The Sixth Month of Your Pregnancy

Viability, Vision and Vibrant Baby Kicks!

“At 24 weeks, your baby is considered ‘viable’. This means that with medical support, they could survive outside the womb.” – NHS

Welcome to Month 6 of your pregnancy journey! This month brings some beautiful milestones for your growing baby. Your bundle of joy can respond to light, detect sounds more clearly, and might even open their eyes for the first time! You’ll likely notice more pronounced movements, rhythmic kicks, and... some sleepless nights thanks to your little gymnast!

As your belly grows and your baby thrives, now is a good time to focus on preparation - emotional, physical, and practical. From birth plans to pregnancy massages, let’s explore what to expect this month.

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Week 23: Stronger Kicks & Wrinkly Skin (for now!)

Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit and their lungs are rapidly developing. They’re flexing, stretching, and getting stronger by the day. Those belly twitches you might feel? That’s your baby showing off their moves.

In the coming weeks you might experience Braxton Hicks, which are false or 'practice contractions' of the uterine muscles which are irregular tightenings and the way of your body to prepare for labour (not all pregnant people experience them though so don't worry if you're one of them). Back pain, swelling or leg cramps are normal and you might also notice that your balance is a little.. off!

Partner Tip: Now is the time to start reading up on baby care and planning for the third trimester together. A warm bath or gentle massage can go a long way for both of you.

Week 24: The Viability Milestone

This is a big week as your baby is now considered viable. They’re the size of an ear of corn, and their lungs are developing surfactant (which is essential for breathing after birth). Their facial features are becoming more defined, and their brain is working overtime. Around this time, you might notice that you are easily out of breath especially if you climb the stairs, talk for very long etc and this is because your organs (including your lungs) are moving to the side to make more space for your baby. You might also notice that your blood pressure changes and between weeks 23-26 the gestational diabetes test will be offered.

Week 25: Upside Down and Kicking

Your baby - now the size of a rutabaga (which I didn't know what it is before I saw it!) - is developing a sense of balance and might react to bright lights or loud noises. They’re growing hair (even if it’s still white and fuzzy) and becoming more responsive. Partners talk and rub the belly as your baby might respond! Sometimes though your baby might be kicking like crazy and as soon as you touch the belly they stop... are they teasing you already?!

Partner Tip: Support comfort - help your partner find cosy sleeping positions or suggest a little getaway before the third trimester arrives - also called babymoon!

Week 26: Eyes Wide Open

Your baby may open their eyes for the first time this week! They’re about the size of a lettuce and practicing breathing movements. Their grasp reflex is forming, and their activity is becoming more predictable. Around this time you might notice sleep disturbances, pelvic pressure or lower back pain and visible swelling in feet or hands - talk to your partner about how you might be feeling and ask for support if you need it.

Week 27: Hello Third Trimester!

You made it to the third trimester - woohoo! Well done! Your baby (about the size of a cauliflower now) is building complex brain connections, blinking, tasting, and reacting to bright light. They’re preparing for life outside the womb... and you’re getting closer to meeting them. Heartburn is probably real now so try to eat light frequent meals and start noticing if particular foods are making it worse. Sleep might have become more difficult - pillows can help a lot so try to find comfortable positions - and you might experience general discomfort so take it easy. Are you feeling more emotional? This is totally normal and valid!

Partner Tip: Help create a soothing nighttime routine - dim the lights, play calming music, and check in emotionally. Conversations about birth preferences and hospital prep are essential now.

Final Thoughts on Month 6: Preparing for the Home Stretch

Month 6 is a blend of growth, bonding, and important prep work. Your baby is becoming a tiny human with responses, rhythms, and little habits you’ll soon recognise on the outside. It’s also a month where planning makes a real difference - hospital bags, birth classes, and baby gear start to take centre stage.

Feeling overwhelmed with everything?

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