnancy support group.
• Be sure to drink lots of water.
• If you have insurance, talk to the company to find out which local medical providers and hospitals are covered by your plan .

Week 6 of Pregnancy

• If you're ready, start sharing the good news with family members and close friends.
• Make your partner the official kitty litter changer to avoid toxoplasmosis exposure.
• Experiment with morning sickness remedies .
• Decide whether your medical provider is the right fit for you or if you need to request a transfer.

Week 7 of Pregnancy

• Schedule and prepare for your first prenatal visit, which typically happens between 8 and 12 weeks.
• Compile a list of questions for your first doctor or medical provider's appointment.
• Clear your beauty cabinet of any ingredients that can be dangerous during pregnancy like parabens or phthalates.
• Buy a belly band to extend the life of your pants.

Week 8 of Pregnancy

• Shop for a new bra , whether it's a maternity bra or just a bigger, softer style.
• Make Kegel exercises a part of your daily routine . You just need to make sure you are doing these correctly. If you're unsure, a pelvic floor therapist can help.
• Pick up antacids like TUMS in preparation for pregnancy heartburn, along with other drugstore staples.
• Make a dentist appointment.
• Discuss recommended prenatal tests with your medical provider.

Week 9 of Pregnancy

• Create a baby budget .
• Make a pre-baby to-do list of all the things you want accomplish or enjoy before the baby arrives.
• Look at your household cleaners and swap in eco-friendly ones for any toxic ones.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Go for a walk, or do 30 minutes of another moderate exercise, and make it a part of your daily routine now.

Week 10 of Pregnancy

• Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting a cold or the flu.
• Try natural remedies for indigestion.
• Review your company's parental leave policy.
• If you're hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) but your medical provider isn't on board, consider jumping ship for a provider who will consider it.

Week 11 of Pregnancy

• Moisturize your belly, hips, and thighs daily to prevent itchy, dry skin as it stretches.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, intense hot-weather workouts, super-hot baths , or anything else that could raise your body temperature above 102 degrees.
• Get a first-trimester screening to help your provider decide what tests may be warranted.
• If it's recommended by your medical provider (likely an OB-GYN) get tested for chromosomal abnormalities through a nuchal translucency (NT) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) .
• Listen to the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler at your doctor's appointment, if possible.

Week 12 of Pregnancy

• Plan a babymoon vacation if you want to take one and you're able to.
• Buy a body pillow for sleeping.
• Be sure to stretch and warm up before exercise because your ligaments and joints are loosened up now.
• If you're having multiples , your medical provider will be able to spot the extra babies at your next ultrasound.

Week 13 of Pregnancy

Now that you've entered the second trimester, there's more you'll want to add to your pregnancy to-do list:

• Begin thinking about baby names.
• Start sleeping on your side.
• Research pediatricians.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently to stave off heartburn .
• Consider borrowing previously worn maternity clothing from friends or family.

Week 14 of Pregnancy

• Tell your family and friends your good news if you haven't already and are ready to let them know.
• Let your boss know the news , too.
• Take advantage of your second-trimester energy boost by checking things off your to-do list at home and at work.
• Start taking weekly pictures of your beautiful belly.

Week 15 of Pregnancy

• Sign up for a prenatal yoga class .
• Strengthen your abs with pelvic tilts.
• Talk to your partner about finding out the sex of your baby .
• Over 35? Schedule an amniocentesis if it's recommended.
• Ask your health care provider about the quad marker screen.

Week 16 of Pregnancy

• Be sure to get plenty of calcium now, from low-fat dairy foods or supplements.
• Tour local birth centers.
• Start your baby registry .
• Ask friends and relatives about their birthing experiences.

Week 17 of Pregnancy

• Combat your forgetful " pregnancy brain " with lots of notes and reminders.
• Treat yourself to a prenatal massage.
• Sign up for a childbirth class.
• Start a college fund for baby-to-be by opening a 529 account or a special savings account.
• Pick up a saline spray or humidifier to alleviate congestion caused by pregnancy.

Week 18 of Pregnancy

• Consider signing up for infant CPR , prenatal breastfeeding, or newborn-care classes.
• Check your desk chair to see if a more supportive one or a footstool could help with back pain.
• Get ready for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound.

Week 19 of Pregnancy

• Share ultrasound photos with friends and family.
• Have a date night if you have a partner or grab dinner with loved ones.
• Research nursery furniture.
• Considering a home birth ? Research the pros and cons.

Week 20 of Pregnancy

• Talk to your partner about how you'll handle life after baby .
• Know the symptoms and risks of preeclampsia.
• Start thinking about a birth plan and what you might want to include in it.
• Visit your health care provider for an anatomy scan, which usually happens around week 20 of pregnancy.

Week 21 of Pregnancy

• Research the pros and cons of breastfeeding. Decide what's best for you and your baby once you have all the facts.
• Get organized and tackle pending projects around the house.
• Buy some new clothes if you're feeling uncomfortable in the ones you already have.

Week 22 of Pregnancy

• Work with your gracious baby shower host to plan party logistics.
• Try to prevent varicose veins. Avoid crossing your legs and long periods of sitting or standing, which may result in blood pooled in the legs.
• If your not already, start moisturizing your belly to help keep your skin elastic as it grows .

Week 23 of Pregnancy

• Take time to rest when you can—your body's doing lots of work and sleep might be getting more difficult by now.
• Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Nervous about labor? Try pregnancy meditation to help you prepare.

Week 24 of Pregnancy

• Look into child care options for after baby.
• Start planning the nursery.
• Get tested for gestational diabetes.
• Pick up some beloved picture books to start your baby's first library.

Week 25 of Pregnancy

• If possible, update or attain life and disability insurance, and add chosen guardianship to your will.
• Write a birth plan. If you need guidance, you can download a birth plan template online.
• Pre-register at your hospital or birthing center, if possible.
• Start thinking about your hospital bag .

Week 26 of Pregnancy

• Interview potential pediatricians. Find out which local doctor and other medical providers are covered by your insurance (provided you have insurance) and seek recommendations.
• Plan any last-minute travel—which is generally fine right up until your baby comes, though you might want to reconsider flying during the last month of pregnancy . Of course, every pregnancy is different so always talk to your provider first.
• Take the glucose-screening test .

Week 27 of Pregnancy

• Start finalizing where the baby will sleep.
• Research cord blood banking .
• Find a birth doula , if desired.
• Talk or sing to your belly. Around week 27, your growing baby can hear your voice and maybe even respond to it.

Week 28 of Pregnancy

You've entered your third trimester! Here's some more to add to your pregnancy to-do list:

• Start seeing your doctor, midwife, or primary health care provider every two weeks.
• If your fingers are swollen, take your rings off and store them in a safe place until after delivery.
• Depending on your and your partner's blood types, you may receive an injection of RhoGAM .

Week 29 of Pregnancy

• Enjoy your baby shower if you're having one!
• If you live in an older home, test for lead-based paint in the nursery and remove it if necessary.
• Eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

Week 30 of Pregnancy

• Buy a car seat, stroller, and any other important baby gear that you didn't receive at your shower.
• Count fetal kicks.
• Pack your hospital bag—and make sure your partner gets their's ready, too.
• Know the signs of premature labor .
• Try exercises designed to help prepare your body for birth .

Week 31 of Pregnancy

• Make sure you're eating foods rich in iron .
• If you plan to hire a baby nurse, start seeking recommendations.
• Prepare a baby first-aid and emergency kit.
• if you have insurance, talk to the company about covering your breast pump if you think you will need one.

Week 32 of Pregnancy

• Plan care for your other children or your pets for when you go into labor.
• Get a haircut, massage, or any self-care needs now while you can.
• Start seeing your doctor, midwife, or primary health care provider weekly through delivery.

Week 33 of Pregnancy

• Start reading about newborn care.
• Clean out your car to make room for baby.
• Install your car seat and visit an inspection station near you so you can be sure you did it correctly.
• Consider having a car safety check done.

Week 34 of Pregnancy

• If you have insurance, call the company to add your baby-to-be to your policy.
• Get tested for group B strep (GBS) .
• Buy any items you'll need for postpartum recovery .

Week 35 of Pregnancy

• Buy a baby book and start reading up on newborns .
• If you plan to try chestfeeding, consider getting contact info for a lactation consultant in advance.
• See what items you still need to purchase before the baby's arrival.

Week 36 of Pregnancy

• Review your birth plan with your health care provider, midwife, doula, or any others involved.
• Sleep in, take naps, and get as many extra z's as you can.
• Send thank-you notes for your shower gifts.
• Talk to your partner or a trusted friend or family member about any pre-labor nerves .

Week 37 of Pregnancy

• If you have other children, be sure to prepare them for their sibling's arrival .
• Plan for your first few weeks with baby by cooking and freezing a few nights' or weeks' worth of dinners—or asking for others to do it for you!
• Stock up on diapers and formula, if you plan to use it.
• Wash the baby clothes and bedding.

Week 38 of Pregnancy

• Tie up any loose ends with finances or medical insurance (if you have coverage).
• Make a list of who you want to contact when the baby arrives , including phone numbers and email addresses.
• Nail down your final choices for baby names.
• Go over the birth plan with your partner and anyone else who needs to know.
• Consider making a postpartum plan detailing who will prepare meals, walk the dog, clean the house, and complete other tasks while you recover from labor and delivery.
• Learn more about postpartum mood disorders so you can recognize the telltale signs.

Week 39 of Pregnancy

• Practice any relaxation or breathing techniques you've learned.
• Wrap up at work and touch base with your team, just in case you go into labor before your due date.
• Discuss with your partner the option of cutting the umbilical cord.

Week 40 of Pregnancy

• Be ready for your water to break, or for the mucus plug or bloody show .
• Time your contractions.
• Buy a few cold packs at the drugstore to use when the perineal cold packs from the hospital run out.

Week 41 of Pregnancy

• Do squats to help prepare your body for labor.
• Take advantage of the extra time to rest.

Week 42 of Pregnancy

• Try a few tricks to bring on labor (or at least keep your mind off it).
• Discuss with your health care about going to the hospital to get induced .

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Baby Development Month By Month

Baby Development Month by Month

A baby grows and develops an amazing amount in just nine months. Here’s a short summary of how your baby’s development occurs during pregnancy. Be sure to sign up for our pregnancy  week by week newsletter for pregnancy changes and baby development updates to your inbox weekly!

Month 1 – Week 1-4

After an egg has been fertilized and implants into the uterine lining, a sac grows around it. This becomes the amniotic sac and will hold the amniotic fluid and cushion the embryo. The placenta also forms during this month.  This will bring nutrition and support to the baby from the mother. The face and eyes begin to develop, and the heart begins to beat. By the end of the 4th week, your baby will slightly smaller than a grain of rice!  B vitamins play a crucial role in you and your baby’s development and your health during pregnancy.  Vitamin B6  and Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) are especially important for early development, so make sure you are getting the right amounts of these.

Month 2 – Week 5-9

At two months pregnant, your baby’s face continues its development. Buds that will eventually be limbs begin to develop. Organs such as the brain, sensory organs, and the digestive tract begin to take shape. The cartilage in the embryo begins to be replaced by bone. By the end of the second month, your baby is about 1 inch long! After about 6 weeks, your baby’s heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. It is never too soon to start taking prenatal vitamins and omega 3’s and fish oil to help your baby have a healthy development. The American Pregnancy Association recommends a selection of supplements including:

• Children’s DHA
• Cod Liver Oil

Month 3 – Week 10-14

The limbs, as well as the hands, feet, fingers, and toes, become well developed. The fingernails and toenails begin to form. The external ears and teeth begin their development as well. Though reproductive organs haven begun to form, they can’t yet be determined on an ultrasound or sonogram . By the end of the 3rd month, your baby is fully formed (with all organs and extremities present), he or she weighs about an ounce and is 4 inches long! After the 3rd month of development, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably.

Month 4 – Week 15-19

Hair, eyelids, eyelashes, and nails become well developed. The heartbeat is now clearly audible through a Doppler instrument. The teeth become denser, and the baby begins to stretch, yawn and make other movements. The reproductive organs are now visible on an ultrasound. Your baby can now stretch, suck their thumb, yawn, and make super cute faces.

This is the month that his or her nervous system develops. Their reproductive system also fully develops meaning your doctor can tell you whether you are having a girl or boy via ultrasound. By the end of the 4th month, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs 4 ounces!

Month 5 – Week 20-24

This month you may start to feel the baby move. Hair growth continues on the baby’s head and body. The shoulders and back become covered with a thin hair called lanugo. A thick substance, called vernix caseosa, covers the skin to keep it protected from the exposure to amniotic fluid. This layer will shed before the baby is born. At the end of month 5, your baby is about 10 inches long and can weigh anywhere from .5 lbs – 1 lb! If your baby is born prematurely after the 23rd week, he or she will be kept in the NICU for a better chance of survival.

Month 6 – Week 25-30

The skin is still translucent yet reddish and wrinkled. His or her fingerprints and toe prints become well developed. The baby’s eyelids become parted, and the eyes can be opened. Your baby will respond to external stimuli such as sounds by increasing their pulse or moving. This is when you may experience your baby’s hiccups in jerk-like motions. At the end of month 6, your baby is about 12 inches long and can weigh close to 2 lbs!

Month 7 – Week 26-29

During this month, your baby will continue to grow and develop the existing organs and systems. In addition, a layer of fat will begin to be stored. At this stage, hearing is fully developed. He or she will react to sound, pain, and light and often changes position. The amount of amniotic fluid that cushions the baby begins to decrease as the baby grows larger. At the end of this month, your baby is about 14 inches long and can weigh between 2 – 4 lbs! If born prematurely after week 27, your baby has a better chance of survival.

Month 8 – Week 30-34

The baby continues to mature during this month, adding to fat stores and experiencing a rapid development of the brain. The baby can see at this stage and will begin to kick more. Most of the internal organs and systems are fully developed, but the lungs still need time to mature. By month 8, your baby is close to 18 inches long and can weigh close to 5 lbs!

Month 9 – Week 35-40+

The lungs become mature during this time in preparation for birth. Reflexes become more coordinated, allowing the baby to respond to sounds, blink, grasp, and turn his or her head. The baby may move less during the last few weeks and will move into a position for birth, with the head down near the birth canal. Your baby is now about 18-20 inches long and can weigh at least 7 lbs!

A Happy Momma = A Happy Baby

Pregnancy is such an exciting time for mom and baby. Getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding stress is especially important for you and baby. You can start bonding with your baby during pregnancy in several ways now. Below are some recommended books for you to learn more about how your body changes while your baby develops inside throughout pregnancy. Remember, a happy momma makes for a happy baby.

Recommended Books On Baby Development Month By Month and Pregnancy:

Before birth: a week-by-week guide to your baby’s development during pregnancy, in the womb: witness the journey from conception to birth with astonishing 3d images, a child is born: fourth edition of the beloved classic–completely revised and updated, pregnancy day by day, blog categories.

• Pregnancy Symptoms 5
• Can I get pregnant if… ? 3
• Paternity Tests 2
• The Bumpy Truth Blog 7
• Multiple Births 10
• Pregnancy Complications 68
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• Pregnancy Supplements & Medications 14
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5 Weeks Pregnant

6 Weeks Pregnant

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Pregnancy is an exciting, but often anxiety-inducing time. Your body goes through a lot of changes as you grow a new human, but you can't see the hard work until the end. That's not to mention all of the changes that the fetus goes through, from a single-cell organism to a full-formed infant ready for the world.

Each month brings its own set of symptoms and it can be scary trying to figure out what's normal and what's not. Below we outline the stages of pregnancy month by month to explain what to expect in your own body and how your baby develops along the way. 

Keep in mind that every person's body is different and you might not experience all of the symptoms and changes outlined below. You should always consult with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy.

Check out our visual pregnancy timeline  and read on for a detailed guide to pregnancy by month and trimester.

First trimester

Did you know that the first month of pregnancy starts with the first day of your last period? By the time most people take an at-home pregnancy test (after you miss a period or right before it's supposed to start), you're typically considered around 4-5 weeks pregnant in the medical community. 

Month 1 (weeks 1 through 4)

During your first month of pregnancy, you might not notice any obvious symptoms. One telltale sign for some is light spotting , which can indicate that an embryo has attached to the wall of your uterus. Typical month 1 symptoms include feeling more tired than usual, having to pee way more often, tender or painful breasts and morning sickness.

The process of pregnancy starts when an egg is fertilized with a single sperm, which creates a zygote. The zygote starts dividing and becomes an embryo as it travels down the fallopian tubes and attaches to the uterine wall -- a process that takes several days. If it successfully attaches, you're pregnant. If not, you'll have a period, shedding the uterine lining and the embryo.

Month 2 (weeks 5 through 8)

By month 2, you've likely already seen an obstetrician and gotten an ultrasound to see the developing embryo. If you didn't experience symptoms in the first month, you will now. Expect morning sickness, tender breasts, heartburn and a faster heart rate because your body produces more blood to support the baby.

Your baby goes through a lot of changes this month. The heart develops and starts beating. The beginnings of the spinal cord, brain and nervous system start to form, the umbilical cord develops and the buds of arms and legs sprout. Fingers, toes, eyes and ears start to form as well, closer to the end of month two.

Month 3 (weeks 9 through 12)

Congrats, you've made it to month 3! This is the time many parents-to-be start telling friends and family because the risk of a miscarriage goes down significantly.

The downside is that the symptoms from month two might get worse (sorry). You'll notice your breasts growing and areolas getting darker. If you have acne, you might get more breakouts this month.

By month three, the embryo becomes a fetus. This is the time where the internal sex organs develop into the final forms -- either ovaries and a uterus or testes and a penis. Early bones that started forming last month begin to harden and all of the organs have formed.

Second trimester

The second trimester is lauded as the best part of pregnancy, because the symptoms from the first trimester start to subside -- goodbye, morning sickness! ( Probably .) Your baby is now fully formed, but will keep growing and develop new features, such as hair and fingerprints.

Month 4 (weeks 13 through 16)

You're almost halfway through pregnancy now, and you might be able to determine the baby's sex on an ultrasound. Your heart is still pumping fast to move extra blood for you and the baby, so it's normal if you feel dizzy or out of breath. That extra blood may cause nosebleeds or bleeding gums. You might also experience constipation, some back pain and start to notice a small baby bump forming.

Month 5 (weeks 17 through 20)

While you might not get full-on kicks yet, during month 5, you'll start to feel flutters of movement as your fetus moves in the womb. Muscles are developing and hair starts to grow on the baby's head.

Expect the same symptoms as month 4: heartburn, constipation and shortness of breath. You'll also likely need new bras as your breasts go up a cup size or two.

Month 6 (weeks 21 through 24)

Your baby will be moving quite a bit by now: You'll start to feel when they hiccup, kick and rotate in the womb. You might notice more constipation, bleeding gums and leg cramps than before. You might also start producing colostrum, the first stage of developing breast milk.

Braxton-Hicks contractions can pop up in month six. These contractions are usually painless and are normal -- it's just your body getting ready for labor. But if they are painful or happen often, call your doctor.

The medical community generally considers a fetus to be viable  (meaning it can survive outside of the womb with medical interventions) at 24 weeks. Even with those interventions, there's a significant risk that the baby will not survive.

A fetus born before 24 weeks might be able to survive, but only with specialized medical care. Even then, there's only about a 6% chance that the baby will live. 

Month 7 (weeks 25 through 28)

The seventh month of pregnancy likely won't feel any different than month 6. You'll have the same symptoms as before and should have a noticeable baby bump by now.

Your baby starts gaining body fat and its ears are fully developed, so it will respond to sounds and music. This is also the stage where you could have a baby prematurely and they are likely to survive with medical care. Babies are still considered "extremely preterm" before 28 weeks  and are at increased risk of long-term health issues.

Third trimester

This is the home stretch; just a few months to go until you get to meet your baby. During this time, your body starts to get ready for labor and delivery.

Month 8 (weeks 29 through 32)

By now, you're feeling the effects of carrying around a nearly full-term baby, including back pain and loose joints. Your belly will likely be sporting stretch marks as your fast-growing fetus makes your abdomen expand quickly. Your uterus is going to start pressing against your bladder, meaning you'll have to pee a lot more often.

The upside? Those pregnancy hormones make your hair look more full and healthy.

Month 9 (weeks 33 through 36)

You're almost there! In month nine, you'll feel the same symptoms as month 8, including varicose veins, stretch marks and fatigue. Because your belly is at its largest point, you might have trouble getting comfortable to sleep.

Your baby is fully developed by now with working lungs and coordinated reflexes. They can survive outside the womb just fine.

Month 10 (Weeks 37 through 40)

Popular culture says that pregnancy lasts nine months, but most people actually deliver between nine and 10 months. Forty weeks is considered full term, but babies can be born later than that.

Congrats! By month 10 your baby is ready to be born. If your fetus drops before delivery, it'll put more pressure on your bladder and you're going to need to pee frequently. Be on the lookout for signs of labor, such as contractions that happen on a consistent schedule. Most babies are born between weeks 39 and 41, so you are extremely close to becoming a parent.

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Home • Pregnancy • Pregnancy Week by Week

6 Months Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development And Diet Tips

From heartburn to insomnia, this phase of pregnancy may come with several symptoms.

Dr. Richa Hatila is a practicing gynecologist in Varanasi, with 14 years of experience. She did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB, and a Fellowship in Laparoscopic surgeries (FMAS). She is currently associated with Shubham Hospital and Sah Speciality Clinic in Varanasi. Read full bio of Dr. Richa Hatila Singh

Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. Read full bio of shreeja pillai

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences. Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .

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If you are 6 months pregnant, you are in the final month of your second trimester and only three months away from giving birth to your baby. Your baby bump has enlarged by this month, and you have a clear pregnancy radiance on your face. Your baby is growing quickly, and so your body is changing dramatically in preparation for childbirth.

This post informs you about the various changes in your body at six months of gestation i The period between conceiving and giving birth , the baby’s development, and potential pregnancy complications, as well as the precautions you should take during this month.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy In The Sixth Month?

Dr. Alan Lindemann , MD, a former clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota, says, “At six months of gestation, you would be approximately two-thirds through your pregnancy. Your baby has a reasonable chance of surviving in good condition. Twenty-five years ago, I delivered quadruplets at about that gestational age. All four babies weighed 1.5 pounds, give or take a few ounces. They all did well and have now reached healthy adulthood.”

You may experience the 6th month pregnancy symptoms such as (1)   (2) (3) :

• Weight gain: You may gain 3 to 4 pounds by this month (4) .
• Fatigue: The body is working more to nourish your baby, which makes you feel tired, although not as much as before.
• Constipation: The pregnancy hormones relax the intestinal muscles. Also, the pressure of the growing uterus on the intestine slows the movement of food, leading to constipation .
• Heartburn: The gastrointestinal tract relaxes due to the increased progesterone i A hormone produced by the female reproductive system, crucial for maintaining a regular menstrual cycle and pregnancy levels. The upward pressure that the uterus exerts on the stomach pushes the gastric juices into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.
• Flatulence (gas): As the progesterone hormone relaxes the intestinal muscles, the digestion process slows down and builds up gas.
• Nasal congestion: An increase in the estrogen i A sex hormone linked to the female reproductive system and helps maintain sexual traits, menstruation, and pregnancy hormone results in swelling of the nasal passage lining, making way for more mucus and causing congestion.
• Nosebleeds: An increase in the blood circulation during pregnancy expands the small blood vessels in the nose. The pressure exerted on the blood vessels can lead to nosebleeds.

Image: IStock

• Bleeding gums: An increase in the blood flow and hormonal changes are the reason for swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy.
• Increased appetite: As the morning sickness is minimal by 6 months of pregnancy, there is an elevation in food cravings. Cravings are normal and a reasonable increase in food intake necessary to meet the demands of the growing baby.
• Swollen ankles: The water retention in the body and the pressure put by the growing uterus on the veins, restricting the backflow of the blood, leads to edema or swollen ankles.
• Achy feet: The edema, as well as the pregnancy weight gain, put additional pressure on the feet, causing the feet to ache.
• Varicose veins: The pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the inferior vena cava (the largest vein in the body that carries blood from legs to heart) restricts the blood flow, causing the veins near the legs to swell.
• White vaginal discharge: The cervix and the vaginal walls soften during pregnancy causing white discharge, which in turn prevents any bacteria from traveling to the uterus through the vagina.
• Breathlessness: The growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm i A thin muscle layer below the lungs and heart, separating the chest area from the abdominal cavity and aiding breathing , which may cause breathlessness.
• Backache: The uterus also puts pressure on your lower back. Also, pregnancy results in the stretching of the joint ligaments in the pelvic and lower back area . Both these factors lead to backache.
• Insomnia i A sleep disorder that makes it difficult for a person to fall asleep and stay asleep : Frequent visits to the bathroom, backache, nasal congestion, etc. can deprive you of a good night’s sleep.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: Some women may feel painless contractions, which is normal and a way to prepare the body for delivery. It may come more often as you get closer to your due date.

Lisa Murphy, a six-month pregnant woman, shares how she experiences palpitations and breathlessness. She says, “I mentioned briefly in my last update about the palpitations I’ve been getting, well they are only getting worse and more frequent! I could be sitting down chilling on the sofa, and they could come on me just like that. I get shortness of breath, my heart races, sometimes the room spins, and I could get dizzy. My doctor told me that the baby is completely unaware of what’s happening when I’m getting them. Which made me very relieved just to know that he was okay and nothing was wrong with him. It’s just something I have to put up with and suffer through for the remainder of the pregnancy. I have been getting used to them, and since getting checked out by my doctor, my anxiety has calmed down a lot ( i ).”

Physical Changes In The Sixth Month

The physical changes that you may experience include:

• Stretch marks: The growing uterus causes tiny tears in the skin tissues, causing stretch marks .
• Linea nigra: The line running down from the belly button to the pubis becomes darker.
• Skin pigmentation changes: Production of more hormones during pregnancy can lead to skin pigmentation, also known as melasma. It appears as darkened spots near the cheeks, neck, and the forehead.
• Colostrum: The breast may start leaking a yellowish liquid called colostrum, which is the first breast milk that your baby will feed on immediately after delivery.

Emotional Changes In The Sixth Month

Here are a few emotional changes you might experience:

• Pregnancy brain: The inability to concentrate (absent-mindedness) or forgetfulness is all attributed to the hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is sometimes also referred to as momnesia.

Image: Shutterstock

• Mood swings and anxiety: These happen due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Baby Developments In The Sixth Month Of Pregnancy

Dr. Lindemann adds, “At six months, the baby has developed arms, hands with ten fingers, legs with feet and ten toes, and good reflexes. The baby has eyes and eyelids so she or he can see, ears to hear, lips, nose, tongue, neck, and a heart that works. However, the baby’s lungs don’t work very well.”

The weeks from 21-24 constitute the sixth month. During these weeks, your baby grows from the size of a carrot to as big as the ear of corn (5) . The baby attains a human face by now.

Baby weight: 8 ounces to 1 pound

Baby’s CRL (crown-rump length): It is about 8-12in (20-30cm)

Your baby’s growth spurts during this month. Here is how your little one’s body is developing this month (3) , (6) (2) (7) .

Baby’s Position And Movements In The Sixth Month

Position: During this month, there is more space inside the womb for the baby to move freely and attain various positions.

Movements: By this time, fetal movement is quite noticeable as you can feel the baby wiggle and roll inside. The baby’s kicks are strong, and a sleeping pattern is established.

During pregnancy you need to be careful with the food that you eat. Your plate should comprise nutritious foods in the right proportion.

Pregnancy Diet To Follow During the Sixth Month

Here is the list of foods that you may add to your diet (8) :

• Consume plenty of green leafy vegetables, bread, fortified cereals, and milk. These are rich sources of calcium . The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a daily intake 1,000mg calcium during pregnancy .
• Foods like lentils, leafy vegetables (spinach, romaine lettuce, broccoli, and kale), kidney beans, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits are rich sources of folic acid. The ACOG recommends a daily intake of 400mcg of folic acid during pregnancy.
• Eat whole grain products, beans, dried fruit, lean pork and beef, green leafy vegetables and sardines, which are a good source of iron . The daily recommended intake of iron is 27mg per day (including the supplement).
• Foods such as yellow or orange vegetables (sweet potatoes or carrots), leafy green vegetables, liver, and milk that are rich in v itamin A must be added to your diet. The recommended daily intake is 770mcg.
• Fatty fish like salmon and milk fortified with vitamin D help you reach the recommended vitamin D intake of 600IU per day. But avoid sea fish.
• According to the ACOG, the average daily intake of DHA by a pregnant woman is 200mg, which can be procured from dry fruits and fortified heath drinks and supplements.
• Include lean meat and poultry, (risk of mercury poisoning in sea fish) eggs, soy products, peas and beans, and unsalted seeds and nuts that are a rich source of protein .
• Add citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli to your diet. They are a good source of v itamin C . The average daily recommended intake is 85mg.

Foods To Avoid During The Sixth Month Of Pregnancy

Here is the list of foods you need to avoid:

• Avoid too much caffeine (more than 200-300 mg/day) (9) .
• Do not eat raw or uncooked food, as it can cause listeriosis (a food-borne bacterial infection)  (10) . The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that pregnant women are ten times more susceptible to listeria infections than other individuals. Therefore, to minimize the risk of such infections, you should refrain from consuming raw foods and instead opt for fresh, healthy, and home-cooked food options while pregnant.
• Those who have celiac disease should avoid foods that contain gluten (11) . Instead, they may opt for fruits, vegetables, beans, potato, meat, and poultry.
• Avoid swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel that contain a high level of mercury.
• Limit the consumption of deep-fried and spicy foods as it can cause heartburn.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk and cheese.

What To Expect During Your Visit To The Ob/Gyn?

During the visit to the doctor, you will undergo:

Physical examination

• Blood pressure check
• Weight check
• Measurement of fundal height

Other tests

• Glucose tolerance test for checking gestational diabetes. During the test, you will have to drink a sugary syrup. An hour later, a blood sample will be taken to check the glucose levels in your blood (12) .
• Ultrasound will help monitor the fetal development. The doctor will check for the baby’s weight and CRL. They also monitor the functioning of the internal organs. Level II scan or anomaly scanning is done around 20 weeks.

Next, we tell you about a few things you must be aware of to prevent any unwanted instances.

What Do You Need to Know in Your Sixth Month of Pregnancy?

Here are some symptoms that you must watch out for during pregnancy (13) :

• Belly or pelvic pain, other than mild cramping
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fever of 100.4°F or higher
• Painful or less urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Vomiting that gets worse and lasts longer than 24 hours
• Feel like you might pass out
• Headaches that do not subside even after taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Uncontrollable nosebleed
• Constant leg cramps

Preterm labor is one of the risks you should be wary of this month. If you experience any of the following symptoms, then get medical help immediately (14) :

• Experiencing more than five contractions in an hour or every 10 minutes.
• Vaginal fluid leak
• Pelvic pressure
• Menstrual-like cramps
• Any vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
• A dull, low backache
• A sudden increase in vaginal discharge

The best way to take care of your health is to follow a good lifestyle, which will take care of the rest of the things.

Precautions To Be Taken In The Sixth Month

Here are some precautionary measures you should follow this month:

• Keep your stress at bay.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Get enough rest.
• Take prenatal vitamins without fail
• Maintain oral hygiene.
• Walking and doing Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic muscles.
• Do not lift any heavy objects.
• Wear comfortable, flat footwear and loose, breathable maternity clothes.
• Avoid taking any medicine without the doctor’s advice.
• Avoid cleaning cat litter as it can cause toxoplasmosis.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals.

At this time, you could be going through a lot of mood swings and even have difficulty in managing household things. Your partner can help you with the chores and also make you feel comfortable now.

Tips For Dad-to-be

• Help you with the household chores.
• Spend some quality time with you, preparing to welcome the new member.
• Accompany you to the doctor’s appointments, walks, and shopping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I have a 4D ultrasound in six months of pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to have a 4D ultrasound during the sixth month of pregnancy, typically around week 24. This can provide a detailed and lovely image of your growing baby ( 15 ).

2. Can I have contractions at six months pregnant?

Yes, you can experience Braxton-Hicks contractions during the sixth month of pregnancy. These are normal and indicate that the uterus is preparing for labor and delivery. Although they may feel like real contractions, they are painless and do not signal the start of labor ( 16 ).

3. How do babies develop in twin pregnancies at six months?

Dr. Lindemann opines, “There are different types of twin gestations based on the number of placentas and the existence of membranes between the twins. Without a separating membrane, the twins have problems getting their umbilical cords twisted. There are often discrepancies in size with one twin growing larger than the other twin, probably because it gets more nutrition.”

“However, most twins contain a membrane between babies so that cords can’t get mixed up and they have their own nutrition. When this happens, twins have a reasonable chance of growing normally and being born relatively at term, for example at 39 weeks.”

Your adorable baby bump is very noticeable when you are 6 months pregnant. As you are ready to step into the third trimester of pregnancy, you may start experiencing subtle changes in your body as your uterus continues to expand. You could also have skin and emotional changes, which may persist in the proceeding months. However, you should take good care of yourself for the next three months to have a smooth delivery. So, avoid stressing out, pamper yourself with delectable yet healthy foods and hang out with your friends and family to enjoy this phase.

Infographic: What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy In The Sixth Month?

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

• The second trimester ends at six months into pregnancy, leaving three more months until delivery.
• Physical changes during this period include stretch marks, linea nigra, skin color changes, and breast colostrum leaks.
• Emotional changes may also occur, such as pregnancy brain, forgetfulness, and absentmindedness.
• The baby’s body is undergoing rapid development and changes during this time.
• Hormone levels may cause heartburn and constipation as common symptoms during pregnancy.

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

1. Back pain in pregnancy , NHS 2. What happens in the sixth month of pregnancy? , Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2019) 3. Stages of pregnancy , Office on women’s health 4. Month-by-Month Guide for the Pregnant Woman , Sutter Health (2008) 5. Week by Week Fetus Size Demonstrated by Fruits , EPAOA (2014-2019) 6. Prenatal Form and Function – The Making of an Earth Suit , The Endowment For Human Development, Inc. (2001-2019) 7. Fetal development , NIH (2019) 8. Nutrition During Pregnancy , ACOG pdf. 9. Pregnancy Precautions: FAQs , The Nemours Foundation (1995-2019) 10. Listeria Infection (Listeriosis) , Organization of Teratology information Specialist 11. How Celiac Disease Affects Pregnancy, Celiac Disease Foundation (1998-2018) 12. Prenatal Tests: Second Trimester , The Nemours Foundation (1995-2019) 13. When to call us , Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc (2018) 14. Premature Labor , Sutter Health (2008) 15. Why to avoid ‘keepsake’ 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds , UT Southwestern Medical Center 16. What happens in the sixth month of pregnancy ?, Planned Parenthood 17. Pregnancy Constipation ; Cleveland Clinic 18. Constipation during pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby 19. Braxton Hicks Contractions ; National Library Of Medicine 20. Is ‘pregnancy brain’ real or just a myth? ; UT Southwestern Medical Center 21. Foods to Avoid When Pregnant ; American Pregnancy Association

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6th Month of Pregnancy – Symptoms, Baby Development & Precautions to Take

Common 6th Month Pregnancy Symptoms

Body changes during the sixth month of pregnancy, what are some common concerns in the sixth month of pregnancy, baby development at the 6th month of pregnancy, 6th-month-pregnancy diet, exercise for the 6th month of pregnancy, what to expect during your visit to the ob/gyn, to-do list for moms-to-be, handy tips for dad-to-be.

Entering the sixth month of pregnancy marks a significant milestone in motherhood. Expectant mothers often wonder, ‘6 months of pregnancy, how many weeks does it encompass?’ as they track the progression of their journey to motherhood. This wondering often happens because pregnancy is a long journey with many weekly changes. As you reach this stage, you might notice some familiar pregnancy symptoms while feeling the thrill of your baby’s growth and development. From the little kicks you’re starting to feel to the changes happening in your body, there’s much to discover and prepare for. So, let’s look closer at what you can expect during this special time and some necessary steps to keep you and your baby healthy and happy.

A 6-month pregnant woman experiences a variety of symptoms as her body accommodates the growing baby. Here are some of the common symptoms at six months.

1. Constipation and Indigestion

Most women experience  constipation  along with  heartburn throughout pregnancy. The cause for the same differs at different stages of pregnancy. Constipation experienced at the early stages of pregnancy is due to hormone changes, which slow digestion due to the muscles loosening around the bowel  (1) . As the months pass by, the enlargement of the uterus puts pressure on the bowels, leading to indigestion. Other reasons include taking multivitamin pills, which, again, tighten the stool, causing discomfort and bloating. To control the situation, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, juices and other fluids and consume fibre-rich foods . Curd works wonderfully well in reducing constipation and  indigestion . If you face extreme discomfort, speak to your doctor for laxatives.

As you enter your last trimester, you will also experience  swelling in your feet , ankles, and sometimes hands! As your body prepares for the baby, it retains fluid in the tissues to nourish you and the baby, which causes this swelling. A bit of swelling around the eyes and cheeks is also normal, but if high protein levels accompany the swelling, it might be a sign of  preeclampsia . This serious medical condition causes blood pressure spikes  (4) . To avoid oedema, keep your legs up whenever possible and avoid wearing tight clothes. Try not to stand for long periods.

3. Hunger Cravings and Increased Appetite

At this stage, you are not just eating for yourself but also for your baby. The baby’s organs are developing, so your body needs to supply increased nutrients and vitamins. This is why you will feel sudden hunger pangs and increased appetite around this time. So, it’s better to satisfy your urge without feeling guilty, but simultaneously, eat wisely. Choose healthy food options like fruits, salads, and whole-grain foods over junk foods.  Drink plenty of water  and have six to seven small portions of meals a day instead of three large ones.

Many ladies experience snoring at this stage of pregnancy. Again, blame it on the pregnancy hormones. The weight gain causes your neck and head tissues to swell, leading to snoring, and additionally, your mucous membrane also swells. It’s better to use nasal strips while sleeping for better breathing. Snoring might also be an indication of gestational diabetes, which can be monitored through blood and urine tests.

5. Backache

Experienced by most of the ladies, backache starts from your initial stages of pregnancy and goes on till delivery; many times continues even after delivery! The weight gain causes a backache, and also, as the uterus grows, it causes your lower back to curve. The relaxin hormone loosens your pelvic muscles to prepare the body for delivery, which again triggers a backache. Try to maintain a good posture while sitting and keep your legs up whenever possible.

As mentioned earlier, you finally look pregnant. Your six-month-pregnant belly will start showing. A 6-month belly of a pregnant woman shows a distinctive roundness, indicating the development of her growing baby. By now, your body will also gain weight, and as the uterus pushes the abdomen, your belly button will protrude and remain this way until a few weeks post-delivery. Due to the weight of the baby and the growing uterus, you might experience dizziness and light-headedness at times.

The common concerns ladies face during the sixth month of pregnancy are backaches, leg pain, foot cramps, swelling along with indigestion, constipation, and haemorrhoids (5) . You might witness swelling around your feet and ankles and some even go up a shoe size. This swelling should settle within 6 weeks of delivery.

Every pregnancy has its own share of not so pleasant concerns, which include:

1. Itchiness Around the Abdomen

Around the middle of the 6 th month of your pregnancy, you will experience itchiness around the abdomen. This happens because your baby is almost developed and your skin starts stretching to accommodate the growing foetus and enlarged uterus. As a result, your skin becomes dry and starts itching. This is the perfect time to apply those creams and ointments for stretch marks to retain the moisture in your skin and reduce itchiness. Also, keep drinking lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

2. Backache and Body Ache

Along with a backache, body ache will also start bugging you. You will feel more tired with each passing day. As the uterus grows, the ligaments from the pelvic area to the abdomen are stretched and put under extreme pressure, which causes lower tummy pain  (8) . The pain might continue for a few hours, but you must consult a doctor if it lasts for long and is followed by contractions.

3. Sleepless Nights

Most of the ladies experience insomnia around this time of the pregnancy, the reasons being hormonal changes, frequent visits to the washroom at night, and heartburn or indigestion  (6) . Moreover, when the baby kicks and flutters in the middle of the night, it’s obvious you might not be able to have a good night sleep. Some tips to avoid insomnia are to have your dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime and also be careful about what you eat. Secondly, follow a bedtime ritual like a relaxing breathing yoga, reading, listening to music, a warm water bath, etc. Sleep on a comfortable bed and correct room temperature.

4. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are more or less hereditary and caused because the veins have to push extra blood to your uterus to meet the nutritional requirements of the growing baby. These veins, which look swollen and purple in colour around your thighs and under the knee area, are known as varicose veins. Exercise regularly and try to keep your feet up whenever possible. Also, wear comfortable innerwear and shoes.

A 6 months pregnant fetus is almost fully grown and getting stronger daily. His organs are still growing, and his lungs are not completely developed. As the baby’s skin and muscles mature, you can experience the baby’s movements as kicks and squirms. Along with his weight increase, he has grown in length and is about a foot long  (7) . He starts reacting to sound.

You can determine the fetus’ position with an ultrasound and see that the face of the baby is developed and the head is in proportion to the body. He can even sense light and darkness by this time, producing white blood cells to fight against diseases. The face of the baby would be complete by now, including his eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair  (9) . Hair growth depends upon genetics; some babies are born with a lot of hair, while some are bald.

Twins at 6th Month of Pregnancy

During the sixth month of pregnancy, twins experience significant development. By this stage, each twin typically weighs around 1 to 1.5 pounds and measures about 10 to 12 inches. Their facial features become more defined, including the formation of eyebrows and eyelashes. Additionally, their ears are fully developed, enabling them to hear sounds from the outside world, such as their mother’s heartbeat and voice. With two little ones sharing the limited space in the womb, expectant mothers may feel even more pronounced movements and kicks. Their nervous systems also advance, allowing coordinated movements and responses to external stimuli like light and touch.

It is better to avoid junk food and stick to cleanly cooked home-made stuff. Ensure that a continuous supply of folic acid, iron and calcium is being taken, as the baby needs nutrients to develop completely. 6th month of pregnancy food includes green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, and whole-grain foods in your diet for a steady flow of nutrients and minerals. Fruits like apricot, cherries, guava, grapes, berries, apple, mango, pineapple, etc. have a great amount of antioxidants and minerals. Vegetables like carrot, beetroot, spinach, pumpkins, tomatoes, onions, celery, broccoli, etc. are some highly recommended foods that you can include in your diet  (10) .

There are plenty of safe and effective options to maintain fitness and promote well-being during this stage. Here are five recommended exercises tailored specifically for the sixth month of pregnancy:

1. Prenatal Yoga

Yoga provides gentle stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to the changing needs of pregnant bodies. Focus on poses that improve flexibility, promote relaxation, and relieve common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and tight hips.

Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that is safe for most pregnant women. It helps improve cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and strengthens leg muscles without putting excessive strain on joints. Aim for a brisk pace while maintaining proper posture  (14) .

3. Swimming

Swimming and water aerobics are excellent choices during pregnancy  (13) . They support the weight of the belly and provide resistance without impact. These activities help alleviate swelling, improve circulation, and tone muscles while keeping the body cool.

4. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and bowels. Regular practice can help prevent urinary incontinence and prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth. To perform Kegels, tighten the pelvic floor muscles as if trying to stop the urine flow, hold for a few seconds, and then release.

5. Stationary Cycling

Stationary cycling offers safe cardiovascular exercise while minimising the risk of falls or injury  (12) . Adjust the bike seat to a comfortable height, maintain an upright posture, and pedal at a moderate intensity. This exercise strengthens leg muscles and improves endurance without stressing the joints.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can stay fit, reduce pregnancy discomforts, and prepare your body for labour and delivery.

Once you enter your 6th month of pregnancy, the doctor visits will be more frequent. You might have to visit the doctor once every three months. The doctor will check the baby’s heart rate with a stethoscope. After this point, the doctor will check and measure the growth of the uterus, your limbs for swelling and varicose veins, and your body weight, and also recommend alterations to your diet, if required. At 6 months pregnant, a sonogram can provide a clear picture of the baby’s development inside the womb. If you are anaemic or likely to be, the doctor may prescribe molybdenum and other vitamins like iron, folic acid , B12, and copper.

You will be required to undergo the following tests during the 6th month of your pregnancy:

• Blood pressure check-up
• Weight measurement
• Urine test for measuring protein and sugar
• The  Gestational diabetes  test wherein you will be asked to drink a glass of glucose water and a blood test will be done after 2 hours.
• Measuring the fundal height of the uterus
• Examining the fetus’s position and size of the uterus
• Examination of feet and limbs for any signs of varicose veins or swelling

Symptoms to Be Discussed With Your Doctor

An experienced and friendly doctor will always put you at ease, so you need to speak to the doctor in case you experience any of these cases  (11) :

• Severe bleeding from the anal lining, as this could be a sign of some serious illness.
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Experiencing pain during the passing of urine
• Continuous vomiting
• Bursting of the water bag
• Extreme discomfort or pressure on the lower pelvic area
• Less than 10 foetal movements in an hour.
• Extreme pain or prolonged pains in the abdomen area
• Severe pain in the lower back
• More than five contractions in an hour

First and foremost, take good care of yourself.

• Regularly exercising will help you stay fit and active during your pregnancy. Try practising Kegel exercises.
• Get at least eight hours of sleep in a day.
• Sleep on your side to promote kidney functions and put less pressure on your rectum.
• Keep a relaxed body posture, and keep your feet up whenever possible. Taking Vitamin B6 on prescription is better for reducing the aches in your hands and limbs.
• Get all the information and details about childbirth. Read articles on 6th-month-pregnancy precautions and childbirth. Don’t be scared. Try to go with the flow and not take things to heart.
• It is very important to keep your mind positive and relaxed. Practice breathing exercises, a warm water bath, listening to music, watching funny videos, and anything that makes you happy and comfortable.

As everybody focuses on the mommy-to-be once your pregnancy news is out, we must never forget that it’s also an overwhelming feeling for the dad-to-be. You must also share all the information and details with your hubby, as he has no one else to address his concerns. You can start by explaining how he can be helpful and do things during your labour  (3) . It would be great if you two could attend the happy parenting seminars to prepare yourself for parenthood. Always try to visit the doctor together so that you understand the situation well enough and can openly speak to the doctor. The dads-to-be’s active participation in your 6th-month pregnancy care plays a vital role in your journey together.

Indulge in fun topics together like discussing baby names, or planning an adorable nursery for welcoming your little one. Time will fly past sooner than you can imagine, so just enjoy this phase of life without missing on a thing.

1. Is it normal to experience Braxton Hicks contractions during the sixth month?

Yes, Braxton Hicks contractions , also known as “practice contractions”, are common during the sixth month. They are usually mild and irregular and help prepare the uterus for labour  (2) .

2. Can I travel during the sixth month of pregnancy?

Generally, travelling during the sixth month is safe, but it’s essential to consult with your doctor before making any travel plans. Avoid long journeys and ensure access to medical facilities at your destination.

3. What dietary changes should I make during the sixth month?

Focus on consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients essential for your and your baby’s health. Include foods high in iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein. To prevent foodborne illnesses, avoid unpasteurised dairy products, raw fish, and undercooked meats.

4. How much weight gain is expected during the sixth month of pregnancy?

Expectant mothers gain an average of 1 to 1.5 pounds per week during the sixth month. However, weight gain varies for each individual, so discussing your weight gain goals with your doctor is essential.

As every person is different from another, every pregnancy is different and unique! The tips and observations stated here are based on the experiences of various mothers and the doctor’s observations. Please make a note of all the unique symptoms of your pregnancy and share it with others. Don’t overthink; relax and enjoy the incredible journey of motherhood!

References/Resources:

1. Pregnancy – signs and symptoms; Better Health Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-signs-and-symptoms

2. Pregnancy stages and changes; Better Health Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-stages-and-changes#pregnancy-stages

3. Pregnancy support – fathers, partners and carers; Better Health Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/pregnancy-support-fathers-partners-and-carers

4. Pregnancy – preeclampsia; Better Health Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-preeclampsia

5. Pregnancy – week by week; Better Health Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-week-by-week

6. Trivedi. S; Tips for managing pregnancy symptoms by trimester; The University of Chicago Medicine; https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/tips-to-manage-common-pregnancy-symptoms-by-trimester ; October 2022

7. Week 6; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week6.html

8. Back pain in pregnancy; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/back-pain/

9. What happens in the sixth month of pregnancy?; Planned Parenthood Federation of America; https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/pregnancy-month-by-month/what-happens-sixth-month-pregnancy

10. Nutrition During Pregnancy; The Johns Hopkins University; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/nutrition-during-pregnancy

11. Pregnancy: When to call your care team; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan; https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/maternity/when-to-call

12. Exercise during pregnancy; March of Dimes; https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/exercise-during-pregnancy

13. Swimming in pregnancy; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/exercise-in-pregnancy/swimming-pregnancy

14. Walking and pregnancy; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/exercise-in-pregnancy/walking-and-pregnancy

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6 Months Pregnant: Symptoms & Fetal Development

Congratulations, you're in the sixth month of pregnancy – only 1 trimester to go! Despite the excitement and energy, the pregnancy symptoms might pull you down at times.

But we've got good news! The shape of the foetus in the sixth month would be more human-like, measuring about 8-9 inches from crown to rump. Your baby is developing with great speed as he prepares himself for a grand entry. Want to know more in detail about this month? Read on!

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

At 6 months pregnant , along with the previous pregnancy symptoms, you might also experience some of the new ones that include:

As the pregnancy hormones get busy relaxing the valve between your stomach and oesophagus, it leads to the stomach acids leaking into the oesophagus. This causes an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest. Eat smaller meals throughout the day (e.g. six smaller instead of three larger meals). Avoid chocolate and foods that are spicy, citrusy or fried.

When you are pregnant in the sixth month , your tummy continues to grow. This additional weight gain starts putting more strain on your back muscles, causing lower back pain. Try a soothing, warm bath. However, if you still experience pain, talk to your doctor about pain medications that are safe for you to take.

Hot flashes

If you have been exercising and burning more calories, you might experience this symptom occasionally. If you feel uncomfortable and sweaty, try staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothes, and using a portable fan.

Your circulation changes during pregnancy, possibly leading to lesser blood flow to your upper body and head. If you feel dizzy, try changing positions slowly, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding standing for long durations.

You might experience cramping in your lower legs, especially at night. Try exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and massaging your calf muscles before going to bed. When the cramps strike, consider taking a warm bath, applying an ice pack, or stretching the muscle.

Fast heartbeat

Your excitement of meeting your little one can increase your heartbeat a little more than usual. However, it is quite normal during pregnancy. This happens because your heart now has to supply double the amount of blood to your body than it used to before. If you experience an increased heart rate for a longer duration or difficulty breathing, consult your doctor.

6 Months Pregnant: Baby Development

Pregnancy in the sixth month is full of excitement as most moms-to-be experience their baby's kicks, rolls, jabs, and punches. So, if you haven't felt those tiny kicks yet, be ready to experience them anytime soon. Although you don't have to count those kicks until the 28th week, pay attention to the general pattern of when your baby is most active.

By the end of this month, your baby would measure up to 8 to 9 inches and weigh around 450 to 900 gms. Your baby's lungs are completely formed; however, they are not ready entirely to function in the outside world. Also, your baby's sucking reflex has improved, and he can move those eyeballs behind his shut eyelids. Moreover, your baby's fingerprints and toe prints have developed. When active, your baby might respond to loud noises from the outside world or even your voice by making movements.

Track your baby's development with our month-on-month expert tips on pregnancy .

6-Month Pregnancy Checklist

Here are some quick precautions and tips that might come in handy:

Handle bodily changes : As your belly grows, standing for long or trying to find the best sleeping position can make you uncomfortable. While sleeping or sitting, keep your feet elevated and use a pillow for support. As your skin stretches, it can become itchy — keep applying moisturiser throughout the day. If you notice any severe swelling on your face, feet, ankles, and hands, speak to your doctor immediately.

Baby proof your home : Once your baby arrives, you may not have enough time to proof your house for safety. Now is the time to set up a baby nursery and take care of the safety preparations. Install baby gates and childproof locks, store away sharp objects and hazardous stuff, and also secure furniture to the wall.

Install a car seat : Buy a newborn car seat and install it. You can also get help from a professional. Setting up a car seat will smoothen your baby's journey from the hospital to the home.

A birth plan : Speak to your doctor about a birth plan and inform him about your preferences. Ask questions about your options before you go into active labour. Birth plans usually include your position during labour, your choice of pain management, comfort measures like music during delivery, who will accompany you during delivery, who will cut the umbilical cord, etc.

Your baby shower : By now, your friends and family might have started planning your baby shower. You can share your ideas and expectations about the preferred theme and guest list. Make sure to enjoy your baby shower to the fullest, as it is going to be a wonderful memory.

Sign up for classes : Have you signed up for a birthing class yet? If not, now is the right time to search and sign up for one. Your partner can also join in to understand the birthing experience. Also, do not skip your prenatal classes.

Do some reading : Although you are taking prenatal classes, some of your questions might still remain unanswered. It is best to read up about childbirth and connect with other moms to understand their experiences.

Stay fit and healthy : Rest as much as you can whenever possible. Practice moderate exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet to stay fit. These habits will also help you stay strong during labour and delivery.

Start Babyproofing your Home and Car

Now's the time to think about, and make, safety preparations. This month, you can get a jump on babyproofing your home by setting up a safe nursery and tackling other big jobs as well. Once you have brought your baby home, you’ll have even less time, so now is a good time to install baby gates and childproof locks, put dangerous items out of reach, and anchor furniture (like drawers and dressers) to the wall.

It’s also important to babyproof your car . First and foremost, you’ll need to shop for an age-appropriate car seat. Once you choose one, get professional help installing it, so it’s all set for bringing your newborn home from the hospital.

Advice for Partners

Have you two discussed what happens when the baby arrives? 6 months is a great time to talk and set expectations about how you both will be adjusting the first few weeks at home after your newborn's arrival. It is important to discuss the postpartum care that your partner and baby will need. You can hire help or ask a family member to stay with you for a few months until the mom's recovery. Try helping at home with the household chores and assist the mom in taking care of the baby.

Before your little one arrives, participate in searching for a cute name for him or her along with your partner. Read up on parenting and also attend birthing classes with your partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is my baby doing at 6 months pregnant.

By 6 months, your baby will be rolling his eyes behind those closed eyelids. Your little one will now be able to respond to the noises from the outside world with kicks and punches.

2. What precautions should be taken during the 6th month of pregnancy?

During the 6th month of pregnancy, avoid standing or walking continuously for long hours; do not eat soft cheese, deli meat and raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs; quit smoking, alcohol, and drugs; and limit your caffeine intake.

3. What diets to follow during 6th month of pregnancy?

During your pregnancy, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, nut butter, seeds, tofu, soy products, avocados, and olive oil in your diet.

4. How does the baby look in the 6th month of pregnancy?

By this month, your baby looks more like a newborn with facial features, limbs, and other organs developed. Your baby is now the size of a newborn onesie, measuring about 8 to 9 inches and weighing about 450 to 900 gms.

5. How does your stomach feel at 6 months pregnant?

As your growing uterus puts pressure on your intestines, it slows down digestion, leading to constipation. Due to this, you might also experience abdominal cramps and lower backache.

Every pregnancy is different and unique, so go by your own experience. In case of any concerns, always feel free to reach out to your doctor. Time will fly sooner than you realise, so enjoy every bit of this wonderful journey.

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6 months pregnant.

Welcome to the 6th month of your pregnancy! It's an exhilarating phase as your baby blossoms and flourishes inside you. In this blog post, we will discuss common pregnancy symptoms, the development of your baby, changes in your body, ways to determine your pregnancy progress, and a helpful checklist for this stage of your journey.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 6 Months Pregnant:

As you progress through the second trimester, some common pregnancy symptoms may persist or arise. These can include:

Increased weight gain: By the sixth month, you might notice a steady increase in your weight as your baby grows. This is normal and essential for a healthy pregnancy.

Backache and pelvic pain: As your belly expands, it can put pressure on your back and pelvis, leading to discomfort. Gentle stretches and proper posture can help alleviate these symptoms.

Swollen feet and ankles: Due to increased fluid retention and the pressure of your growing uterus, you may experience swelling in your feet and ankles. Elevating your legs and wearing comfortable shoes can provide relief.

Heartburn and indigestion: The expanding uterus can push against your stomach, leading to acid reflux and indigestion. Eating smaller, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or fatty foods can help manage these symptoms.

How Is Your Baby Developing at 6 Months Pregnant?

During the sixth month, your baby undergoes significant growth and development. Here are some key milestones:

Rapid brain development: Your baby's brain is developing at a remarkable rate, forming intricate structures and connections that will support their cognitive abilities.

Sensory development: By this stage, your baby's senses, including sight, hearing, and touch, are becoming more refined. They may even start responding to external stimuli, such as sound or light.

Developing lungs: Your baby's lungs are maturing, as they begin producing a substance called surfactant, which aids in breathing after birth.

Active movements: You may start feeling more pronounced movements as your baby becomes stronger. These movements are important for their muscular and skeletal development.

What is the Size of Your Baby during the 6th Month of Pregnancy?

At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly. On average, they measure about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) in length and weigh approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds (450 to 680 grams). It's incredible to think about how much your baby has grown since the early stages of pregnancy.

Transformations Occurring in Your Body at 6 Months Pregnant:

As you reach the 6th month, your body continues to adapt to accommodate your growing baby. Here are some transformations you may experience:

Enlarged abdomen: Your belly will be noticeably larger as your uterus expands to make room for your growing baby. Embrace it as a beautiful sign of your pregnancy journey!

Stretch marks: Due to the rapid stretching of your skin, you may notice the appearance of stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, or thighs. Applying moisturizers can help keep your skin hydrated and reduce itching.

Increased breast size: Your breasts may continue to enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding. It is essential to wear supportive bras to alleviate any discomfort.

Determining Your Pregnancy Progress at 6 Months:

To track your pregnancy progress and ensure everything is on track, here are a few ways to stay informed:

Regular prenatal check-ups: Attending scheduled prenatal appointments allows your healthcare provider to monitor your health and the growth of your baby.

Ultrasound scans: Ultrasounds can provide detailed images of your baby's development, including their size, position, and overall well-being.

Kicking and movement counts: Monitoring your baby's movements can indicate their overall health. Your healthcare provider can guide you on how often and when to track these movements.

Checklist for When You're 6 Months Pregnant:

To help you stay organized and prepared during this phase of your pregnancy, here's a checklist to consider:

Plan your baby shower: Start thinking about the details of your baby shower, such as the date, venue, and guest list. It's a joyful occasion to celebrate the upcoming arrival of your little one.

Begin prenatal classes: Look into attending prenatal classes to gain knowledge about childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. These classes can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Start assembling nursery furniture: If you haven't done so already, begin setting up your baby's nursery. Arrange the furniture, decorate the room, and wash baby clothes and bedding in preparation for their arrival.

Discuss maternity leave: Have a conversation with your employer about your maternity leave plans. Familiarize yourself with your rights and obligations during this period.

The sixth month of pregnancy is an exciting time as your baby continues to grow and develop. Embrace the changes happening in your body and stay connected with your healthcare provider to ensure a healthy and smooth pregnancy journey. By following the checklist and taking care of yourself, you can make the most of this special time as you anticipate the arrival of your little one.

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Your Pregnancy Week by Week

Verywell / Bailey Mariner

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Labor and Delivery

Welcome to Verywell’s Pregnancy Week by Week Guide ! Your body is designed to do amazing things, but it’s fairly safe to say that all that happens in the 40 weeks of pregnancy are among the most incredible.

While it may sometimes seem like not much is going on (and quite the contrary at other times), each week brings changes big and small that help your baby develop and your body prepare for labor, delivery, and beyond. Pregnancy is marked by three trimesters.

• First Trimester: Weeks 1 to 13
• Second Trimester: Weeks 14 to 27
• Third Trimester: Weeks 28 to 40

The week by week articles that follow in this guide provide a glimpse into all you can anticipate in these distinct and important phases of your pregnancy, including:

• How your baby is growing and developing
• Your most common pregnancy symptoms
• The best ways to take care of yourself and your baby
• Advice for partners
• What to anticipate at your healthcare practitioner’s office
• Recommended products to consider purchasing
• Special concerns and considerations to be aware of

Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced parent, you may find pregnancy to be incredible, confusing, overwhelming, and everything in between (sometimes at the same time). With each weekly article, you can trust that you’re learning and focusing on the most important tasks at hand.

We walk you through all you’re about to encounter, step by step, empowering you with what-you-need-to-know, when-you-need-to-know-it information that can help you make sense of it all—and make the decisions that are best for you and your baby.

For Partners

Partners can find a special section dedicated to them each week, too. The 40 weeks of pregnancy can leave you with questions just the same, and we’re here to help.

Start by reading on to get a sense of what each trimester entails, then dig into the individual week by week articles for a closer look at what a difference seven days can make. May your nine months of pregnancy be the healthiest and happiest they can be. We’re honored to be along for the ride.

First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 13)

While this portion of your pregnancy spans three months, it’s considered the shortest trimester. The reason? Many people don’t realize they’re pregnant for the first month. (Home pregnancy tests generally will not register a positive result until about week 4 .)

The first trimester is considered the shortest since it takes about 4 weeks for many people to realize they're pregnant.

Moreover, week 1 and week 2 are actually the weeks you ovulate and have your menstrual period. So, while the duration of pregnancy consists of 40 weeks, the countdown starts roughly two weeks before you officially become pregnant. (Confusing, we know.)

Moms Share What to Expect in the First Trimester

Your telltale baby bump won’t arrive until your second trimester, but you may notice outward signs of pregnancy before then, like swollen breasts and skin changes.

While you may experience some belly changes, this is usually due to pregnancy-related bloating and gas, not baby growth. Still, by the end of your first trimester, you may gain between 1 and 4½ pounds.

What to Expect

• Early symptoms . The pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is coursing through your body, doubling every two to three days and peaking at week 10 . It’s produced by cells in your growing placenta and spurs the release of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. All of this contributes to a myriad of possible (but not guaranteed) early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea , fatigue , and heartburn. These symptoms tend to wane come your second trimester when hCG levels off.
• Prenatal appointments. You’ll begin your prenatal appointments this trimester, of course, so it’s important that you have a practitioner you are confident in and comfortable with. There’s no rule that states that the provider who has been giving you your annual check-ups and Pap smears needs to be the one you see throughout pregnancy.

Your Baby's Development

While your first trimester doesn’t yield much in the way of outward physical changes, a lot is happening that cannot be seen.

Day one of your pregnancy, the sperm and egg have yet to meet. By week 6 —halfway through your first trimester—your baby’s tiny face, skull, and brain start to form. Their hands and feet make their bud-like debut on baby’s tadpole-esque body.

By the close of the first trimester, your baby is more than 3 inches long and sports arms, legs, eyes, a beating heart, and more. In fact, all of the baby’s organs, muscles, limbs, and even genitals are represented. (You won’t learn what your baby’s sex is, however, until week 20 .)

By the end of your first trimester, all of your baby’s organs, muscles and limbs have begun to form.

Your baby's circulatory and urinary systems are functioning; the baby’s skeleton begins the slow process of calcifying; their bone marrow is producing white blood cells, and your baby’s vocal cords are progressing toward maturity.

Helpful Tips

• Start looking for a healthcare provider. If you haven’t already, take this time to start looking into the difference between OB/GYNs and midwives and ask friends and family for recommendations. Once you settle on a practitioner, you can expect to see them every four weeks until the conclusion of your second trimester. (At that point, your visits increase in frequency.)
• Don't schedule an ultrasound just yet. While you may be looking forward to seeing a sonogram image of your growing baby during your first trimester, you might not be able to. For a majority of pregnant individuals, a first-trimester ultrasound is not considered a must-do, so you may not see your baby-to-be’s picture until your second trimester. Rest assured, if everything is on track, your baby is developing at a rapid speed right now.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14 to 27)

For most parents-to-be, the middle trimester is considered the easiest. The reason: Your newly-formed placenta is generating more progesterone, a hormone needed to keep your uterine lining baby-friendly.

Moms Share What to Expect in the Second Trimester

This progesterone-boost coincides with a decrease in the production of symptom-causing hCG. As such, you may feel like your pre-pregnancy self again, enjoying an uptick of energy and appetite.

Regardless of your appetite, most people can expect to gain about one pound a week during the second trimester, putting total weight gain at about 12 to 14 pounds by the end of week 27 .

The second trimester is considered the easiest due to a progesterone boost that creates an increase in energy and appetite.

It’s true that your second trimester likely has you feeling better than the first, but it’s not exactly symptom-free. For instance, as your trimester nears its end, you may start to feel practice uterine contractions, called Braxton Hicks .

Hormones continue to flow, and your baby steadily grows, taking up more and more room (and forcing your body to accommodate).

While every person's pregnancy is different, here are some not-so-welcome pregnancy side effects you may be faced with during your second trimester:

• Frequent urination
• Back pain ; sciatic nerve pain
• Low blood pressure
• Round ligament pain (This involves ligaments that stretch from the top of your uterus to either side of your pelvis.)
• Racing heart

Though not painful, you may also notice varicose veins and skin changes , such as mole growth and stretch marks.

Regardless of how you are feeling, there’s a lot happening with your baby during this time. They kick off your second trimester at a mere one ounce and closes it out at 2¼ pounds. Your baby will also grow more than 10 inches, measuring 13¾ inches long by end of this trimester.

During this period of tremendous growth, your baby-to-be’s liver, spleen, and thyroid all begin to take on their respective responsibilities. Baby’s brain and nerve endings are mature enough that they can now feel touch. Their soft and flexible skeleton begins to ossify, or harden.

By roughly week 22 , a tiny heartbeat can actually be heard if your partner puts their ear to your abdomen—perhaps some hiccups, too—since your baby is busily swallowing amniotic fluid now.

At the same time, the baby’s auditory system is developed enough that they may be able to hear from you, too.

Many exciting milestones take place during the second trimester, including a visible baby bump, your baby's first movements, and learning your baby's sex (if you choose).

About halfway through your second trimester, you’ll experience many milestone moments . The baby bump you’ve been anticipating will probably become visible to others around week 20 . (Maternity clothes are now in full rotation.)

Around that time, you’ll also start to feel your baby’s first movements . (You may show—and feel movement—a couple of weeks earlier if this is not your first child.) Around week 18 to week 20, you'll have the choice to learn your baby’s sex , when baby-to-be’s genitals become detectable on an ultrasound .

By the end of your second trimester, your baby looks a lot like the person you will meet at week 40 , albeit much smaller and more wrinkly. Baby’s eyes and ears have moved to their intended location and their arms and legs are now proportionate to rest of the body. And, perhaps most exciting, you’ll be able to see your baby-to-be during this trimester, thanks to an ultrasound taken around week 20.

• Share the news. Your chance of miscarriage drops to between 1 percent and 5 percent in the second trimester, according to the March of Dimes. Armed with that knowledge, many parents-to-be now decide to share their big news with a wider circle.
• Plan ahead. Though week 40 seems far away, now is the time to book a childbirth class and start to think about childcare and your parental leave, if you work outside the home. You’re also closing in on your final opportunity to travel , both comfortably and with your practitioner’s blessing. 

Third Trimester (Weeks 28 to 40)

While you may be pregnant for the entirety of the third trimester, the majority of expectant parents go into labor between week 37 and week 39 , with the rest going earlier or as late as 42 weeks . About half of twin pregnancies deliver before 37 weeks.

The third trimester may be your hardest as you adjust to the emotional changes of birth and parenthood.

No matter which category you will fall into, the literal heft of your baby and the emotional load of your impending birth and changing role make this final leg of pregnancy the most physically and emotionally challenging.

Moms Share What to Expect in the Third Trimester

At the start of your third trimester, you’ve likely gained between 17 and 24 pounds. This steady uptick of the scale continues for about two more months. Then, around week 37, your total weight gain will likely hold steady between 25 and 35 pounds.

The increase of total weight, plus the fact that your belly is pulling your spine forward, can amplify back pain. Meanwhile, your crowded and ballooning uterus is putting pressure inside your abdomen, possibly spurring hemorrhoids .

Your uterus is also likely pressing on your diaphragm, hindering breathing and increasing heartburn. At the same time, your lungs and intestines have also shifted positions in order to accommodate your growing baby.

• New baby positioning . All of this can cause aches, ouches, and disrupted sleep . However, midway through your final trimester, you may experience some relief by way of lightening , a term used for when your baby drops lower into the birth canal. Unfortunately, baby’s downward shift then increases pressure on your bladder.
• Subtle body changes. As you inch closer and closer to delivery day, you’ll notice subtle changes in your body. For instance, Braxton Hicks contractions may occur more frequently now. And around week 31 , your breasts may begin to leak a creamy yellow or a thin, watery substance called colostrum .  
• Hormone changes . In addition, your body is now churning out the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments and bones in your pelvis, allowing for baby to exit smoothly—and also spurring late-in-pregnancy clumsiness. Your estrogen levels are increasing in order to soften (efface) and open (dilate) your cervix. As a result, your mucus plug , which has been shielding your cervix from bacteria, begins to thin.
• More visits to the doctor. All the while, your healthcare provider will be keeping close tabs on both you and your baby. Come the third trimester, prenatal appointments shift from once every four weeks to twice a month. Then, around week 36 , you’ll begin to see your physician or midwife every week.
• The grand finale. And, of course, the grand finale of the third trimester is labor and delivery . You’ll know when labor kicks in when you begin to experience real contractions.

Enjoy the fun! This trimester may be the most challenging, but it's also filled with exciting milestones. When your partner places their hand on your belly, they can now feel your baby move from the outside . And there’s a lot to feel since baby’s movements are more frequent now.

Soon, you’ll actually be able to see baby’s kicks and flutters through your belly, too. For many parents-to-be, this is also when the shower is thrown, the nursery is put in order, and nesting kicks in.

While you’re going through all of these major changes leading up to delivery day, so is your baby. This is a time of accelerated growth and finishing-touches development. Your baby will have gained roughly 5 pounds in the 12 weeks that make up this final trimester, starting at just over 2 pounds and being born at roughly 7 pounds.

Up until the third trimester, the surface of your baby-to-be’s brain was nearly smooth. Now, thanks to developing brain tissue, it’s filled with grooves and folds. And it continues maturing throughout this trimester, growing by a third between week 35 and week 39 .

Baby’s lung and liver are steadily developing during these later weeks, too. Since the brain, liver, and lungs need one more week to mature, your baby is considered “early term” if born between week 37 and week 38 .

By week 39, your baby is fully developed and physically ready for birth.

Finally, baby’s bones are fully formed, but the plates in the baby’s skull remain malleable in order for your baby to pass through the birth canal with ease. By week 39, your baby will not become any more physically ready for birth. Instead, they use this time to properly position themselves for labor.

If everything goes according to plan, you will deliver at around 40 weeks, though many expectant parents do so before or after. Your delivery may follow your birth plan to the letter or look entirely different than you have imagined it, perhaps, ending in a C-section when you intended to have a vaginal birth.

Regardless, your body (if not your mind) has been preparing for this moment throughout the course of your pregnancy. Take comfort that you have selected a healthcare practitioner that you can count on, lean on your support team, and communicate your wishes for pain management and more.

Reading more about the final weeks of pregnancy in this guide can help you better understand different labor and delivery scenarios and what you can expect, both during and after.

This day may seem forever away, but it will be here before you know it. And what may have sometimes seemed like the long road you took to get there will be all worth it.

Gnoth C, Johnson S. Strips of Hope: Accuracy of Home Pregnancy Tests and New Developments.   Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd . 2014;74(7):661–669. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1368589

American Pregnancy Association. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): The Pregnancy Hormone.

Kumar P, Magon N. Hormones in pregnancy.   Niger Med J . 2012;53(4):179–183. doi:10.4103/0300-1652.107549

American Pregnancy Association. Braxton Hicks Contractions: Causes and Treatment.

March of Dimes. Miscarriage.

Christopher D, Robinson BK, Peaceman AM. An evidence-based approach to determining route of delivery for twin gestations .  Rev Obstet Gynecol . 2011;4(3-4):109–116.

American Pregnancy Association. Breast Changes During Pregnancy.

• American Pregnancy Association. While Pregnant.  http://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During Pregnancy.  https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/during.html
• Merck Manual. Stages of Development of the Fetus.  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/normal-pregnancy/stages-of-development-of-the-fetus
• The Nemours Foundation. Kidshealth.org. Your Pregnancy.  http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-center/your-pregnancy/

By Holly Pevzner Holly Pevzner is an award-winning writer who specializes in health, nutrition, parenting, and family travel.

Travelling in pregnancy

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad .

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour .

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of  nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of  miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after  37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. You may have to pay for the letter and wait several weeks before you get it.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) . If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea . Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy , and foods to avoid in pregnancy .

Page last reviewed: 17 August 2022 Next review due: 17 August 2025

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How Long It Could Take to Get Pregnant

Many factors affect pregnancy odds

• Time When Trying
• Time When Not Trying
• The Effect of Age
• Other Factors to Consider

On average, getting pregnant happens within the first three months of having unprotected sex (without a condom or birth control). However, for some, it can take much longer. Chances of becoming pregnant depend on age, overall health, menstrual cycle tracking, ovulation calculation, and timing of intercourse.

This article reviews your chances of pregnancy while trying and not trying and factors that affect how long it could take to get pregnant.

Viktoriya Dikareva / Getty Images

A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.

Chance of Pregnancy While Trying: How Long?

For healthy people in their 20s and early 30s, the chance of getting pregnant within any given menstrual cycle (month) is 25%. About 80% of people will get pregnant within the first six months of trying, and around 85% to 90% will get pregnant within one year.

Having unprotected sex every one to two days during your fertile window (five days before and the day of ovulation ) increases the odds of becoming pregnant. Newer studies note that having sex one to two days before ovulation increases the chances of conception even more than having sex on the day of ovulation.

Conception—when a sperm and egg combine—can occur within 15 minutes of having unprotected sex. But, it takes the embryo (fertilized egg) five to six days to implant in the uterus, officially resulting in pregnancy.  

How to Track Ovulation

No ovulation tracking method is perfect by itself. Calculate your ovulation timing using a combination of the following:  

• Basal body temperature (BBT) : Ovulation typically occurs within three days after your BBT rises. 
• Calendar method : Track your period's first and last day to calculate your average cycle length. Count 14 days back from when you expect your next period to calculate ovulation. 
• Cervical mucus : When vaginal discharge is clear, slippery, and stretchy, similar to raw egg whites, you are most fertile.
• Fertility awareness-based method (FABM) apps : FABM apps notify you when you're most fertile to help you plan or prevent pregnancy. 
• Fertility monitor : Electronic devices that track temperature or hormones. 
• Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) : OPKs are urine tests that detect luteinizing hormone (LH), which surges before ovulation. 
• Ovulation symptoms : Signs include discomfort on one side, breast tenderness, and a higher sex drive.

If you think you are pregnant, consider a home pregnancy test . Pregnancy tests look for the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone, which is made by the placenta (the organ that sustains pregnancy) and takes time to be deteced in your body after conception. Pregnancy tests are most accurate if you take them a week after your period is late .  

Many pregnancy symptoms don't appear until after you miss a period, but the following might show up earlier:

• Implantation bleeding (light spotting six to 12 days after conception)
• Breast sensitivity
• Fatigue  
• Nausea and vomiting

Chance of Pregnancy Without Trying: How Long?

Each month, there's about a 25% chance of getting pregnant if you're having unprotected sex. Odds are lower when you have sex outside of the fertile window. The following are examples of the odds of getting pregnant after unprotected sex by the day in your menstrual cycle:

• Day 8 : 3.2%, 
• Day 12 : 9.4%, 
• Day 21 : Less than 2% 

Age and Ease of Getting Pregnant

Fertility peaks in your late teens and early 20s, when you have the most plentiful and healthy eggs. Fertility declines slightly in your early 30s but is most noticeable around age 35. By age 40, pregnancy odds decrease from 25% to 10% in any given cycle, with the average last pregnancy occurring at about age 41.

When It Takes Longer Than You Expect to Get Pregnant

Infertility affects 10% to 15% of couples, with causes divided equally among female fertility concerns, male fertility problems, and unexplained factors. Consult a healthcare provider if any of the following apply to you:

• You are under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year of trying.
• You are over 35 and haven’t conceived after six months of trying.
• You are over 40 when first trying to conceive.
• Either partner has a known medical condition that could affect fertility, including low libido (sex drive).
• Your average menstrual cycle length is less than 21 days or greater than 35 days.

Your provider may suggest a consultation with a fertility specialist to help you understand your fertility status and give you guidance on the next steps, which may include further testing, ovulation tracking, or fertility treatments.

Other Factors That Affect How Long Pregnancy Could Take 

The following factors can affect your odds of becoming pregnant:

• The regularity of your menstrual cycle and ovulation
• How you time having sex
• Your or your partner's fertility
• Other medical conditions you may have
• Lifestyle factors

For instance, if your cycle varies by five days or more each cycle, your chances of pregnancy within the first six months of trying drop from 80% to 58%.

Medical Conditions

The following are examples of medical conditions that affect female fertility:  

• Abnormal uterine shape or having fibroids , polyps, or scar tissue 
• Blockages of the fallopian tubes that carry eggs to the womb
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infections of the reproductive organs 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) , primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), endometriosis , or a luteal phase defect (LPD)
• Radiation (can damage eggs)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Thyroid or pituitary disorders 

Lifestyle and Other Factors

The following lifestyle factors can negatively affect both male and female fertility.  

• Excessive alcohol use (more than two drinks per day)
• High caffeine intake (more than two cups of coffee per day)
• High exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls
• Recreational drug use

Other factors that can affect female partners include:

• Being underweight
• Eating disorders
• Having obesity (severely overweight)
• Overly strenuous exercise
• Unhealthy diet

Factors Affecting Males

As males age, at around 50, sperm quality decreases, making it harder to conceive. However, the following factors can cause unhealthy male reproductive organs or problems with sperm amounts, shape, and movement, which can impact fertility at any age.  

• Environmental toxins (certain pesticides and lead)
• Genetic disorders 
• Low testosterone levels 
• Prostate surgery
• Substance abuse
• Testicular injury
• Testicular torsion (twisting of the cord supplying blood to the testes)
• Undescended testicles (a condition at birth in which testes don't move from the abdomen to the scrotum)
• Varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

On average, people having regular, unprotected sex conceive within a year. But, irregular cycles, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors such as weight management, smoking, excessive alcohol, and stress can impact fertility.

Experts recommend that people less than 35 consult a healthcare provider if they don’t get pregnant within one year of trying. For those over 35 or with known medical issues, the recommendation is to consult a fertility specialist after six months of trying.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Optimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion (2022) .

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Having a baby after age 35: how aging affects fertility and pregnancy .

Favaro C, Pearson JT, Rowland SP, et al. Time to pregnancy for women using a fertility awareness-based mobile application to plan a pregnancy . J Womens Health (Larchmt) . 2021;30(11):1538-1545. doi:10.1089/jwh.2021.0026

US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Trying to conceive .

US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Knowing if you are pregnant .

Lutterodt MC, Kähler P, Kragstrup J, Nicolaisdottir DR, Siersma V, Ertmann R K. Examining to what extent pregnancy-related physical symptoms worry women in the first trimester of pregnancy: A cross-sectional study in general practice . BJGP Open . 2019; 3 (4). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen19X101674

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. How common is infertility ?

Ahn SH, Lee I, Cho S, et al. Predictive factors of conception and the cumulative pregnancy rate in subfertile couples undergoing timed intercourse with ultrasound . Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) . 2021;12:650883. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.650883

American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Optimizing natural fertility: A committee opinion (2022) .

By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Jones is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with more than two decades of healthcare experience.

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News Wrap: Iowa Supreme Court upholds 6-week abortion ban

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In our news wrap Friday, Iowa's Supreme Court is allowing a law that bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, Iran voters cast their ballots for a new president, choosing between three hard-liners and one reformist candidate and the Pentagon announced the temporary pier it built off Gaza has been removed once again amid rough seas.

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Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.

Geoff Bennett:

Iowa's Supreme Court is letting a law go into effect that bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.

The decision removes a lower court's temporary block on the measure, which was passed with only Republican support last year. There are exceptions for rape, incest, or if the pregnancy endangers the life of the mother; 14 states now have near-total abortion bans, and three others ban abortions after six weeks.

The former police chief for schools in Uvalde, Texas, failed to identify the 2022 attack at Robb Elementary School as an active shooting. That's according to an indictment unsealed today. Pete Arredondo was arrested and released last night. He faces 10 felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child.

The indictment said Arredondo slowed down the response when he directed law enforcement officers to evacuate the wing before confronting the shooter. Security footage shows officers retreating as gunfire could be heard down the hall; 19 students and two teachers were killed.

In Iran, voters cast their ballots today for a new president. The snap elections were called to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month. Voters are choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to Iran's supreme leader at a time of growing frustration.

But voters are still making their voices heard.

Azam Fakhimi, Iranian Voter (through interpreter):

Unfortunately, some people think that the president has already been selected, but we must vote. If I don't vote, someone else would vote, and the candidate who is not the best might be elected, unfortunately. That would harm the Iranian nation.

A final result is expected this weekend. If no candidate receives a clear majority, the top two finishers will advance to a run-off on July 5.

The Pentagon announced today that the temporary pier it built off Gaza has been removed once again amid rough seas and provided no timeline for its return. The pier started operating in may to increase aid deliveries. Just days later, it was damaged by rough seas and taken down for repairs. The pier was reinstalled earlier this month, but humanitarian groups have since suspended distributions, citing security concerns.

That's left supplies piling up at a distribution point on the beach. The Pentagon official said today that resuming pier operations could depend on freeing up that backlog.

Sabrina Singh, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary:

If there's not enough room on the marshaling yard, then it doesn't make sense to put our men and women out there when there's nothing to move. But we do need to see that marshaling yard open up to allow for aid groups to continue that distribution so that we can get more aid in.

Meantime, the IDF released video today of tanks pushing further into Northern Gaza and troops operating in the southern city of Rafah. Palestinian officials say tank shelling there killed at least 11 people today.

The Biden administration will expand temporary protected status to more than 300,000 Haitians already living in the U.S. The program gives work permits and protections from deportation to those fleeing conflict or disasters. The designation lasts six to 18 months and can be extended. More than 260,000 Haitians are already in the U.S. under the program. Ongoing gang and criminal activity has left Haiti increasingly dangerous.

The U.N. says more than five million Haitians are facing severe food insecurity and more than half-a-million have been displaced.

NASA said today that the first two astronauts to travel aboard Boeing's Starliner to the International Space Station will stay up there for a couple of weeks longer. Engineers will use that time to investigate the craft's thruster issues, which have already delayed the return trip multiple times.

Lots of cheering here in the room. Big hugs.

Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams celebrated a successful docking with the ISS on June 6. They were due to stay on board for only about a week.

And on Wall Street today, the Dow Jones industrial average lost 45 points, the Nasdaq fell more than 120 points on the day. The S&P 500 also ended lower.

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Orlando Cepeda dies

What is the federal law at the center of the Supreme Court’s latest abortion case?

Abortion rights activists and Women’s March leaders protest as part of a national day of strike actions outside the Supreme Court, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Left to right; Dr. Sara Thompson, an OBGYN provider in ldaho, Jillaine St. Michel, a patient who had to travel out of state to access abortive services, U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, Lauren McLean, Mayor, City of Boise, Dr. Julie Lyons, LY- UHNZ, St Luke’s, Blaine County women’s health initiative and Family Physician and Dr. Loren Colson, Cofounder, Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare participate in a conversation with local patients and providers who have been impacted by Idaho’s abortion restrictions held at the Linen Building in Boise, Idaho, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kyle Green)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appears ready to rule that hospitals in Idaho may provide medically necessary abortions to stabilize patients at least for now, despite the state’s strict abortion law, according to a copy of the opinion that was briefly posted on Wednesday to the court’s website and obtained by Bloomberg News .

The document suggests that a 6-3 ruling from the court will reinstate a lower court’s order to allow Idaho emergency rooms to provide abortions that save a woman’s health as the broader legal case plays out.

The Justice Department had sued Idaho over its abortion law, which allows a woman to get an abortion only when her life — not her health — is at risk. Idaho doctors say they were unable to provide the stabilizing treatment the federal law requires and that is typically standard of care, prompting them to airlift at least a half-dozen pregnant patients to other states since Idaho’s law took effect in January.

But attorneys for Idaho have said their state law allows for women in dire circumstances to get an abortion and is not in conflict with the federal law.

The federal law, called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act , or EMTALA, requires doctors to stabilize or treat any patient who shows up at an emergency room.

Here’s a look at the history of EMTALA, what rights it provides patients and how a Supreme Court ruling might change that.

What protections does EMTALA provide patients at an ER?

The law requires emergency rooms to offer a medical exam if you turn up at their facility. The law applies to nearly all emergency rooms — any that accept Medicare funding.

Those emergency rooms are required to stabilize patients if they do have a medical emergency before discharging or transferring them. And if the ER doesn’t have the resources or staff to properly treat that patient, staff members are required to arrange a medical transfer to another hospital, after they’ve confirmed the facility can accept the patient.

So, for example, if a pregnant woman shows up at an emergency room concerned that she is in labor but there is not an OB-GYN on staff who could deliver her baby, hospital staff cannot simply direct the woman to go elsewhere.

Why was this law created?

Look to Chicago in the early 1980s.

Doctors at the city’s public hospital were confronting a huge problem: Thousands of patients, many of them Black or Latino, were arriving in very bad condition — and they were sent there by private hospitals in the city that refused to treat them. Some were gunshot victims who hadn’t been stabilized. Most of them did not have health insurance.

Chicago wasn’t alone. Doctors working in public hospitals around the country reported similar issues. Media reports, including one of a pregnant woman who delivered a stillborn baby after being turned away by two hospitals because she didn’t have insurance, intensified public pressure on politicians to act.

Congress drafted legislation with Republican Sen. David Durenberger of Minnesota saying at the time , “Americans, rich or poor, deserve access to quality health care. This question of access should be the government’s responsibility at the federal, state, and local levels.”

Then-President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, signed the bill into law in 1986.

What happens if a hospital turns away a patient?

The hospital is investigated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If they find the hospital violated a patient’s right to care, they can lose their Medicare funding, a vital source of revenue needed for most hospitals to keep their doors open.

Usually, however, the federal government issues fines when a hospital violates EMTALA. They can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Why did the Supreme Court look at the law?

Since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has repeatedly reminded hospitals that his administration considers an abortion part of the stabilizing care that EMTALA requires facilities to provide.

The Biden administration argues that Idaho’s law prevents ER doctors from offering an abortion if a woman needs one in a medical emergency.

But Idaho’s attorney general has pointed out that EMTALA also requires hospitals to consider the health of the “unborn child” in its treatment, too. Attorneys for Idaho have also said that there’s no conflict between the state and federal law since Idaho allows doctors to perform an abortion if the woman’s life is at stake.

What are the advocates saying?

Anti-abortion advocates argue that state laws banning abortion can coexist with the federal law that requires hospitals to stabilize pregnant patients in an emergency.

The prominent anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has called the lawsuit in Idaho a “PR stunt.”

“The EMTALA case is based on the false premise that pregnant women cannot receive emergency care under pro-life laws,” said Kelsey Pritchard, the group’s state public affairs director after the case was heard earlier this year. “It is a clear fact that pregnant women can receive miscarriage care, ectopic pregnancy care and treatment in a medical emergency in all 50 states.”

But many doctors say it’s not as clear cut as anti-abortion advocates claim.

In rare cases, a woman may risk sepsis, hemorrhaging or reproductive organ loss if a troubled pregnancy is not terminated. But Idaho’s state law forces a doctor to wait until the patient is close enough to death to end a pregnancy, doctors argue.

Doctors risk a minimum two-year imprisonment for providing an abortion if the woman’s life is not at risk.

“There’s nothing worse than feeling as a physician that you know what the patient needs and you can’t get it for them,” Dr. Jessica Kroll, the president of the Idaho American College of Emergency Physicians told reporters during a press conference early this month.

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A state-by-state breakdown of abortion laws 2 years after Roe was overturned

A total of 14 states have ceased nearly all abortion services.

Monday marks two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade , ending the constitutional right to an abortion and allowing states to decide whether to restrict access to the procedure or not.

As of Friday, 14 states have ceased nearly all abortion services and three states have enacted six-week bans, according to an ABC News tally.

At least nine states have no restrictions based on how far along a woman is in her pregnancy and many have recently added amendments enshrining the right to abortion in their state constitutions.

Here is a state-by-state breakdown or where abortion laws stand in your state, according to a review of state laws and the Guttmacher Institute , a research group that focuses on sexual and reproductive health.

Alabama has ceased nearly all abortion services, prohibiting the procedure at all stages of pregnancy unless medically necessary to protect the health or life of the woman.

Patients are required to wait 48 hours after a counseling session to receive an abortion

Patients must receive an ultrasound even if medically unnecessary and receive a medication abortion in person because state laws ban the use of telehealth.

MORE: Arizona's Supreme Court hears case on state's 1864 abortion ban

There are no laws in place restricting abortion based on gestational age in Alaska.

Abortion is banned in Arizona at 15 weeks' gestation or later. Patients are required to make two trips 24 hours apart, one for an in-person consultation and another for the procedure.

Abortion is banned in Arkansas with limited exceptions including saving the health of life of the woman.

Patients are required to wait 72 hours after an in-person counseling session to receive an abortion.

California allows abortions up until fetal viability, which is considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

Last year, voters decided to amend the state constitution to prohibit the state from denying or interfering with a woman's "reproductive freedom."

Colorado does not restrict abortion based on how far along a patient is in their pregnancy.

Connecticut

Connecticut allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

Abortions are prohibited in Delaware after fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

District of Columbia

Abortion is not restricted based on how far long a woman is in their her in Washington, D.C.

In 2024, Florida enacted a six-week abortion ban . Exceptions for rape, incest and human trafficking are allowed until 15 weeks of pregnancy.

An exception is also allowed if the abortion is to "avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function" of the woman or to her their life.

Georgia bans abortions at six weeks or later. Exceptions are allowed in cases of rape or incest up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, if a police report was filed regarding the incident.

Exceptions also include if the fetus has a condition that would likely result in death or if the pregnant woman would face harm or potentially death.

In all cases, patients are required to wait 24 hours between a counseling session, which does not have to be in person, and undergoing the abortion.

Hawaii allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

MORE: Woman travels to New Mexico for abortion care not offered to her in Texas, joins suit

Idaho has banned nearly all abortions, with the only exceptions being to save the life of the woman.

Patients are required to wait 24 hours after a counseling session, which does not have to be in person, to obtain an abortion.

Illinois allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

Abortion is banned in Indiana with limited exceptions including in cases of rape or incest up to 10 weeks post-fertilization and in cases of fetal anomaly up to 20 weeks post-fertilization.

Patients are required to have an in-person counseling session and then wait at least 18 hours for the abortion.

Patients are required to receive an ultrasound even if medically unnecessary and to receive a medication abortion in person because state laws ban the use of telehealth.

Iowa bans abortion at 22 weeks' gestation or later.

Patients are required to make two trips, one for an in-person counseling session and then 24 hours later for the abortion.

Kansas allows abortions up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

In August 2022, Kansas voters rejected a ballot measure that would have removed the right to abortion from the state constitution.

Kentucky has banned abortion with limited exceptions including to save the health or life of the pregnant woman.

Abortions are banned in Louisiana except in cases of medical emergency and to preserve the life and health of the pregnant woman.

MORE: A court has ruled Texas doctors don't need to perform emergency abortions. Here's what that means

Maine allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

Maryland does not restrict abortion based on gestational age.

Massachusetts

Abortion is allowed in Massachusetts up to 24 weeks of pregnancy .

Abortion in Michigan is not restricted based on gestational age. However, a 24-hour waiting period is required between an in-person counseling session and an abortion.

Michigan voters said yes to a constitutional amendment that would add protections for reproductive rights in 2023.

Minnesota does not prohibit abortion based on how far along a woman is in pregnancy.

Mississippi

Mississippi is banned with limited exceptions , including to save the life of the pregnant woman. Exceptions are also allowed for rape if a formal charge has been field with law enforcement.

MORE: How Ohio vote on Issue 1 could impact abortion access in the state

Abortion is banned in Missouri with limited exceptions including medical emergencies to save the life or health of the pregnant woman.

If a provider performs an abortion, they must prove in court that the procedure met the legal exception requirements.

Patients must receive a medication abortion in person because state laws ban the use of telehealth.

Montana allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

Nebraska has banned abortion after 12 weeks. Exceptions include rape, incest and saving the life of the pregnant woman.

Patients are required to have a counseling session and then wait at least 24 hours before receiving an abortion.

Nevada allows abortions up until 24 weeks' gestation.

New Hampshire

Abortion is banned in New Hampshire after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

New Jersey does not restrict abortion based on how long a woman has been pregnant.

MORE: Why doctors say the 'save the mother's life' exception of abortion bans is medically risky

Abortion is not prohibited based on gestational duration in New Mexico.

New York allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

North Carolina

North Carolina bans abortions after 12 weeks. Abortions are allowed up to 20 weeks for rape or incest, up to 24 weeks for "life-limiting" fetal anomalies and for medical emergencies.

Patients are required to make two trips, one for a counseling session -- which does not have to be in person -- and then 72 hours later for the abortion.

North Dakota

Abortion is banned with limited exceptions in North Dakota including rape, incest or a medical emergency up to six weeks' gestation. Exceptions are also in place if the life or health of a pregnant woman is in danger.

Patients have to wait 24 hours after a counseling session to receive an abortion.

Patients must also receive a medication abortion in person because state laws ban the use of telehealth.

Ohio currently allows abortion up to 22 weeks' gestation.

Last year, a ballot measure passed, changing the Ohio constitution to establish "an individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment, including but not limited to abortion." Treatment includes contraception, fertility treatments, miscarriage care and abortion care.

Patients are required to make two trips at least 24 hours apart, first for an in-person counseling session and second for the procedure.

Oklahoma has banned abortion with no exceptions except to save the life or health of the pregnant woman.

A 72-hour waiting period is required after a counseling session to receive an abortion.

MORE: 5 women sue Texas over abortion bans, saying their lives were put at risk.

Oregon does not prohibit abortion based on how far along someone is in pregnancy.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania allows abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, a 24-hour waiting period is required after a counseling session to receive an abortion.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a six-week abortion ban in place. Exceptions for rape or incest are allowed through the first trimester as well as for a "fatal fetal anomaly" and to save the life or health of the pregnant woman.

Patients are required to make two trips, one for a counseling session -- which does not have to be in person -- and then 24 hours later for the abortion.

South Dakota

South Dakota has banned all abortions except to preserve the life or health of the pregnant person.

Patients are required to make two trips, one for an in-person counseling session and then 48 hours later for the abortion.

Tennessee has banned abortion except to save the life or health of the pregnant woman.

Abortions are banned in Texas except if the woman has a life-threatening condition or is at risk of "substantial impairment of a major bodily function."

Abortions are allowed in Utah up to 18 weeks' gestation.

Patients are required to make two trips, one for an in-person counseling session and then 72 hours later for the abortion.

Vermont does not restrict abortion based on gestational age.

In 2023, Vermont voters decided to amend the state's constitution to include a right to "personal reproductive autonomy," which includes abortion.

Abortion is prohibited starting in the third trimester in Virginia.

In Washington, abortion is banned at fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

MORE: Idaho woman shares 19-day miscarriage on TikTok, says state's abortion laws prevented her from getting care

West Virginia

West Virginia has banned nearly all abortions with limited exceptions including if the fetus is non-viable, in cases of medical emergency and to save the life of the pregnant person.

Exceptions are allowed in cases of rape and incest but only up until eight weeks' gestation and if the incident is reported to law enforcement.

Abortions are banned in Wisconsin after 22 weeks' gestation.

Patients must receive an ultrasound even if medically unnecessary and to receive a medication abortion in person because state laws ban the use of telehealth.

Wyoming allows abortions up until fetal viability, considered between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation.

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Iowa supreme court upholds ban on abortion at six weeks of pregnancy

Larry Kaplow

Iowans supporting access to abortion rally on Thursday, April 11, 2024, outside the courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa, where the Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments on the state's restrictive abortion law. The law that bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. Hannah Fingerhut/AP hide caption

Iowa is set to become the latest state to tightly restrict access to abortion after the state's supreme court upheld a law banning abortions at six weeks of pregnancy.

That will replace the current ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It sets a short timeline for getting the procedure, with many women not aware of their pregnancy for the first several weeks.

It's unclear when the law will take effect, with some saying it won't be for at least three weeks as other court procedures still play out.

Abortions after six weeks of pregnancy will be allowed in cases of rape if the assault is reported to law enforcement within 45 days, in cases of incest reported within 140 days, and if the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant person. It allows abortion in the case of life-threatening fetal abnormalities.

In the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court ended a federal right to abortion in the Dobbs case, state lawmakers around the country have been making a new patchwork of reproductive rights. In many states, that's meant setting new restrictions on abortion - though the number of abortions being carried out has increased.

The law had been in effect for a few days after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed it last year but was blocked by a lower court in a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.

Today the court found that there is a "rational basis" to write a law banning abortion based on the detection of a fetal heartbeat, stating, "We conclude that the fetal heartbeat statute is rationally related to the state’s legitimate interest in protecting unborn life."

In a dissenting opinion, Chief Justice Susan Christensen wrote, "The majority’s rigid approach relies heavily on the male-dominated history and traditions of the 1800s, all the while ignoring how far women’s rights have come since the Civil War era."

The ruling will put Iowa among 18 states that either ban nearly all abortion or ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. That includes 14 with near total bans and now four with six-week bans, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that backs abortion rights.

The Midwest is still a mixed picture for abortion rights. Neighboring Iowa are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas and Illinois that still allow access to abortion beyond 20 weeks. But Missouri and the Dakotas have near-total bans and Nebraska has a 12-week ban.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

• abortion laws