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Month 5 (Weeks 20-24)

Your Body:

  • You feel good most of the time.
  • You are wearing maternity clothes.
  • You continue to gain about 1 pound per week.
  • Your breasts grow larger and softer and the veins may be visible.
  • You may leak colostrum from your breasts.
  • Your hair may feel thicker and oilier.
  • You may feel occasional contractions (tightening of your uterus that is not painful) especially after sex.
  • You may continue to be emotional.

Your Baby:

  • You will feel more movements now as the baby becomes more active.
  • Your baby will have active periods and rest periods.
  • The skin is protected by white, cheesy vernix.
  • The skin is filling out with fat.
  • Eyelids are formed, but remain closed.
  • The fingernails are growing.
  • Your baby will be about 12 inches long and weigh about 1 1/2 pounds by the end of this month.

Your appointment:

  • Urine Test.
  • Weight.
  • Blood Pressure.
  • You will have an ultrasound if you did not have one last month. Sneak peek at the sex of the baby is possible now.

When to go to the hospital:

  • You may now go directly to the maternity center for pregnancy related concerns that cannot wait until the doctor is in.
  • Come to the maternity center if you have vaginal bleeding, more than 6 contractions in 1 hour or if you have a gush of fluids that could be your water breaking.