How much does a fetus weigh at 5 months of pregnancy?

Fifth month - determine the period in weeks

This month lasts from 16 to 20 weeks, at the end of which we can say that half of the pregnancy has passed. Usually a pregnant woman is still working at this stage, but she should already think about how to add her next vacation to maternity leave. In the meantime, you have to devote more time to your health, walk more in the fresh air, avoid stressful situations, rest more often, but not lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Find out your gestational age online

Change by week

The baby in the mother's womb gains weight very quickly. At 7–8 weeks, the unborn baby weighs about 1 gram, this is not enough to track its size, but from this period the weight begins to grow rapidly. From the 15th week, after the internal organs of the fetus have formed, active development of the brain begins, while weight gain slows down slightly.

In the second trimester, the weekly increase is about 80 grams. Weight begins to rapidly increase again from 28–30 weeks. During this period, the weekly increase rate is up to 300 grams. As the baby grows, the uterus increases significantly, which before birth can reach 1200 grams (length up to 40 cm), in the early stages - up to 60 grams (length up to 8 cm). The ideal figure for a newborn is 3100–3600 grams.

You can find out the weight of the fetus by week of pregnancy from the table:

The weight of the child by week of pregnancy in this table is average and approximate, since many factors influence changes in fetal weight, and certain criteria must be taken into account when making calculations. In the early stages, the range of values ​​is the same for almost all embryos; a noticeable difference occurs at later gestational stages.

What happens in a woman’s body during the 5th month of pregnancy?

At this stage of the gestational period, the uterus rapidly increases in size. If at the beginning of the month its bottom is not located in the middle of the distance between the navel and the womb, then by the end of the month the upper edge of the uterus is 2 cm above the navel. The navel may protrude above the surface of the abdomen or become somewhat flattened.

Due to the increase in blood volume, a woman may experience physiological anemia. This condition is typical for pregnant women, since the liquid part of the blood (plasma) increases its volume, but the number of red blood cells does not increase. As a result, there are fewer red blood cells per unit volume of blood, which means the amount of hemoglobin decreases. If you do not replenish iron stores, pathological anemia can occur, a more dangerous condition. Determining the level of hemoglobin in the blood is not difficult; it is enough to take tests.

Due to the action of progesterone, which relaxes muscles, ligaments, joints, pain in the lower back can be felt.

Since the musculoskeletal system is rapidly developing in the fetus, a woman may experience a lack of calcium. It is replenished by including fermented milk products, cheese, and cottage cheese in the diet.

If the placenta, which is responsible for the life support of the fetus, is located close to the os of the cervix, a condition occurs that is dangerous for the favorable course of pregnancy - low placentation. This diagnosis is made if the lower edge of the placenta is located closer than 6 cm from the inner edge of the uterus. Closer to childbirth, the placenta can spontaneously take the correct position if the lower part of the uterus seems to “pull up” with the growth of the fetus. The diagnosis can be confirmed using ultrasound.

Fetal development at 5 months

The unborn child is growing rapidly and gaining weight - during the fifth month, its weight will increase from 200 to 500 g, and its height from 20 to 30 cm. The fetal heartbeat is clearly audible, and the doctor determines the child’s condition by its tones.

Calcium reserves from the body of the expectant mother are spent on strengthening and growth of the fetal skeleton, the formation of the rudiments of permanent and milk teeth. The child already has nails on the formed phalanges of the fingers and toes. The layer of subcutaneous tissue grows intensively, allowing after birth to maintain body temperature within specified limits. The composition of the cheese-like lubricant, which protects the skin from the action of amniotic fluid, includes exfoliated epidermal cells.

The large head of the fetus indicates that during this period there is intensive development of the brain and central nervous system. The baby can already control his movements voluntarily; he touches his face, arms and legs, the umbilical cord, and sucks his thumb. Often he makes swallowing movements, swallowing amniotic fluid. The digestive tract of the unborn child is so developed that it is able to separate water and sugar from the amniotic fluid and use it to feed the child. Meconium, the original feces, begins to form in the rectum.

The taste buds of the tongue are so developed that the baby is able to determine the taste of the amniotic fluid he swallows. The fetus already has clearly defined periods of sleep and activity, during which it moves intensively in the uterine cavity. Sometimes a woman clearly feels how he hiccups, making light tapping movements.

The yolk bladder formed after birth transfers the functions of hematopoiesis to the fetal bone marrow, which produces the formation of red blood cells and special fetal hemoglobin. These blood cells stimulate the supply of oxygen to the unborn child, since at this stage he is able to use only 30% of the mother's hemoglobin.

In addition to red blood cells, the child’s own leukocytes appear in the blood, building an immune defense system. It synthesizes interferon and immunoglobulin, which are necessary for reliable functioning of the immune system.

Fifth month of pregnancy

The fifth lunar month of pregnancy is, in a sense, the equator. 20 weeks “before” have already passed, 20 weeks “after” are still ahead. So much has already happened and so much more will happen. Today we will find out what changes await the expectant mother during this period.

Baby in the 5th month of pregnancy

- What kind of baby is at 5 months?

— The fifth month of pregnancy is the 17-20th week. During this period, the baby actively moves inside the uterus, tumbles, and changes body position. Licks the umbilical cord, sucks a finger, knocks on the wall of the uterus with his fist. It is during this period that the mother begins to feel her baby. For those women with their first pregnancy, this occurs by the 20th week, and for those with a repeat pregnancy, by the 18th week. The baby's height is 20 cm and weight is 500 grams.

It is by the end of the 5th month of pregnancy that your baby will resemble a small zucchini in size. During this period, two very important events occur. Firstly, patterns appear on the baby’s fingertips, which will later be called fingerprints. And, secondly, the mother begins to feel her baby. A folk sign says that if you subtract 20 days from this day, you can determine the baby’s date of birth.

5th month of pregnancy

— Tell us how the 5th month of pregnancy proceeds for the expectant mother? What is happening to her body?

— All changes are associated with the fact that the stomach increases, the abdominal cavity decreases, and the pressure on the internal organs increases.

As the uterus becomes larger, it begins to displace internal organs. The vertical axis of the stomach changes to horizontal. Heartburn and nausea appear. The liver also begins to be compressed, which causes bitterness in the mouth. Blood circulation through large vessels is disrupted, this leads to stagnation, and veins in the legs may appear. There may also be stagnation of blood in the pelvis, which can lead to hemorrhoids. As the baby begins to actively grow and needs nutrients, the woman may experience anemia.

— What complaints do you hear from women during this period?

- Dizziness, weakness, malaise, sleep disturbance, bloody discharge from the nose - these are symptoms of anemia. All this is due to the fact that the fetus needs protein, iron and other microelements.

Pregnancy weight

— What weight should mom have by this period?

— Everything is very individual. Depends on her previous weight before pregnancy and body mass index. Usually, by the 2nd trimester, the expectant mother gains 40% of her future weight. If a woman feels well, her blood pressure does not increase, there is no headache, no visual impairment, good urine tests, then her weight is normal.

- So what can be dangerous about excess weight during pregnancy?

— Pathological weight gain can cause a disease such as gestosis. Symptoms: increased blood pressure, increased protein in the urine, swelling.

Physical activity in the 5th month of pregnancy

— Is physical activity allowed during this period?

— If the expectant mother feels well, her tests are good, and according to the results of the ultrasound, everything is also in order, then physical activity is allowed, even recommended.

— Tell us how physical activity can be useful for a future mother?

“It has long been proven that physical exercise is very beneficial for the expectant mother. Firstly, many loads help in labor, secondly, the muscle corset is strengthened, thirdly, swelling in the lower extremities is relieved, fourthly, tension in the sacral region is relieved. The load has a good effect on the condition of the vascular and respiratory systems.

— What program is designed for pregnant women?

- These are medium loads. Pulse 130 - 140 beats per minute. This could be a dance program, Pilates, yoga.

— Classes are not allowed for all pregnant women?

- Yes, not everyone. For example, one of the reasons for prohibiting training is recurrent miscarriages. Before starting classes, we will definitely find out if you have permission from a doctor. And only then do we start physical activity.

Diving during pregnancy. Sports during pregnancy

— If a mother was involved in extreme sports before pregnancy, for example, diving, that is, scuba diving, can she continue to do this?

- Of course not. There are a huge number of sports allowed during pregnancy that can replace any extreme sport.

- List them, please.

— For example, dancing, light jogging in good weather, swimming. The main thing is that there are no large coordination loads.

Stretch marks on the stomach

The expectant mother can maintain her beauty with the help of properly selected cosmetic products. The appearance of stretch marks and stretch marks is due to the fact that there is not enough vitamin E in the body. Because of this, the skin becomes dry and inelastic. Therefore, it is recommended to use products that contain this component in abundance. During this period, it is reasonable to use creams and lotions that are approved during pregnancy. As well as special creams for stretch marks.

Skin pigmentation

Also, many mothers complain about skin pigmentation during pregnancy. This is due to changes in hormonal levels. This disappears with the birth of the baby. Therefore, there is no need to do any serious interventions; a light foundation will fix everything.

Facial care

With the help of a professional cosmetologist, select the right cosmetic facial care product. Here are a few easy rules for choosing any cosmetic product:

• Fragrance free;
• No dyes;
• Free of fragrances and hormones;
• Be guided by your olfactory sensations;
• Buy cosmetics in specialized stores, not in the market;
• Consult with professionals rather than test new products on yourself.

Pregnant woman's mood

— Changes with the expectant mother occur not only externally, but also internally. Tell us, how does mommy feel psychologically in the 5th lunar month of pregnancy?

- Extremely unstable. Unfortunately, even by the 5th month of pregnancy, many women do not realize what they are carrying under their baby’s heart. Therefore, they still have fear and anxiety.

— What are the dominants of pregnancy?

— The presence of a large amount of hormones in a woman’s body during pregnancy leads to her unstable behavior throughout the entire 9 months. Hormones help not only to carry a baby to term, but also to give birth safely.

— How can you describe the psychological state of the expectant mother during the 5th lunar month of pregnancy?

“She can laugh loudly, and literally a minute later also cry loudly.” Again, this is normal. The only thing is that if depressive apathy prevails over a woman’s good, joyful state, then it’s worth making an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist or psychologist. You can't run this.

— How should loved ones behave if the expectant mother’s depression lasts for a long time?

- Of course, it is worth showing tolerance and understanding. Mommy in this state cannot adequately assess the situation. Therefore, only a loving husband can approach this condition with wisdom and help his wife overcome it.

- Who are pregnant dads?

- This is the attitude of a husband towards his wife, when he may also develop a depressive state, and may even develop toxicosis. Dads also worry about mothers and future babies.

— At work or at home, mommy can get constant stress, is it harmful?

— In stressful conditions, any mother should learn to abstract herself from the situation and be able to calm herself down. Proper breathing helps a lot.

— What is distress?

“These are accumulated negative factors in the mother’s body that can affect the condition of both the woman herself and her baby. Distress is much more dangerous than just stress. This is a kind of post-stress state of the mother. It must not be allowed under any circumstances.

Communication with the future baby

— What are the ways to communicate with your future baby?

- There are verbal and non-verbal. It is imperative that not only the mother, but also all relatives communicate with the baby. Read books together, go for walks with the whole family, listen to your favorite music. Of course, you need to communicate with the baby, even while he is in the tummy. If you feel that your baby is not calm, talk to him. Enjoy these moments of communication.

— What is embryonic pedagogy?

— This is teaching the baby during the prenatal period, for example, learning a foreign language. In my opinion, you should just enjoy the pregnancy period: do belly dancing, do yoga.

Feelings at 5 months

The main sensation is the movement of the baby, which pregnant women compare to the fluttering of a butterfly or the splashing of a fish. The optimal period for the appearance of movements in first-time mothers is 18-20 weeks of pregnancy; in women carrying a second and subsequent pregnancies, movements are felt 2-3 weeks earlier.

If a woman feels a lack of oxygen, movements may become more intense. This is explained by the fact that during the active movements of the child, blood from the placenta enters in large volumes, providing an increase in oxygen and nutrients in the fetal blood. If the pregnant woman moves, the baby calms down, his movements lull him to sleep, and he moves less often. During rest, on the contrary, movements become more intense.

Heartburn can become an unpleasant sensation in the fifth month of pregnancy. It occurs due to a change in the position of the stomach and a decrease in intestinal motility. Heartburn occurs when acidic stomach contents back up into the esophagus.

How to avoid heartburn:

• Eat little and often;
• Do not bend over or lie down immediately after eating;
• Drink water, milk, carrot juice;
• There are seeds and porridge.

If simple remedies do not help, you should, on the recommendation of a doctor, choose antacids that neutralize the acid. You should not use soda as a medicine for heartburn, since, when combined with gastric juice, it can cause inflammation of the esophagus and stomach mucosa.

Itching of the skin of the buttocks, abdomen, and thighs occurs in 20% of pregnant women. It can be caused by the fact that with rapid weight gain, the skin stretches significantly. In this case, anti-itch medications used for allergies should be used. Another cause of itching is irritation of the sciatic nerve by the growing uterus. To reduce pressure on the nerve, you should lie on your side rather than on your back, and do pelvic rotations and tilts before lying down.

At this stage of pregnancy, colostrum, a yellowish translucent liquid, may leak from the pregnant woman’s breasts. This is a natural phenomenon that indicates the breasts are preparing for breastfeeding. You cannot express colostrum, as this procedure can lead to stimulation of the uterus and cause abortion. If colostrum leaks heavily, you need to wear special pads in your bra.

Features of the fifth month of pregnancy.

The fifth month of pregnancy is 16-20 weeks from conception. At this time, the expectant mother can often feel the baby's movements. These movements do not bother you much, on the contrary, they deliver pleasant sensations comparable to the fluttering of a butterfly in your stomach, and when you realize that it is your own little child moving inside you, the feeling of joy covers you even more.

If you are pregnant for the first time, then wait for the baby to move at 18-20 weeks, but if you are not pregnant with your first child, then you will encounter the baby’s movements a little earlier. But emotions equally fill with happiness and joy all women who experience the movements of a baby in their body, at any stage, and at whatever period it occurs. Over time, the baby's movements increase, and you will begin to hear them more often, they become stronger. As the baby grows, the mother's belly also becomes larger. Anxiety and inconvenience begin during rest, sleep is no longer as restful as it was before.

It is better not to sleep in a position on your back, as this is harmful, the uterus enlarges, and if you sleep on your back, it puts pressure on the pudendal vein. It's best to sleep on your side until you give birth. At the beginning of the fifth month, the mother’s weight is already 2-4 kg more. During this period, you need to observe the time intended for sleep and wakefulness.

You can't overwork, you need to rest more. The room where you are most of the time needs to be ventilated frequently; spend more time in the fresh air. It is not recommended to stay at the computer for a long time. During pregnancy, you should not use medications or herbal solutions without first talking to your doctor. Take more care of your own health. It is at this time, namely in the fifth month, that miscarriage is more possible due to isthmicocervical insufficiency of the cervix. The size of the uterus and its shape resembles the shape of a small melon; it is raised to the level of the navel. It is necessary to increase the intake of vitamins. It is very important to include vitamin C in your diet, since without it the body suffers from dry skin, itching and the skin becomes thinner. Due to an increase in blood volume in the body, anemia may occur and all this leads to frequent dizziness.

Psychological condition

At this stage, the psyche of most women is quite stable, although absent-mindedness and irritability may be felt. Sometimes a woman worries about not feeling the first fetal movements for a long time, sometimes she worries about getting unfavorable results from a second trimester screening.

If you are concerned about the upcoming birth, you need to attend a pregnancy school, where physical and psychological preparation for this process is carried out. According to the results of medical studies, after such preparation, women are calmer and have fewer complications during childbirth.

Belly at 5 months

As the uterus enlarges, most women experience a significantly larger belly. However, some women note that their belly is much smaller than that of pregnant women at the same stage, and the belly is not visible. Most often these are tall women with wide hips, the fullness of which conceals the size of the abdomen. It is possible that overweight women have a significantly larger belly than they would have if they had gained weight within the normal range.

There is a belief that the size of the abdomen is influenced by the location of the egg on the wall of the uterus. If it is located on the front wall, the stomach is more noticeable; on the back wall, its size will not increase soon.

Changes in a woman's body

The uterus, increasing in size, gradually puts pressure on the surrounding organs, gradually displacing them. Externally, this process is not visible, but from the inside the pregnant woman feels nagging pain no lower than the navel. Sometimes the pain spreads to the perineum and groin joints.

The main pressure is on the bladder and lower colon. Constipation and polyuria develop.

From the end of the 19th week, vaginal discharge increases. They have a slightly whitish tint and are odorless. The appearance of a specific odor means the presence of a fungal infection.

A sedentary lifestyle is not acceptable. The hormonal background is stable. The taste is not distorted. It is rare that the desire to eat incompatible foods persists.

Chronic diseases often worsen.

The breasts become larger and the halos darken. Age spots cover the face and hands. At month 5, oxytocin is released in increased quantities. Under its influence, the armpits, perineum and genitals darken.

A thick liquid appears from the nipples. This is colostrum. It is strictly forbidden to squeeze it out, as this leads to untimely stimulation of the uterus.

In women who are overweight and have dry skin, stretch marks appear. It is necessary to start using special creams and scrubs to prevent them.

The abdomen is high at 5 months. It is more noticeable in slender girls. In those who are overweight, there is a proportional increase in the entire body.

Swelling indicates fluid stagnation, so when they appear, you should change your drinking and eating habits.

Possible problems

Compression of the ureters and bladder by the pregnant uterus disrupts the normal outflow of urine. Its stagnation leads to inflammation of the renal pelvis, when pyelonephritis occurs in pregnant women.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis:

• Hyperthermia up to +38+40°C;
• Weakness;
• Frequent urination accompanied by pain;
• Lower back pain.

With severe infection, signs of miscarriage may appear - spotting, pain in the lower abdomen. Ultrasound, blood and urine tests will help clarify the diagnosis. Treatment of the disease is carried out in a hospital setting.

If a woman’s body does not have enough calcium, she experiences symptoms of calcium deficiency:

• Bleeding gums, their increased sensitivity;
• Cramps in the calves;
• Pain in the pelvic bones.

To replenish this mineral, the doctor may prescribe mineral complexes: Calcium D3 Nycomed, Calcium-Active, Kalcemin, and will recommend including fermented milk products in the diet more often.

When the placenta blocks the internal opening of the cervical canal, placenta previa occurs. Since its tissue does not have extensibility, with intensive growth of uterine tissue, placental abruption occurs, accompanied by bleeding.

Bleeding occurs spontaneously, spontaneously. It is painless and varies in intensity. Excessive bleeding can threaten the life of mother and baby due to significant blood loss. Even slight bleeding with placenta previa is a good reason for a woman to be hospitalized until the time of birth.

Pain and discharge

The most common source of pain is pain in the lower back or side of the abdomen. It can be caused by stretching of the round ligament that supports the uterus and weakening of the femoral-sacral joints. To alleviate her condition, a woman can wear a special bandage that supports her stomach. If the pain is not associated with ligaments and joints, a condition of spontaneous abortion may be present. At this stage of the gestational period, the baby born as a result of premature birth is not yet viable. You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience regular cramping pain accompanied by bloody vaginal discharge to prevent miscarriage.

Leakage of amniotic fluid is another alarming symptom that requires urgent medical attention.

The effect of estrogen at this stage of pregnancy makes the discharge somewhat heavier than usual. They have a white or grayish color and a thick consistency. A change in color to yellow or green, the addition of mucus or an unpleasant odor indicates the onset of an infectious process or a change in hormonal levels. The diagnosis is made based on the results of a smear for urogenital infections.

Calculation based on other indicators

To determine the weight of the fetus by week of pregnancy, the most accurate diagnostic method for this case is used - ultrasound sonography. A scheduled examination is carried out three times in each trimester and unscheduled when necessary. Ultrasound allows you to perform fetometry, monitor the progress of gestation, identify the risks of possible complications, make many other measurements, determine vital criteria, and assess the health of the mother.

There are other methods for calculating fetal weight that are less reliable than ultrasound, but they are still used. So, the height of the fundus of the uterus and the circumference of the abdomen are measured in centimeters, these values ​​are multiplied, and the weight of the child is obtained. The error of the method is up to 200 grams since it is impossible to take into account the amount of amniotic fluid, the constitution of the mother, presentation, and genetic characteristics. This technique can only be used after 32 weeks of gestation.

The website has a convenient service for calculating the baby's weight by week of pregnancy. Several values ​​are entered into special columns and automatic calculation shows the required parameter. The entire operation takes a minimum of time. But using this online form you can only control the required values; the main calculations are made by the doctor during examination and ultrasound examination.

If a woman does not have any special health problems during pregnancy and there are no complications, then the baby’s weight will be normal both during intrauterine development and at birth. If some values ​​do not coincide with the data in the table, then you do not need to draw conclusions yourself; remember that everything is individual and only a specialist can make the final verdict.

Necessary studies at 5 months

In the second half of pregnancy, you may have to visit the antenatal clinic more often - up to 2 times a month.

You should first take a urine test. At your appointment, the doctor will conduct the following tests:

• Measure height and weight;
• Measure blood pressure;
• Assess the shape of the uterus, measure its height;
• Listen to the fetal heartbeat;
• Examine the woman to identify edema and varicose veins;
• If necessary, conduct an examination on a gynecological chair;
• Take a control smear for vaginal microflora.

At month 5, a routine ultrasound is performed as part of second trimester screening. Its goal is to identify fetal malformations, assess the condition of its internal organs, and conduct biometrics (measurements).

Study parameters:

• Measuring the length of the femur, the diameter and circumference of the abdomen and head;
• Assessment of amniotic fluid volume;
• Structure of the placenta;
• Condition of the uterine myometrium;
• Neck length;
• Sex of the fetus.

With Doppler ultrasound, the doctor examines the blood flow in the vessels of the fetus, placenta, and uterus, obtaining additional data about the course of pregnancy.

Mass factor

The weight of the fetus changes weekly and each week has its own average norms. Based on fetal weight gain, the doctor can assess the risks of pregnancy complications and identify developmental abnormalities. If the doctor suspects a violation of embryogenesis, then for confirmation and control a repeat diagnosis will be scheduled in a week or two, after which a specific diagnosis will be made and adequate measures will be taken to preserve the pregnancy, or termination will be proposed in the event that the developmental disorders of the fetus are incompatible with its life.

Formation of the diet

You should not exceed the permissible rate of weight gain; per month it is no more than 2 kg. To do this, most of a pregnant woman's diet should consist of natural products. You should remove canned foods from your menu. semi-finished products, canned food.

Preference should be given to such a source of protein as lean meat, fish, cheese, cottage cheese. These dairy products, with the addition of fermented baked milk, kefir, and yogurt to the diet, will satisfy the need for calcium. Vegetables and fruits will help replenish the supply of microelements and vitamins; liver, beef, pomegranate and tomato juice, and apples will be sources of hemoglobin.

To strengthen your gums, it is recommended to consume foods with a high content of vitamin C. To avoid gaining weight due to fast carbohydrates, you should not eat a lot of sweets and refined foods.

It is undesirable to consume foods that cause increased gas formation - cabbage, onions, beans and peas, and dishes prepared by frying.