Month 5: Halfway There
Weeks 18-22 of Pregnancy
Congratulations - you are halfway through your pregnancy! This exciting milestone brings many memorable moments, including feeling your baby's movements for the first time and seeing detailed images at your anomaly scan. Your baby is becoming increasingly active, and you're likely carrying a beautiful, unmistakable baby bump.
What is Happening This Month
Month 5 is filled with exciting developments and important milestones. The highlight for many parents is the anomaly scan, typically performed around week 20, which provides detailed images of your baby and checks that everything is developing normally. Many first-time mothers also experience "quickening" - those first magical flutters of baby movement.
Week-by-Week Development
Baby's ears are in position and may hear your heartbeat. If it is a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed.
Vernix caseosa (protective coating) covers baby's skin. Sensory development accelerates in the brain.
You are at the halfway point! Your baby can swallow. The anomaly scan reveals amazing details, including your baby's sex if you wish!
Baby's movements become more coordinated. Taste buds are fully formed, and baby swallows amniotic fluid regularly.
Baby looks like a miniature newborn! Eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed. The pancreas develops steadily.
Your Baby's Development
By the end of month 5, your baby has grown to about the size of a banana (25-28cm from head to heel) and weighs approximately 300-350 grams. Remarkable developments include:
- All major organs are formed and maturing
- Baby is covered in vernix caseosa, a waxy coating protecting delicate skin
- Fine hair (lanugo) covers the entire body for warmth
- Fingerprints and footprints are fully formed
- Baby can hear sounds from outside the womb - talk and sing!
- Sleep-wake cycles are establishing (though not aligned with yours!)
- If it's a boy, testicles begin descending from the abdomen
- Baby's movements are stronger and more coordinated
- The digestive system is practising by swallowing amniotic fluid
Size Comparison
Your baby is about the size of a banana
25-28 cm (10-11 inches) head to heelChanges in Your Body
The fifth month brings noticeable physical changes as your pregnancy becomes undeniably visible. Your body continues adapting to support your growing baby:
Quickening
First baby movements felt as flutters or bubbles popping
Prominent Bump
Your uterus reaches your belly button - no hiding it now!
Breathlessness
Growing uterus gradually puts pressure on lungs, initially causing mild shortness of breath
Swelling
Mild swelling in feet and ankles, especially by day's end
Back Pain
Lower back ache as your centre of gravity shifts
Vivid Dreams
Hormones and anxiety can cause intense, memorable dreams
Important Care Tips
Anomaly Scan
This detailed ultrasound at 18-21 weeks checks your baby's anatomy from head to toe. The sonographer examines the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and more. You will likely find out your baby's sex if you wish. Bring along your partner, if possible - it is an incredible bonding experience that you will treasure forever!
Tracking Movements
Once you feel regular movements, get familiar with your baby's pattern. Every baby is different - some are active in the morning, others at night. By week 24, you should feel movements daily. Trust your instincts and contact your midwife, GP or Obstetrician if movements reduce or stop.
Sleep Positioning
Start sleeping on your side, preferably the left (but you can also alternate with the right) side, to improve blood flow to your baby. Use pillows between your knees and under your bump for support. A pregnancy pillow can be a worthwhile investment for the months ahead.
Antenatal Classes
Now is the perfect time to book antenatal classes. These typically start around week 30-32, but popular classes fill up quickly. Look for classes that cover labour, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. It is also a great way to meet other expectant parents in your area.
When to Contact Your Midwife, GP, or Obstetrician
While month 5 is generally smooth sailing, always contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
- No fetal movements by the end of week 20 (if this is your first pregnancy)
- Significant reduction in baby's movements once established
- Severe abdominal pain or regular contractions
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Severe headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain
- Sudden or severe swelling in face, hands, or feet
- Any signs of infection (fever, painful urination, unusual discharge)
Looking Ahead
As you move into month 6, your baby's movements will become stronger and more frequent. You might even see your belly move as baby kicks and rolls! The reality of becoming a parent feels more tangible now. Start thinking about your birth preferences, nursery preparation, and baby essentials. You will have your next routine antenatal appointment around 25 weeks. You are doing amazingly well - enjoy this special time as you continue growing your little miracle.