Month 6: Growing Strong
Weeks 23–27 of Pregnancy
Month 6 brings the viability milestone at 24 weeks and increasingly strong baby movements.
As you complete your sixth month, you are approaching the end of the second trimester. This month marks an important milestone: by week 24, your baby reaches viability, meaning they have a chance of survival if born prematurely. Your baby's movements are now strong and regular, creating a wonderful daily connection between you both.
What is happening this month
Month 6 brings rapid growth for your baby, who is becoming increasingly responsive to the world outside the womb. You might notice your baby responding to loud noises, bright lights, and even your partner's voice. Many women find this month particularly enjoyable as they still feel relatively comfortable while experiencing the joy of strong, regular movements.
Week-by-week development
Baby's hearing is well-established. Blood vessels in the lungs develop to prepare for breathing.
Viability milestone. Baby's lungs produce surfactant to help with lung development. Brain waves similar to a newborn's can now be detected.
Baby's hands are fully developed with fingernails. The nostrils begin to open, and baby practises breathing movements.
Baby's eyes open for the first time. The immune system is developing as baby receives antibodies from you.
Brain tissue continues rapid development. Baby has regular sleep and wake cycles, often opposite to yours.
Your baby's development
By the end of month 6, your baby has grown to about the size of an ear of corn (30–33cm) and weighs approximately 600–700 grams. Significant developments include:
- Lungs are developing rapidly, with airways branching out
- Baby's skin is still thin and translucent but beginning to thicken
- Fat deposits are forming, giving baby a less wrinkled appearance
- Eyes can open and close, and baby may blink in response to bright lights
- Brain development accelerates, and baby can now dream during REM sleep
- Fingernails have grown to fingertip length
- Baby has developed a regular sleep and wake cycle, often opposite to yours
- The inner ear is fully developed, improving balance and coordination
- Baby practises breathing movements, inhaling amniotic fluid
Size comparison
Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn
30–33 cm (12–13 inches) | 600–700gChanges in your body
As your baby grows rapidly, your body continues adapting to accommodate this growth. The sixth month often brings new physical sensations and changes:
Swollen Feet
Increased fluid retention causes puffy ankles and feet, especially by the end of the day
Stretch Marks
Skin stretching may cause pink or purple lines on your belly and breasts
Braxton Hicks
Practice contractions that feel like a tightening of the uterus
Hot Flushes
Increased metabolism and blood flow can cause you to feel overheated
Bleeding Gums and Nose
Pregnancy hormones make gums and the nose more sensitive and prone to bleeding
Dizziness
Blood pressure changes can cause light-headedness when standing
Important care tips
Movement monitoring
Your baby should be active daily by now. Get familiar with your baby's pattern - some are morning movers, others are more active at night. From week 24, you should feel movements every day. If you notice reduced movement, contact your midwife immediately and do not wait.
Glucose tolerance test
Between weeks 24–28, you will be offered a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to screen for gestational diabetes. This involves drinking a glucose solution and having blood tests taken at intervals. Some women may need a longer test if the initial screening shows elevated levels. Follow any fasting instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Hydration and swelling
Combat swelling by drinking plenty of water, elevating your feet when possible, and avoiding standing for long periods. Compression socks can help with ankle swelling. Remove rings if fingers are swelling. Sudden or severe swelling in your face and hands needs immediate medical attention.
Birth preparation
Start thinking about your birth preferences. Research pain relief options, birth positions, and who you would like as birth partners. While staying flexible is important, having preferences helps you feel more prepared and in control. Consider writing a birth plan to discuss with your midwife.
When to contact your midwife, maternity unit or call 999
If you experience any of the following, contact your midwife or go directly to your nearest maternity assessment unit. In an emergency, call 999.
- Reduced or absent baby movements
- Regular contractions (more than 3 per hour) before 37 weeks
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Severe headaches with vision changes or upper abdominal pain
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Leg calf tenderness, redness, or swelling
- Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
Looking ahead
As you prepare to enter the third trimester, you are in the home stretch. Month 7 begins the final phase of your pregnancy journey. Your baby will continue gaining weight rapidly, and you will have more frequent antenatal appointments. Many women start experiencing nesting instincts around this time. You will typically have your next routine appointment around 28 weeks to begin third trimester monitoring. Remember to pace yourself and ask for help when needed. You are doing an incredible job growing your baby.
Frequently asked questions
In month 6, your baby reaches the viability milestone at 24 weeks and grows to the size of an ear of corn. Important developments include lung maturation, eye opening, and establishing regular sleep and wake cycles. You will experience stronger movements and may notice Braxton Hicks contractions.
Viability means your baby has a chance of survival if born prematurely. At 24 weeks, a baby's lungs produce surfactant to help with breathing, and brain development has progressed significantly, giving them better survival odds with medical support.
Braxton Hicks are practice contractions that feel like a tightening of the uterus. They are usually irregular, do not increase in intensity, and often stop when you change position or rest. Unlike true labour contractions, they do not open the cervix.
From week 24 onwards, you should feel movements every day. If you notice a significant reduction in your baby's usual movement pattern, contact your midwife or go to your maternity assessment unit immediately. Do not wait, as reduced movements can sometimes indicate a problem.
The glucose tolerance test (GTT) screens for gestational diabetes between weeks 24–28. You will drink a glucose solution and have blood tests at intervals. Some women may need a longer test if initial results are elevated. Follow any fasting instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Combat swelling by drinking plenty of water, elevating your feet when possible, avoiding prolonged standing, and wearing compression socks. Remove rings if fingers swell. Sudden or severe swelling, especially in your face and hands, requires immediate medical attention.
Month 6 is an ideal time to start thinking about birth preferences. Research pain relief options, birth positions, and who you would like as birth partners. While staying flexible is important, having preferences helps you feel prepared and in control.
By the end of month 6, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn, measuring 30–33cm (12–13 inches) and weighing approximately 600–700 grams. They are growing rapidly and developing important survival skills.
