6 month old fetus. Sixth month of pregnancy: what is happening and how to deal with edema, heartburn and other problems. What happens in the female body

At this stage of the gestational period, the woman is full of energy, with an uncomplicated pregnancy, she can even afford a short trip if sufficient comfortable conditions are created. The fetus has grown so much that it almost completely occupies the uterine cavity, and it does not have any space for movement in it. Despite this, the size of the belly at 6 months can vary significantly from woman to woman.

What happens in the female body?

The height of the uterus at the beginning of the 6th month is 24 cm above the bosom, by the end of the month this distance increases to 29 cm. The fetus at this stage of pregnancy completely fills the uterine cavity, and it has practically no space for free movement. The myometrium of the uterus also actively increases its mass.

The weight of a pregnant woman from this month grows more intensively, increasing, on average, 0.5 kg per week, and from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of 6 months, this increase will be equal to 5-8 kg:

800-1000 g - fruit weight;

500 g - weight of the placenta;

700-1000 g - weight amniotic fluid;

700-1000 g - weight of the uterus;

300-400 g - breast weight;

1500-2000 mg - increase in blood volume;

500-1000 g - weight of extracellular fluid (with edema up to 5-7 kg).

If excess weight and was before pregnancy, now you should not starve, because a limited diet will negatively affect the development of the child. When fat stores melt as a result of the diet, toxins enter the blood of the woman and her fetus. Weight gain over 8 kg requires a detailed examination, since it can be a symptom of arterial hypertension, edema, (preeclampsia), and will become an obstacle for future delivery.

If a blood test shows that a pregnant woman has high blood cholesterol levels, there is no need to worry about this. at this stage of pregnancy, it promotes the production of hormones, including progesterone - the main hormone that contributes to its preservation.

The fetus looks like a smaller copy of a person, all organs are fully formed, subcutaneous fat begins to form, which helps maintain a constant body temperature. The body length by the beginning of the month is 31 cm, by the end - 36 cm, the weight increases from 400 g to 800 g, that is, it practically doubles. If a baby is born prematurely by the end of 6 months, there is an 85% chance that it will survive. Until he has an undeveloped respiratory system, there is no surfactant in his lungs - a substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing during exhalation.

The fetal brain develops so intensively that the number of its cells and connections between them reaches a maximum. The unborn child has a stable sleep and active wakefulness regime, which he retains during the neonatal period. The movements of the hands and fingers are becoming more and more dexterous, there is a preference for one of the hands, that is, whether the child will be right-handed or left-handed can be predicted in advance. He dreams and hears the speech of his parents, reacts to bright light and to the touch of a cold sensor during an ultrasound scan.

The heart rate is up to 160 beats per minute, the heartbeat is well audible with an obstetric stethoscope. On the ultrasound, it is noticeable that the child makes movements that imitate breathing. These movements are not able to carry out gas exchange, but they train the lungs, blood vessels and respiratory muscles. At the same time, fetal blood circulation develops, blood flow into the child's cardiovascular system increases.

The reproductive organs of the fetus continue to develop, girls have a formed vagina, the testicles of a male fetus are lowered into the scrotum.

In response to an increase in the intensity of fetal movements, the uterus periodically tenses, irregular and painless contractions appear, called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They do not need to be afraid, they are not harbingers of the approaching birth. By contracting and relaxing, the uterus prepares for the upcoming labor. There can be up to 10 training contractions per day, they pass on their own. When they appear, you need to lie down, it is advisable to remain in a lying position on your side.

If you experience pain during labor, see your doctor. Perhaps such sensations are a symptom of increased uterine tone. This condition requires treatment under the guidance of a specialist. The treatment of uterine hypertonicity includes adherence to the regimen, the prohibition of sexual contacts, the elimination of stress and physical exertion.

Additionally, drugs are prescribed to regulate the tone of the uterus:

Papaverine,

Magnesium sulfate,

Ginipral,

fortified magnesium preparations (Magne B 6, Magvit, Magnefar).

At 6 months of pregnancy, urination becomes much more frequent than usual. This is due to the fact that the pregnant uterus presses on the bladder, it cannot stretch to its usual volume, it overflows. In no case should you endure when the urge to urinate appears, because you can provoke an inflammatory process of the urinary tract.

In general, at 6 months of pregnancy, a woman under the influence of hormones looks great. Her skin is smooth, she has a beautiful pinkish tint due to increased blood circulation in the vessels of the epidermis. The skin of the abdomen does not look like this - it is dry, itching is often felt due to severe stretching, it may appear. To prevent this condition, you should use moisturizers, olive or almond oil.

Possible pregnancy problems at 6 months

There are several symptoms, each of which appears, you should immediately consult a doctor:

Sharp abdominal pain

Bloody or bloody vaginal discharge;

Frequent and painful contractions of the uterus;

Significant weight gain, accompanied by swelling of the limbs and face;

In order to determine if a pregnant woman has latent edema during rapid weight gain, daily monitoring of the discharged and secreted fluid is performed. If these volumes are equal, then the reason for the increase in weight is the excess amount of calories from food. In this case, the woman is advised to spend fasting days.

During this period of pregnancy, the fetus's body produces androgens - male sex hormones. If a woman's own androgen level is above normal due to pathology of the ovaries or adrenal glands, this condition can cause termination of pregnancy. In this case, a control examination of the hormonal level is carried out at 24-28 weeks. Based on its results, the doctor prescribes a correction with hormonal drugs.

Placental cells produce placental lactogen, which is an insulin antagonist. If a pregnant woman is sick, the action of lactogen results in high blood and urine sugar levels. If a woman has a predisposition to this disease, and there are patients with diabetes in the family, it is during this period that the disease begins to develop.

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus:

Frequent urination

Heightened feeling of thirst and hunger;

Dizziness;

Visual impairment.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of blood and urine tests, glucose tolerance test, and identified symptoms. This condition is dangerous not only for the woman, but also for her unborn child. The baby may be born with increased body weight, with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys, with a predisposition to diabetes.

She is also a problem of this period of pregnancy - development varicose veins. It manifests itself due to squeezing of the large veins behind it by the uterus, marked by the appearance of vascular "stars". Varicose veins disrupt the outflow of blood from the extremities, provoke blood stagnation and the formation of blood clots. For the prevention of varicose veins, compression hosiery should be worn to prevent stretching of the venous wall. You should put on medicated tights in the morning without getting out of bed. If varicose veins have already arisen, you can not stand or sit for too long, you should change the position of the body more often, place your legs in an elevated position.

Additionally, as prescribed by a doctor, anti-varicose drugs should be taken:

Hepatrombin,

Detralex,

Doxy-hem,

Gin-comfort.

At the 6th month of pregnancy, a woman may feel problems associated with the work of the digestive system: flatulence, heartburn, constipation. Frequent constipation is dangerous because it provokes the appearance of - varicose veins of the rectum. To prevent discomfort, it is very important to establish proper nutrition, avoid foods that provoke bloating, include fiber in the diet, and eat often and little by little.

Video about the parameters of fetal development, determined by ultrasound, about choosing a name for a baby, about forming a wardrobe for pregnant women, choosing a bandage:

Under the influence of hormones, in particular estrogen, vaginal discharge increases in volume, becomes more viscous. They do not have bad smell, the color varies from white to light yellow, sometimes they have a transparent consistency.

The addition of curdled inclusions and sour odor to the secretions may indicate the activation of the Candida fungus and the onset of thrush. This condition should be definitely treated, as untreated vaginal candidiasis can become the cause of infection of the baby during childbirth.

Abundant transparent discharge indicates leakage of amniotic fluid, which requires immediate medical attention to avoid infection of the fetus. The appearance of bloody discharge can be a symptom of the onset of placental abruption or premature labor, especially if they are accompanied by cramping pains in the lower abdomen.

Doctor's visit and necessary examinations at 6 months

If before 20 weeks you had to visit your doctor every month, now these visits are planned every 2-3 weeks. Before taking, the pregnant woman takes a urine test.

Required research at 6 months:

General blood test for hemoglobin content;

Biochemical blood test for the study of liver enzymes;

Analysis for antibodies to the Rh factor (performed in pregnant women with a negative Rh factor);

Coagulogram - a blood clotting test (performed at an increased risk).

The doctor at the reception measures the woman's weight and height, blood pressure parameters, the height of the fundus of the uterus, listens to the baby's heartbeat.

If the woman has not yet undergone the mandatory ultrasound of the second pregnancy screening, now it needs to be performed this study to identify genetic abnormalities and fetal malformations.

Parameters studied by ultrasound:

The state of the placenta;

Amniotic fluid volume;

Sex of the fetus;

Study of uteroplacental blood flow.

Timely carrying out of all studies will allow, if necessary, to carry out correction and the necessary measures to maintain pregnancy.

The main guideline that allows you to form an optimal menu is the quality of products entering the table of a pregnant woman and their balance in the content of nutrients. Every day, the baby's body weight at the 6th month of intrauterine development increases by 10-12 g, and the expectant mother should not add more than 500 g per week, 2-3 kg throughout the month. Too fast weight gain increases the risk of complications in childbirth, the appearance, prerequisites for the development of diabetes.

A woman should eat often, but little by little, and do not postpone the last meal until late in the evening. It is advisable to have dinner no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime. For the prevention of edema, do not overly salt food, use canned foods, marinades. Correct water regime very important for the normal well-being of a woman. It is advisable to drink not carbonated drinks that provoke bloating, but mineral water, freshly squeezed juices, herbal teas, fruit drinks, compotes.

To prevent flatulence, you should not eat a lot of legumes, cabbage, rye bread. It is undesirable to often eat sweets, pastries, pastries. To avoid constipation, you need to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. The appearance of heartburn is stopped by introducing jelly, carrot and potato juice, fresh, oatmeal porridge into the menu.

It is important to consume enough calcium, its source is cheese, cottage cheese, dairy products. If not enough calcium is supplied, the fetus will receive it from the mother's body, which will negatively affect the condition of the woman's teeth and bones.

As in previous periods, at 6 months, sexual contacts are not contraindicated in the absence of pregnancy pathologies:

Risk of miscarriage;

Placenta previa;

Inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;

Multiple pregnancy.

Some men painfully perceive the future change in their status, partly they are worried about a kind of jealousy of the unborn child, the fact that he will now occupy all the thoughts of a woman. It all depends on whether a woman can help her husband to cope with anxiety, to show that old feelings will not change with the appearance of a child.

Education: Diploma "Obstetrics and Gynecology" received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Health and social development(2010). In 2013 completed postgraduate studies at N.N. N.I. Pirogova.

Gynecologists consider the sixth month of pregnancy to be a period of relative calm. Such feelings arise in future mother... The risky first trimester has passed, where the fertilized egg was subjected to a number of stress factors, the final trimester has not yet come, at the end of which the woman is about to give birth. This is the time of awareness of imminent motherhood, happy emotions, joy from the movements of the child.

It is necessary to immediately answer the question: 6 months of pregnancy is how many weeks? This is important, since the specialists of the antenatal clinic use the weekly calculation. This period covers the interval from 21 to 24 weeks inclusive. What processes occur in the mother's body, how the fetus develops, what is worth paying attention to - we will try to answer these questions in our article.

6 month old baby

By the 6th month, all organs and systems of the child are fully formed, however, the process of differentiation and development of fetal tissues continues. Its mass can reach 550-570 grams, its length is 32-33 cm. It is located in the amniotic fluid, which performs a shock-absorbing function. This liquid protects the child from jolts and maintains thermal equilibrium. Among the characteristic changes in comparison with the previous months, one can single out:

Active development of skeletal muscles, which is manifested by the chaotic movements of the limbs, which the mother feels. The main number of such movements falls on the baby's wakefulness phase. They need to be counted, since this is one of the indicators of the normal development of a child. Facial muscles also begin to function, so different facial expressions can be seen with ultrasound.
Significant changes are also taking place in the central nervous system. The mass of the brain increases, the convolutions are more clearly manifested.
The senses begin to receive information. The baby hears sounds and reacts to them by moving the arms and legs. The eyes of the crumbs are still covered with a special film, but he can open them or squint from the bright light.
The formation of the alveolar tissue of the lungs occurs. The alveoli are still immature, they are not ready for full-fledged work, so the baby receives oxygen through the placental circulation. They begin to produce a special substance - a surfactant. It is this that prevents the alveoli from sticking together after straightening during the first breath.

The diaphragmatic muscles receive nerve impulses and can respond to them by contraction. This manifests itself in the form of hiccups, which the mother can also feel.
At the beginning of 6 months, the baby does not have a sufficient layer of subcutaneous fat, therefore, on an ultrasound examination, he looks somewhat emaciated. However, by the end of the second trimester, the situation changes. The child begins to develop adipose tissue, which forms subcutaneous depots of brown fat. This substance has great energy value and protects the baby from hypothermia. In the same period of time, the formation of the glandular apparatus occurs in the skin, cilia and eyebrows appear.
The skeletal system is strengthened by the intake of calcium. This alkali metal plays important role in the processes of mineralization.

The baby develops in the fetal bladder filled with amniotic fluid. The baby's pose is embryonic, the head is at the top, but the baby is trying to roll over.

The active development of subcutaneous fat leads to a rapid increase in body weight. By the end of the sixth month of pregnancy, the weight of the fetus can reach 700 grams.

Mom's feelings

The changes that affect the organs and systems of the fetus are quite significant. But what happens in the mother's body? The sixth month of pregnancy significantly corrects physiological processes, the woman has new sensations. The most significant changes include:

An increase in the size of the tummy. It becomes rounded and matches the size of the uterus.
The appearance of constant movements, intensifying during the period of wakefulness of the child.
Leucorrhoea from the genital tract.
Tension of the ligamentous apparatus supporting the growing uterus. It is manifested by pulling pains and subjective discomfort in the abdomen.
Dyspeptic phenomena associated with the pressure of an enlarged uterus on the surrounding organs abdominal cavity... Intestinal motility may be impaired, which is accompanied by constipation.
The volume of circulating blood increases. It is necessary for the transport of nutrients and oxygen through the placental vascular system to the fetus. However, such circulation can lead to nosebleeds, bleeding gums.
Hormonal changes affect the work of the sweat glands. Most pregnant women notice an increase in sweating even with a slight increase in ambient temperature.
The skin is subject to changes, especially on the abdomen. The skin may itch, peel off, and be pigmented. As a rule, all dermatological problems go away on their own in the postpartum period. To decrease discomfort and to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, you must use special creams.

The mammary glands are swollen and may grow slightly in size. It is also possible to change the shape of the nipple.
The increased volume of circulating blood and impaired outflow from the venous vascular system of the lower extremities leads to the appearance of edema. Most often, they are localized in the ankle area. When pressed in the area of the tibia, a fossa remains on the skin, which disappears over time.
The emotional background also changes. The mood of the pregnant woman remains normal, but there is a feeling of anxiety and fear of delivery. Mom worries about the health of her baby and listens to every movement. At the same time, there is some confusion in everyday life.

These changes do not necessarily completely disturb the pregnant woman. Some will only feel an increase in waist size, others may suffer from heartburn, flatulence or itching of the skin on the abdomen. If you experience any unusual sensations, you should consult with your gynecologist.

This will prevent the development of dangerous complications and preserve the health of the unborn baby.

How to eat?

Due to the excellent appetite and the constant desire for something to eat, you need to monitor the weight gain. Such control will allow you to approach childbirth in an optimal way. After all, a significant increase in body weight can be an obstacle to natural delivery and negatively affect the condition of the fetus.

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, weight gain within 500 grams per week is considered physiological. Thus, in 6 months of pregnancy, weight gain should be approximately 2 kilograms.

How can you achieve these results? Exist general principles rational nutrition, observing which weight gain can be controlled. These include:

frequent and fractional meals;
eating a large number vegetables and fruits;
limiting salty foods;
rejection of simple carbohydrates, fast food, carbonated drinks.

It is also important to include calcium-rich foods in your diet. This will help form the baby's skeleton and prevent a possible deficiency in the mother. The most useful in this situation are low-fat fermented milk dishes, broccoli.

Due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the organs of the digestive tract, heartburn or constipation may occur. These conditions cause discomfort to the pregnant woman. With the help of food, you can alleviate the manifestations of these dyspeptic problems:

To combat heartburn, you can use: jelly, potato juice, oatmeal. They have an enveloping effect on the mucous membrane. gastrointestinal tract and prevent the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid on the walls of the esophagus. When heartburn occurs, it is enough to consume a small amount of the above foods at each meal to reduce discomfort.

Constipation occurs due to impaired intestinal motility. To enhance peristalsis, dishes rich in fiber are used. These are primarily vegetables and fruits. To keep them useful properties you must eat them raw. So, in addition to fiber, vitamins and minerals will enter the pregnant woman's body.

Surveys

Despite the fact that the sixth month of pregnancy is relatively calm in the life of the expectant mother, she needs to monitor her health. During this period, instrumental and laboratory research that will show the development of the fetus and possible problems.

At the beginning of the month, you need to come to the antenatal clinic for a gynecologist's examination. In addition to a visual examination, the doctor will conduct:

measurement of body weight;
blood pressure control;
determination of the position of the fundus of the uterus, the size of the organ, the position of the fetus;
with the help of a special device - a stethoscope - listens to the cardiac activity of the future baby;
check for swelling in the lower extremities.

Starting from the fifth - sixth month of gestation, the pregnant woman begins to worry about future childbirth. All the nuances regarding delivery should be discussed with a specialist. This will dispel doubts and make it possible to normalize the emotional background of a woman.

In addition to being examined by a gynecologist, a pregnant woman needs to carry out some laboratory tests. Compulsory tests of urine for protein and glucose. These substances are determined in excess in violation of the functioning of the organs of the urinary system and suspicion of endocrine pathology. Do not ignore the proposed tests, as they will help to timely recognize a possible problem and preserve the pregnancy.

At the beginning of the sixth month, a second scheduled ultrasound scan can be performed. A specialist can determine:

the sex of the unborn child with a favorable body position;
possible developmental abnormalities;
condition of the placenta;
amniotic fluid volume;
indicators of blood flow in the placental vessels.

Thus, ultrasound examination allows not only to assess the degree of development of the fetus and possible malformations, but also to predict the volume of incoming nutrients and oxygen through the placenta.

Ultrasound examination is considered safe and does not cause any harm to the unborn baby. Modern devices make it possible to obtain a full-fledged 3D picture of the fetal bladder, and the detailing of the image is capable of transmitting even the slightest changes in the structure of the organs of the reproductive system.

Premature birth

Despite the relative calmness and emotional peace, in the sixth month of pregnancy, an extremely negative event can occur - premature birth. It is dangerous for the baby, since his body is not yet ready for independent life. A pregnant woman has the following clinical symptoms:

strong uterine contractions with intense frequency;
uterine bleeding;
aggravating pain syndrome;
nausea, vomiting;
discharge of a large volume of fluid from the vagina.

These threatening symptoms are the reason for emergency hospitalization. Timely provision of qualified medical care will save the life of the child.

Pregnancy is the state when you least want any health problems. The goal of every woman is to give birth to a healthy child and not cause irreparable harm to her body. This can be achieved by following the simple recommendations of specialists:

Optimize your physical activity. During the gestation period, it is necessary to abandon heavy sports (for example, powerlifting) - such exercises can harm the fetus. For pregnant women, special gymnastic exercises are recommended, which allow you to prepare the muscles and ligaments for labor. Breathing practices will help you master the correct diaphragmatic breathing pattern.

Rest with your legs raised. In this position, the venous outflow from the vessels of the lower extremities improves and prevents the development of edema.
Walk more on fresh air... In this case, a sufficient amount of oxygen will be supplied to the fetus.
Eat well. A proper diet will provide the developing body with the necessary nutrients.
Try not to get nervous. The baby is very sensitive to the mood of the mother, therefore, positive emotions have a beneficial effect on the condition of the baby.
Reduce the intensity of your intimate relationship with your husband.

A positive attitude, following the advice and recommendations of a gynecologist can minimize problems that may arise during this period of time.

Your tummy grows very quickly and you walk proudly carrying it in front of you. Your baby is already actively communicating with you and the future dad. You feel its movements very actively. It's time to take up his prenatal upbringing - listening to music, going to exhibitions, doing creative work - all this will help you raise a good person.

Changes in the mother's body in the sixth month of pregnancy

You are feeling very well now, you are enjoying your pregnancy. However, the thought of childbirth is already overwhelming you, and sometimes the state is already tiresome - especially when evening comes. Your hormonal background changes, changes affect immunity - it decreases so as not to reject the baby. Therefore, the microflora of the genital tract may change and an unpleasant thing may appear - thrush or candidiasis, and sometimes vaginitis occurs. This is accompanied by unpleasant itching and increased vaginal discharge. This is a conditionally pathogenic flora, which, due to a decrease in immunity, is activated and begins to cause inconvenience. Then a smear is done, and the doctor will resort to prescribing special suppositories that are safe during pregnancy or other medications to level the microflora and treat unpleasant symptoms. After treatment, your doctor will give you a flora test to make sure everything is in order. It is imperative to treat this, in addition to unpleasant symptoms, it can become dangerous for the crumbs - lead to the threat of premature birth.

At this time, the load on the heart and the vascular system increases, because the volume of blood in the vessels has increased by almost half. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is necessary, as well as the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. If anemia occurs, the doctor will recommend that you increase the amount of protein and meat products in your diet - beef, chicken, offal, and also take iron supplements.

Feelings of the expectant mother in the sixth month of pregnancy

Your tummy grows and rounds quickly. By the end of the month, the bottom of the uterus rises 2-3 cm above the navel. Your wardrobe has already been significantly revised and changed, however, this is not a reason to wear baggy T-shirts and wide pants. Now there are many maternity salons that can pick up clothes for you at any time, even Evening Dress so that it will accentuate all your charms!

It's time for you to wear a bandage. If you haven't started doing it even earlier. It will support the tummy and reduce the stress on the spine, and due to the fact that the belly is supported, there is less risk of skin stretch marks. Your bond with your baby is so strong. What do you feel in his mood - when he is happy and when he is not. You like to play with him - he pushes into your hands, applied to your stomach, reacts to your voice.
Your weight is gradually increasing - the average gain is from 250 to 350-400 g per week, your weight will be monitored by a doctor, there is no point in weighing yourself daily at home.

Minor swelling may appear in the area of the feet, face or hands, you do not need to be afraid of this - this is fluid retention due to hormones. Try not to drink a lot of liquid, but you don't need to limit yourself in it, do not lean on salty. Spicy and spicy - it makes you thirsty. Remove tight rings and bracelets, do not wear elastic bands on the body and narrow socks.

The skin on the abdomen and chest is strongly stretched, and stretch marks (striae), purple stripes may appear due to the divergence of the skin fibers. There is no need to be upset. They will turn white after childbirth and become almost invisible, their appearance depends on the characteristics of the skin and heredity. It is almost impossible to prevent their appearance, but you can reduce them using special remedies for stretch marks. Control your weight, keep yourself in shape - good spirits are the main thing now.

Your baby (fetal development in the sixth month of pregnancy)

In this month of pregnancy, the child will grow up to 30-35 cm, and the weight will gain up to 800-1000g. While he is still a toddler, he already knows a lot. His skin is still very thin, red, wrinkled like an old man's. The body is coated with a cheese-like lubricant that protects the baby from the effects of amniotic fluid, which can soften the skin.

The child actively moves, opens and closes his eyes, swallows amniotic fluid. There is still very little subcutaneous fat, it is just beginning to accumulate and round up. There is a lot of vellus hair on the body of the crumbs, its cartilages in the ears and nose are still thin, the marigolds have not yet grown. The boy's testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. However, if childbirth suddenly begins and the child is born prematurely, from the sixth month the doctors can already leave him and he will live.

Dangers of the sixth month of pregnancy

The danger can be the threat of premature birth, which can arise as a result of intrauterine infection, therefore. it is extremely important to protect yourself from colds. Contact with animals and infectious patients - especially if it is mononucleosis, herpes, cytomegaly, toxoplasmosis.

Besides. during this period, gestosis, or toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy, can make itself felt. It occurs due to malfunctions in the body and is manifested by increased pressure, edema. Protein in urine is a common bad condition. Due to this, the normal work of the placenta and the entire mother's body is disrupted. Severe gestosis can be dangerous for the life and health of the mother and baby and requires hospital treatment.

At the end of this month, placental insufficiency may also develop, this is a condition in which it cannot fully fulfill its function - to provide the fetus with nutrition and oxygen. Then, treatment will also be required, as well as a detailed ultrasound and Doppler examination.

Medical follow-up in the sixth month of pregnancy

In the sixth month, you will see your doctor twice, and your blood and urine tests will be prescribed. Eliminate anemia and urinary tract inflammation. On examination, the doctor will determine your weight, gain in a month, the height of the fundus of the uterus, the circumference of the abdomen, and from them he will calculate the estimated weight and height of the crumbs. He will listen with a special obstetric stethoscope or a crumbs heartbeat apparatus, determine his position. He will carefully ask you about the movements and your feelings. Then the doctor will ask you to show your arms and legs - if you have edema, especially if you are gaining a lot of weight.

Do not hesitate to ask the doctor all the questions that worry you, even if they seem stupid or naive to you - this is your health and your baby, everything should be fine with him. The doctor will advise you to get ready for childbirth, take multivitamins, walk a lot and rest more, soon maternity leave- if you are still working, it's time to complete all the cases.

During this period, your metabolism and your sweating increase significantly, dress lighter for walks and use odorless antiperspirants and dyes. You may want to drink more as some of the fluid is lost in sweat. Just give preference to pure mineral water without gas, juice diluted in half with water or compotes, fruit drinks. You shouldn't consume soda, even if it is mineral water... It can trigger heartburn, and soda can make you thirsty and make you swelling.

It's time to start gymnastics and training breathing exercises for childbirth, this will give you the opportunity to prepare well for it. Just do it in special courses or under the supervision of an instructor - you can do something wrong on your own and it can be harmful.

Often in the sixth month there are cramps and spasms of the muscles of the legs - these are signs of a lack of calcium. Start taking a multivitamin to help you manage your cramps.

Eat a little, but often, do not go on diets - you don't need them now. Wear clothes that do not press, rub or irritate the skin, made from natural breathable fabrics.

It is important to monitor your stools and regularly empty your bowels, so eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, fermented milk products.
Walk, relax, be creative, buy a dowry for your baby - now is the time.

Despite the fact that the child begins to build up fat at an accelerated pace, he still looks red and wrinkled. This happens because the skin is formed much faster than sufficient fat deposits can form under it, so the skin is still saggy. Redness is a consequence of the accumulation of pigments in the skin, which makes it less transparent.
The child becomes more and more active, but kicks and pushes very gently. On video frames during fetal endoscopy at this time, you can see how the child, being in the uterus, grabs the umbilical cord with his hands and pushes into the amnion, the watery membrane of the fetus, which now represents the whole world around him for him.
The baby continues to swallow small amounts of the surrounding fluid and excrete it from the body in the form of urine. The moisture and sugars it extracts from the amniotic fluid are another important source of nutrition for it, along with what it gets through the placenta and umbilical cord. Swallowing the liquid can cause hiccups, which you will feel when the fetus starts to bounce inside you.
Due to the pigmentation of the skin, the baby's hands are pink-red. Until recently, he simply thrust his thumb into his mouth, but now he is already sucking it for real. The baby's nails are almost completely formed. The baby continues to grow and prepare for birth. He feels very comfortable in the uterus, Braxton Hicks contractions do not disturb the baby. Now the child accumulates meconium (original feces)
The length from the crown to the sacrum is about 30 cm.
Weight - about 500-510 g.

Monitoring deeply premature babies, whose sleep rhythm is the same as that of the fetus, makes it possible to establish how daily activity is organized in the 5th month of pregnancy. It's very simple: he sleeps almost 24 hours a day, but short periods of activity are followed by rests lasting 50 minutes. His heart beats at the same rhythm, which proves that he sleeps deep and long sleep until the 28th week of intrauterine development.
But at the same time he pushes you with his feet! This does not mean that when he wakes up, he is giving you a "full contact" session. It floats in the amniotic fluid, brushing against the walls of the uterus, reflexively responding to the movements of your body. Really reflexive, because voluntary responses require the maturity of his brain, which has not yet completed its development.
At this stage of development, his voluntary movements become possible, since, starting from the 3rd month of pregnancy, the nerve fibers of the spinal cord (which is not at all an organ of thought) are sequentially connected with the nerve fibers of his muscles.
Thus, he charts the kind of walking that will surprise pediatricians at birth. We are talking about automatic walking recorded in his genes. These alternating movements are due to the recent appearance in the spinal cord of neurons - generators of rhythm.
You yourself
You can more clearly distinguish the movements of the unborn child, not only because he grows and moves more, but also because their repetition allows you to recognize them well.
You fondly notice that your little one is using the time when you are resting for his exercises. In fact, this is not so: it is just that at this time you are more attentive to his movements.
22 (24) weeks
The fruit is about 30 cm long and weighs 600-680 grams. Such a fetus can be born alive and perform extrauterine respiratory movements and even survive if it is kept in special incubators, if there is artificial ventilation of the lungs and the use of appropriate means of intensive therapy and resuscitation.
His ear is not only an organ of hearing, but also a center of balance. The vestibular apparatus is located in the inner ear. Thanks to him, the fetus can rotate without feeling dizzy, and also allowing itself different "tricks" when swimming in the amniotic "pool".
The vestibular apparatus of your unborn child is so perfect that he orients himself in space in accordance with his "mood" and is arranged as conveniently as possible, resting his legs against the wall of the uterus.
The researchers speculate that he uses this method (and information from the vestibular apparatus) to get himself into the right position in preparation for his journey into the big world. Can we conclude that babies choosing other positions at the time of delivery have an immature vestibular system?
A fatty layer continues to accumulate under the skin, which after birth will allow the baby to maintain the optimal body temperature and not be afraid of hypothermia. That is why premature newborns are forced to stay in special incubators: without this measure, the baby simply will not survive.
You yourself
The uterus reaches the diaphragm, and the lungs are unable to draw in the full volume of air. Therefore, so that the lungs can fill with air to the full volume, rib cage increases in width by 5-7 cm. This extension allows you to take up to 20% additional oxygen, which is so necessary for both of you.
This week, you may feel contractions of the uterus (abdominal wall tension), so-called Braxton Hicks contractions. This is absolutely normal - the uterus slowly begins to exercise before childbirth. But you also need to know about sensations that cannot be ignored. Signs of premature birth are as follows:
* The frequency of uterine contractions reaches five per hour or more;
* Isolation of scarlet blood from the genital tract;
* Signs of preeclampsia (acute or prolonged abdominal pain, vomiting);
* Sudden discharge of clear watery fluid from the genital tract;
* Monotonous aching pain in the lower back;
* Strong pressure in the lower pelvis.
If such signs appear, an urgent need to consult a doctor!
The motor activity of the fetus outwardly resembles the movements of a newborn baby.

23 (25) weeks
The kid is growing by leaps and bounds! Its weight is about 700 grams. Intensive strengthening of the osteoarticular system continues.
This week, the baby is already starting to open his eyes a little. By this time, they were almost completely formed, all layers of the eyeball are now exactly the same as they will be at birth. If the child has blue eyes, then rest assured: they are blue now. This is true for people of all races, although the final eye color is not revealed until a few months after birth.
The baby still looks rather weak and slender, but this will soon change as most of the fat deposits occur in the later stages of pregnancy. By the time of childbirth, he will significantly increase his weight, gain weight and acquire the plumpness that is characteristic of all newborns. The skin is still red and wrinkled, but as the subcutaneous tissue grows, the skin becomes smoother and lighter. The child already has a full set of eyelashes, eyebrows and nails, although they are still relatively small and will continue to grow.
Veins show through your baby's skin. Your child can hear you and everything that is happening around you. Although we assume that the womb is a quiet place, the baby is still surrounded by noise for a long time within you. This is the beating of your heart, gurgling during digestion and much more that we do not hear, but the baby hears perfectly. You can even understand what your toddler is hearing - the child may kick harder or jerk violently when a sudden loud sound is heard. Also, the uterus lets in some light that the baby can see. So the opinion that the baby is in the womb in darkness and silence is wrong.
The length from the crown to the sacrum is about 32.5-33 cm.
Weight - about 794 - 800 g.

The sixth month, like the fifth, can be called the month of movement. The fetus moves actively and willingly if ... it does not sleep. And sleep takes him most of the day - from 16 to 20 hours. After analyzing the recording of the biocurrents of the brain, that is, the electroencephalogram (EEG), of a sleeping fetus, experts were surprised to find two phases characteristic of an adult's sleep - slow and REM sleep.
At the sixth month, the fetus becomes larger and more mobile, its individuality is more noticeable. He already has a “facial expression”. The mass of the brain is increasing, and its structure is being improved, grooves and convolutions have been formed. He prepares to think, see, hear, feel ...
At the same time, the fetus begins to make constant respiratory movements. The laying of the respiratory system occurs in the second - third week of pregnancy. And then, over the course of 18 weeks, the organs of this system become more complex and differentiate. The bronchial tree literally grows, branches out with bronchi and bronchioles. Growing into the lung, they divide its tissue into segments and lobules. The very last are formed alveolar passages - the thinnest air tubes with microscopic bubbles - alveoli. It is through the thin wall of these bubbles that carbon dioxide is replaced by life-giving oxygen. But the alveoli will expand and fill with air only with the first breath of the newborn. And now the fetus is simply "working out" the system - it makes 50-60 respiratory movements per minute.
At the same time, the lung tissue does not straighten, air does not enter it. But the amniotic fluid falls. But their number is very small, they are quickly absorbed, and do not cause any harm to the fetus. Respiratory movements can be interrupted for half an hour or an hour, and then resume again.
The ability to make respiratory movements is provided by the respiratory center, which is finally formed in the medulla oblongata at 22-23 weeks. The development of this center can be significantly delayed if the mother's body is exposed to episodic, and even more constant, intoxication with substances contained in tobacco and tobacco smoke, alcohol, drugs. Under the influence of these toxic substances, for which there is practically no placental barrier, the central nervous system of the fetus is inhibited, therefore, the respiratory center localized in the brain. And this can be the reason that by the time of birth, neither the respiratory center, nor the lungs, nor the bronchi will be fully ready to perform their functions.
In the meantime, a sufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus largely depends on whether the vascular system of the villi of the placenta is well developed and how intense the uteroplacental circulation is. If a woman practically cannot influence the vascular system, since the placenta and all its structures were formed by the end of the third month, then it is possible to activate blood circulation. To do this, you need to regularly perform a set of physical exercises (a doctor who constantly monitors the pregnant woman will help you choose it) and be in the fresh air as much as possible, just move.
By the sixth month, all parts of the fetal digestive system are well formed: the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas. In the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, there are already secretory cells that, after birth, will produce gastric and intestinal juice. The liver actively begins to perform its main functions, including the synthesis and storage of glycogen, which is a source of carbohydrates for the fetus. And the hematopoietic functions are now completely transferred to the red bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, thymus gland.
From the 20th week, the fetus begins to receive immunoglobulins from the mother through the placenta, which provide him with passive immunity. But, despite this, the immune forces of the fetus are still very weak, therefore, its main protection is the maternal organism.
If the mother is sick during pregnancy, for example, the flu, this can leave its mark on the cardiovascular, excretory and other systems of the fetus. The trail can be barely noticeable and quite serious. Proceeding from this, during a flu epidemic, it is certainly not worth visiting where a lot of people gather and involuntary contact with a sick flu, other diseases that are transmitted by airborne droplets is possible. It is also extremely important to timely identify and treat inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, pustular skin diseases, to closely monitor the condition of the nasopharynx and teeth. It is even better if this is done before pregnancy.
During the sixth month, the anatomical formation of the parts of the brain ends: the midbrain and cerebellum are added to the previously formed parts. And on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres, the formation of grooves and convolutions is completed. However, until the final perfection of the central nervous system still far away, its development continues after birth.
The face of a six-month-old fetus becomes more meaningful. The eyelids open well-formed eyes, above them the eyebrows are distinguished. The nose takes on a sharper outline. But the most interesting thing is the ears. They increase in size and take on their final shape. The auricle, which began its development in the second month of embryonic life, is formed from a group of gradually accrete tubercles. This process is very individual, and it is never known how many tubercles grow together and where they will grow together. Hence, there is a wide variety of forms of auricles in different people. It is no coincidence that this one of the most essential methods of personal identification is used in forensic science.
Although by the end of the sixth month all organs are formed and perform their functions, the fetus remains deeply premature and immature. And if he is born at this time - this can happen due to placental abruption or for other reasons - the chances of his survival will be very small, even despite the advances in modern medicine.
By the sixth month, there is a rapid increase in brain mass. Compare: at 2 months it weighs 2.0 g, at 5 months - 20-25 g, and by the end of the sixth - 100 g.
The ratio of the mass of the spinal cord to the brain sharply decreases. At three months it was 1:18, and at 6 months - 1: 100!
In the sixth month, all the senses are functioning in the fetus. The formation of the function proceeds in the following sequence: first, at the 3rd month, skin (tactile) sensitivity appears, then at 3.5 months - gustatory, followed by the vestibular function at the 5th month, which ensures balance, and later, in 5-6 months - auditory and visual.
Based on the book of Professor AI Brusilovsky "Life before birth".

The end of the second trimester falls exactly in the sixth month of pregnancy. By this time, a woman gets used to her position, constant changes in her appearance, figure, habits, day and night regime. At the 6th month of pregnancy, the belly becomes visually noticeable and even in plump women it acquires a beautiful rounded shape, the waist is smoothed out. Changes also occur inside the womb, the baby is actively developing, his movements are clearly palpable and you can even understand in what position he is.

Fetal development

The second trimester is notable for the fact that the stomach begins to grow actively. At the 6th month of pregnancy, it becomes more rounded in some, while in others it protrudes forward like a ball. For every woman, everything happens very individually. It becomes quite obvious to others that the woman is in a position. True, there is one exception: women who are overweight or used to wearing loose clothing. They will be able to keep their pregnancy a secret for a while. However, for the woman herself, who is observed by the doctor, controls her well-being, external changes in the body become pronounced.

At the 6th month of pregnancy, the belly will grow as actively as the baby grows, because it needs more space, and the amount of amniotic fluid increases accordingly. To relieve the increased stress on the back and legs, it is recommended to support the abdomen with a prenatal brace. It will allow you to extend your walks and significantly facilitate the overall well-being of the pregnant woman.

At the end of the second trimester, the growth of the fetus is about 30 cm, and the weight is about a kilogram. These parameters are monitored during the next screening and at an appointment with a gynecologist. He takes weekly measurements of the abdominal circumference in order to determine the risk of developing a possible pathology at an early stage.

Polyhydramnios

If a woman notices that she has a large belly at 6 months of pregnancy, then perhaps it is polyhydramnios. This can be established during the ultrasound examination. At the next examination in the antenatal clinic, polyhydramnios is diagnosed by measuring the abdominal circumference and the height of the uterine fundus. Since it is believed that the latter corresponds to the gestational age of the fetus, significant upward deviations just speak of the development of polyhydramnios.

Normally, the abdominal circumference at 24 weeks of gestation is about 80 cm, and the height of the uterine fundus is about 22-27 cm. It is worth considering the individual characteristics of each woman. So in the presence of excess body weight, these figures may be slightly higher and vice versa. Many women pay attention to which belly is at 6 months of pregnancy, compare it with their previous pregnancies and agree that there are no two identical forms. You should not look for signs of pathology in yourself, and if you have certain suspicions, it is better to seek medical advice.

In addition to the increased size of the abdomen, the pregnant woman may be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms: gurgling in the abdomen, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs, abdominal girth more than 100 cm, pulls the lower abdomen. At the 6th month of pregnancy, these signs should alert not only the expectant mother, but also the observing gynecologist. Self-treatment and medication are strictly prohibited. The main tests that must be passed in this situation should determine or exclude the risk of developing: infection, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, developmental defects of the child, heart disease.

Malnutrition

Opposite to polyhydramnios, another pathology is a small amount of amniotic fluid, which also affects the size of the abdomen at 6 months of pregnancy. It can be moderate or severe, early, late or prolonged. With oligohydramnios, the abdomen, on the contrary, looks smaller than it should be at this time. This phenomenon is much less common, but despite this it causes certain concerns in pregnant women. A woman may notice that she has a very small belly at 6 months of pregnancy. For a baby, lack of water means that the space for movement decreases, he becomes less active. As a result, the lack of amniotic fluid leads to fetal hypoxia, therefore it is so necessary to diagnose oligohydramnios in a timely manner and undergo treatment.

When determining deviations, doctors are guided by the standards that are accepted by the WHO. For example, if the water content is less than 500 ml, then this indicates low water. You should also pay close attention to the nature of the discharge. So it can happen that the water leaks and this becomes the cause of lack of water. In this case, only a qualified specialist gives a competent assessment of the condition of the mother and fetus. If a woman begins to feel pain in the lower abdomen while the baby is moving, besides, the lower abdomen pulls: at 6 months of pregnancy it is important to exclude self-medication, it is better to consult a doctor unscheduled.

In addition to ultrasound, it is recommended to undergo Doppler ultrasound, which will allow you to monitor the work of the placenta vessels, to exclude insufficient oxygen supply to the baby. It is also worth taking tests to exclude the development of an inflammatory or infectious process. Among the reasons may be hypertension, obesity, multiple pregnancy, abuse of bad habits, deviations in the development of the baby.

If, in the case of a singleton pregnancy, the belly grows from week to week, then when carrying several babies, its size can change before our eyes, from day to day. Therefore, you should not be surprised that at the 6th month of pregnancy, the stomach becomes covered with stretch marks and no oils and creams will save you from this. The increased load on the entire body cannot bypass the appearance of a woman. The waist is smoothed out, and the belly cannot be hidden in any way and it noticeably reminds others that there is a pregnant woman in front of them.

For the expectant mother expecting twins or triplets, this period becomes a real test. She gets tired faster, and the sensations of walking may become less pleasant. It is worth using a prenatal bandage to relieve your burden, not overwork, and rest if possible at the first sign of fatigue. During the movement of babies, the shape of the abdomen may change, for example, if they have taken a lateral position. What does the belly look like at 6 months of pregnancy in this case? Most likely, it will look like an oval, however, this is a temporary phenomenon. Since there is still some time ahead, it is likely that they will take correct position before labor begins and the abdomen will have a more familiar rounded shape.

Feeling from the growth of the abdomen

By the end of the second trimester, a woman gets used to her new position and changes in the body. Therefore, this period accounts for most of the thematic photo sessions. The most popular photos of the belly at 6 months of pregnancy are taken at home in the amateur shooting mode. It's simple and quick way to fix in memory the growth of the baby, which is actively developing inside the womb. In addition to the pleasant sensations of fetal movements, a woman may experience discomfort associated with pressure on internal organs... The longer the period, the heavier the stomach becomes and, consequently, the load on the back. Lumbar pain can indicate an internal tone and overexertion. In this case, it is recommended to reduce the load and wear a bandage, allow yourself to lie down during the day, or it is best to get some sleep.

It is believed that at normal course pregnancy throughout the entire period, a woman should not experience any negative symptoms, pain. The appearance of fatigue, various skin rashes on the body, a feeling of tone more often indicate the presence of a deficiency of vitamins in the body, excessive physical exertion, lack of the correct daily routine, nutrition, sleep disturbance and rest.

The appearance of stretch marks

The active growth of the abdomen while a woman is carrying a baby is accompanied by damage or stretching of the skin, in a word, stretch marks appear. A pregnant woman may feel itching in the area where the stretching occurs: the sides, lower abdomen, the area around the navel, and even the chest. In some women, especially when carrying several babies, striae can cover the entire surface of the abdomen. There are many stories on the web about how to prevent them. The most popular recommendations are related to the use of special cosmetics for body care during pregnancy with various vitamin complexes. A photo of a belly at 6 months of pregnancy, no matter how neat in shape, with red stripes can noticeably spoil the mood of any woman. Therefore, special attention is paid to skin care.

Stretch marks can range in color from pale pink to purple... If a woman sunbathes in the summer, then due to the uneven surface of the abdominal skin, its color will almost certainly be uneven. Therefore, it is a mistake to believe that tanning will help hide them. Moreover, you should not abuse open sunlight to avoid burns. Since the skin on your belly is already thinner, exposure to UV light can be even more harmful than usual.

Prevention of stretch marks

Needless to say, there are those who, in general, have never encountered stretch marks and have no idea what it is like to use special creams to care for the skin on the stomach during pregnancy. If by the end of the second trimester a woman did not find a single red stripe on her body, this does not mean that in the third trimester they will bypass her. It is advisable to use oils containing vitamin E or A (for example, olive) for prophylaxis. Sensations from gentle stroking of the abdomen can provoke reciprocal movements of the fetus or the tone of the uterus, therefore, the movements of the hands should be gentle, not exerting strong pressure on the abdomen.

It was noted that in women who go in for active sports, they maintain their figure in good shape, the abdominal muscles are more resistant to stress during pregnancy. As a rule, they are less likely to encounter the appearance of stretch marks not only on the abdomen, but also on the hips and chest. This is also facilitated by proper nutrition, abstinence from alcohol and smoking abuse, and a stable weight. If the metabolic processes in the body proceed without any deviations, then the restoration of the skin is faster.

Pigment strip

Change hormonal background can be seen with the naked eye when in the second trimester, due to the active growth of the fetus, the abdomen also increases. If you look at the photo of the belly at the 6th month of pregnancy, then it can be noted that this strip does not spoil at all appearance... In about 90% of pregnant women at this time, it has either already manifested itself or is becoming more noticeable. Although there is a chance that it will not appear at all (this happens in 10% of women). Outwardly, she kind of separates the belly vertical line in half.

In some, it stretches from the navel down to the pubic bone, in others it continues to the diaphragm. It has been noticed that in dark-skinned women, as well as those who are prone to pigmentation, it is brighter. It is almost impossible to prevent its appearance. The reason for this is the production of melanin, which stains the white line of the abdomen in dark color... This is the tendon that connects the symmetrical abdominal muscles in the middle. Normally, when a woman is not pregnant, its color is white and invisible to the armed eye. When carrying a baby in the body, the production of hormones changes and it turns light brown. The longer the term and the closer the due date, the darker it becomes.

The length and width of the pigment strip has a purely individual character and does not depend on gender or the number of babies. You can exclude a long stay in the open sun, while wearing closed clothing. This will reduce pigmentation and make the streak lighter. It is also believed that the intensity of its color is influenced by the content of folic acid in the body of a pregnant woman. If there is a lack of it, the strip will be brighter.

If your stomach hurts?

Doctors recommend paying attention to any unpleasant symptoms, in particular those accompanied by pain. They are not always associated with the risk of premature birth or a deterioration in the health of the expectant mother. It happens that the child, while moving, touches the internal organs and this becomes the cause of pain. Also, do not exclude cases when a woman has problems with bowel function. Most often this is due to constipation or gas formation. The problem can be solved by establishing proper nutrition, it is also worth drinking a sufficient amount of clean drinking water (about 1.5-2 liters per day).

However, you should be on your guard if at 6 months of pregnancy the stomach pulls, it tenses and turns to stone. This may indicate the tone of the uterus or even training contractions. Doctors recommend taking a No-shpy pill or lighting a Papaverine candle. If there are no other symptoms (discharge Brown or bloody, water leakage), then the data medicines should help and the pain will recede. Otherwise, you will need to contact a doctor or call ambulance.

What tests should be taken at 6 months

During the next visit to the gynecologist, he will definitely measure the abdominal circumference. At 5-6 months of pregnancy, another ultrasound examination is also carried out, a urine test is taken, if necessary, a general blood test. In order to eliminate the risk of developing placental insufficiency, a Doppler study may be prescribed. Since the baby is actively growing, starting from the 20th week, the gynecologist listens to the fetal heartbeat through the mother's abdomen using a special obstetric stethoscope. Thus, the doctor can determine in what position the child is.

Any other tests are prescribed strictly according to indications, as well as in the presence of complaints or chronic diseases of the mother, which were present before pregnancy. Of course, in the presence of complaints, for example, if the stomach hurts at 6 months of pregnancy, the doctor may recommend passing a urine test, sending it to an ultrasound scan in order to exclude abnormalities in the work of the kidneys.