Your 6th Month Of Pregnancy
By: Julie Fletcher
You can now officially consider yourself half way there once you have reached your sixth month of pregnancy. For many women, the sixth month is a turning point for them as there are a few babies who are born during this time and still have a good chance of survival, dependent on many factors. Remember though, each week that goes by, your baby has a higher chance for survival and better odds at gaining the functionality it needs to exist outside the womb without the aid of your uterus and placenta. Any baby born before 36 weeks is officially considered premature and dependent on the official birth weight, and they may have to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time under close supervision.
Your 6th month of pregnancy is the time to enjoy your growing belly and the little one inside! You can expect to gain approximately 1 pound per week as your new addition continues to grow and develop, gaining those much needed fat deposits which will help regulate their body temperature on their own once they are born. With 4 to 5 pounds gained in total this month, only 1 pound of that will go entirely to your baby. Do not worry if your weight gain does not match the normal guidelines. Each pregnancy is different as well as each individual woman and how her body responds to pregnancy weight gain. Your uterus will reach above the level of your navel, and for many women who were not ‘showing’ as much until now it will be hard to not display your expanding middle.
Finding out the sex of your baby can be a decision for many that they may wish to explore during your 6th month of pregnancy. Some first-time parents would like to be prepared for the birth of their new family member including knowing exactly what to buy for the nursery and wardrobe. Others prefer the old fashioned route and leave the baby’s sex as a surprise until the very day that they are born. It is your own personal decision, and many doctors will not reveal the sex unless specifically asked. Sometimes even the babies do not want you to know! They will hide and turn away during an ultrasound, leaving the choice up to them instead of you.
Partners, family members, friends and even strangers can now feel regular kicks and flutters of your baby that you may have felt earlier on in your pregnancy if you are willing to let them. Some women are quite comfortable letting acquaintances and even strangers feel their growing abdomen in the hopes of a kick or punch, while other women prefer not to be touched at all. Remember that it is your body, and if you are not comfortable with others putting their hands on you let them know that up front. There can be many instances where you can see the baby moving within from just under a shirt, so watching closely can be a great alternative for those looking for excitement in your belly.