Your pregnancy month six

You

Your baby may be keeping you awake at night by now with his acrobatics, he may be starting to settle into a pattern of activity and sleep. If you are uncomfortable in the night try sleeping with a pillow between your legs to take some of the weight off your tummy. You may find that your skin starts to become blotchy as a result of those pregnancy hormones, don't worry this will fade after your baby is born.

Now is a good time to check your iron intake, anaemia is common during pregnancy and so make sure that you eat plenty of iron rich foods, your doctor or midwife may test for anaemia and if needed might prescribe an iron supplement. Some women find that the symptoms of “late” pregnancy may start to appear about now (although it may not be for a couple of months yet!) .

These new symptoms might include swollen ankles, a certain amount of swelling is normal but if it is severe or sudden, contact your doctor or midwife straight away. You will probably start to put on weight at a steady pace now and your bump may seem to grow almost daily which could contribute to those pregnancy backaches and stiffness.
You may find that your teeth and gums are sensitive or bleeding, this is a result of hormone changes, if your gums are very painful or sore see your dentist.

*If you are in the UK don't forget to see a dentist during your pregnancy. remember that all dental treatment is free throughout your pregnancy!.*

Your baby

Your baby is now gaining weight steadily, he is starting to swallow and his digestive system is starting to function. By week 23 he measures about 20cms and looks like a newborn baby (although much smaller and thinner). His eyes are now fully formed although without their colour. During week 24 your baby becomes viable meaning that he could survive with special care of her were born after this point. Your baby's movements may be visible from the outside from now on!. By the end of this month your baby probably weighs about a pound.

This month your baby's main achievement is its growth, it gets bigger everyday, laying down fat and maturing ready for birth. From the end of this month onwards your baby has a chance of survival although it is by far best for it to grow for a few more months before birth.