What Is The 6Th Month? Explained

The sixth month of pregnancy marks the start of the third trimester. It covers weeks 22 through 26, give or take a few days depending on how your provider counts. During this month, your baby grows rapidly, and you may notice significant changes in your own body as your belly expands and movement becomes stronger.

What Is The 6Th Month of Pregnancy?

The sixth month is the final month of the second trimester. It spans weeks 22 to 26 of a typical 40-week pregnancy. Your healthcare provider likely tracks your pregnancy by weeks, not months, so your exact “month six” may vary slightly depending on when you count from.

By this point, you are more than halfway through your pregnancy. The risk of early miscarriage has dropped substantially, and many women report feeling more energy during this window. That said, the physical demands of carrying a growing baby are becoming more noticeable.

Baby’s Development at Six Months

Your baby is now about the size of a large ear of corn. By week 26, most babies weigh around 2 pounds and measure roughly 14 inches from head to heel. These numbers vary widely between individual babies, so do not worry if your baby measures differently at an ultrasound.

The baby’s major organs are formed and continuing to mature. The lungs are developing air sacs called alveoli, though they are not yet ready to breathe air independently. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system is becoming more coordinated.

Your baby can now hear sounds from outside the womb. Studies suggest babies respond to familiar voices and music during this period. The eyes are formed, and your baby may begin to blink. Taste buds are also developing, and some research indicates babies can taste flavors from the foods you eat.

Skin is becoming less transparent as fat layers form underneath. A fine, soft hair called lanugo covers the baby’s body. This helps keep the baby warm until enough fat accumulates. Most of this hair will shed before birth.

Physical Changes You May Notice

Your uterus now reaches about two inches above your belly button. This growth can cause a range of physical symptoms as your body adapts.

Braxton Hicks contractions may begin during the sixth month. These are practice contractions that feel like a tightening in your abdomen. They are usually irregular and painless. Unlike true labor contractions, they do not get stronger or closer together over time. If contractions become regular or painful, contact your provider.

Your blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, peaking around this time. This can cause your heart to work harder and may lead to swelling in your feet and ankles. Some women notice their hands and feet feel warmer than usual.

Skin changes are common. You may notice a dark line running down your abdomen, called the linea nigra. Some women develop melasma, a darkening of the skin on the face. These changes are caused by pregnancy hormones and typically fade after delivery.

Round ligament pain is another frequent complaint. This feels like a sharp or dull ache on one side of your lower belly. It happens when the ligament supporting your uterus stretches. Changing positions slowly can help reduce this discomfort.

Common Symptoms and How to Manage Them

Heartburn often worsens in the sixth month. The growing uterus presses on your stomach, and pregnancy hormones relax the valve that keeps stomach acid down. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and not lying down right after eating can help. Some antacids are considered safe during pregnancy, but always ask your provider before taking any medication.

Constipation is common because pregnancy hormones slow digestion. Drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help. Regular physical activity, if approved by your provider, also supports healthy digestion.

Leg cramps may wake you at night. Stretching your calf muscles before bed and staying hydrated may reduce their frequency. If a cramp occurs, straighten your leg and flex your foot toward you.

Shortness of breath can appear as your uterus pushes upward against your diaphragm. This is normal and not dangerous. However, if you experience sudden or severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention right away.

Sleep becomes more challenging. Your growing belly makes finding a comfortable position harder. Sleeping on your side, particularly your left side, improves blood flow to the baby. Some women find that placing a pillow between their knees and another under their belly provides support.

Prenatal Visits and Tests During Month Six

Most providers schedule a prenatal visit every four weeks during this stage. Your provider will check your blood pressure, weight, and urine. They will measure your fundal height, the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus, to track the baby’s growth.

The glucose screening test typically happens between weeks 24 and 28. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a condition where pregnancy hormones affect how your body processes sugar. You will drink a sugary liquid and have your blood drawn about an hour later. If the result is elevated, you may need a longer follow-up test.

Your provider may also check your blood count to screen for anemia. Low iron levels are common in pregnancy and can cause fatigue. If anemia is detected, iron supplements may be recommended.

An anatomy ultrasound is usually done earlier, around weeks 18 to 22. If you have not had one yet, it may happen early in your sixth month. This detailed scan examines the baby’s organs and structures. It is also when many parents learn the baby’s sex, though this is optional.

Fetal Movement and Kick Counts

By the sixth month, you should feel your baby move regularly. Early movements may feel like flutters or popcorn popping. As the month progresses, movements become stronger and more recognizable as kicks, rolls, and punches.

Some providers recommend tracking kick counts in the third trimester, though practices vary. The general idea is to pick a time of day when your baby is active and count how long it takes to feel ten movements. Most babies move ten times within two hours. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your provider.

Every baby has its own movement pattern. What matters most is that your baby’s pattern stays consistent. Sudden changes in movement frequency or strength deserve attention.

What to Avoid During the Sixth Month

Continue to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. These substances can harm fetal development at any stage of pregnancy. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy.

Limit caffeine to 200 milligrams per day, which is about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Some research links high caffeine intake to lower birth weight, though the evidence is not conclusive. Staying within the recommended limit is a reasonable precaution.

Avoid certain foods that carry a higher risk of foodborne illness. These include raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and deli meats unless heated until steaming. Fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, should be avoided. Safe fish options include salmon, shrimp, and canned light tuna.

Check with your provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Some common medications, such as ibuprofen, are generally not recommended during pregnancy.

When to Call Your Provider

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
• Severe or persistent headache
• Vision changes such as blurring or seeing spots
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Fever above 100.4°F
• Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks
• Sudden or severe swelling in your face or hands
• Decreased fetal movement

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, seek care. It is always better to be evaluated and reassured than to wait and worry.

Preparing for the Third Trimester

The sixth month is a good time to start preparing for the months ahead. If you plan to take childbirth classes, now is the time to enroll. Many hospitals and community centers offer in-person classes, and online options are widely available.

Start thinking about your birth plan. This document outlines your preferences for labor and delivery, such as pain management options and who you want present. Keep in mind that birth plans are flexible. Unexpected situations may require changes.

Consider touring your hospital or birth center. Knowing where to go and what to expect can reduce anxiety when labor begins. Ask about their policies on visitors, pain management, and immediate postpartum care.

Begin discussing childcare arrangements if both parents plan to return to work. Waitlists for infant care can be long in some areas, so starting early is wise.