The Fifth Month of Your Pregnancy

This is Your Halfway Mark!

“By week 20 of your pregnancy, you baby is about the size of an artichoke and may even be sucking their thumb!” – NHS

What an exciting moment - huge congratulations! You're now officially halfway through your pregnancy journey! Month 5 brings some of the most memorable moments, like feeling those first baby kicks and attending your mid-pregnancy anatomy scan. With your bump now more visible and your energy levels hopefully higher, this is a month full of physical, emotional, and developmental milestones.

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Week 18: Growing Baby, Growing Belly!

Your baby is about the size of a bell pepper. Their bones are hardening, and you might be able to feel little fluttering kicks for the first time. It’s also the week when your baby's genitals may be visible on an ultrasound so if you are not planning to keep your baby's sex a surprise, you will soon know...

Your appetite is likely back and you might start experiencing some round ligament pain - all of which is normal.

How about starting to write down what you're feeling, record your baby's moves and jot down your thoughts? It's a beautiful way for you to connect with your baby, the pregnancy experience and it will be lovely for you to go back to it sometime in the future.

Week 19: Senses and Skin Development

Your baby is now developing their senses! Their brain is designating areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Think about your baby's senses and how they might be feeling inside the womb as their growing. What can they see? What do they taste? What and how can they hear? Also a creamy coating called vernix caseosa forms to protect their skin.

Around this week, you may notice more vivid dreams, skin changes (like the dark line on your belly known as linea nigra), and back pain. Time to get those comfy pillows ready!

Week 20: Halfway There and Your Anatomy Scan

You’re halfway through! Can you believe how quickly time flies? Your baby is about 25 cm long and week 20 is usually when the detailed anatomy scan happens, which checks the baby's growth and organs.

Emotions Running High?

This scan can bring up lots of feelings. Make space to talk through what you’re feeling, with your partner or a trusted friend or professional.

For Your Partner: Join the anatomy scan if possible - these appointments can help you come closer to what is happening inside your partners belly but also feel closer to your baby! It would also be great if you can help build a shopping list or a nursery board together. This will definitely help with the overwhelm and the mental load. Extra points if you offer gentle massages for sore hips, back or feet!

Week 21: Kicking and Coordination

Your baby is becoming more active and coordinated. You might even start noticing patterns in when they move the most (usually when you’re resting!). I would usually feel both of mine become more active after I had breakfast and definitely every time I lied down - they were helping me get ready!

Are you having any backaches or leg cramps? It might help to do some stretching exercises before you go to bed in the evening.

Final Thoughts: Month 5 - The Magic of Mid-Pregnancy

Month 5 is a turning point: you’re bonding with your baby, attending important appointments, and beginning to imagine life with your little one. Soak in the special moments, and know that it’s okay to ask for help or guidance so start finding or building your village!

Ready to feel confident already?

This is a great time for you to start thinking about antenatal education. Explore Parent Path's services and book your FREE Discovery Call to discuss what might be best for you and your needs!

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