In Month 6, your baby is
the size of a Corn on the Cob
The sixth month of pregnancy marks an exciting milestone as you near the end of your second trimester! Your baby’s movements become stronger, their features form and growth accelerates. Meanwhile, your body adapts to support this life, blending joy with moments of amazement.
Each week this month brings new growth and developments. Let’s look at how your baby changes as they prepare for the world outside.
Your baby’s skin looks pinkish-red due to developing veins and arteries, though it’s still a bit loose as fat begins to form. Those tiny limbs are now strong enough to make their kicks and punches visible! Meanwhile, the placenta works hard to provide oxygen and nutrients.
Baby is gaining weight from fat and growing muscles, organs, and bones. Her hearing sharpens, so familiar songs now may calm her later. Though hair, eyebrows, and lashes are still white, they’ll darken with pigment soon, marking another step in your little one’s growth.
Startle reflexes begin this week—the baby might even jump at sudden sounds! Baby fat slowly replaces the wrinkled look, and if hair is present, its texture may already be visible. Your little one is steadily preparing for life outside the womb with every development.
Eyelashes are growing in, ready for those first adorable blinks. Fingernails form too—be prepared for their sharpness at birth! Baby is practising swallowing amniotic fluid, which is crucial for healthy lung development while continuing to refine every tiny feature.
Though muffled by a protective waxy coating, your baby can hear your voice. Those odd belly movements? Likely hiccups as lungs mature. With muscle tone developing from constant kicks, rolls, and punches, your active gymnast is getting stronger by the day.
In the sixth month of pregnancy, your baby hits exciting milestones: stronger movements, growing muscles, and responsive senses:
Organ development
At 6 months, your baby’s lungs are fully formed, and their unique fingerprints are set. They’re starting to respond to sounds outside the womb, while their eyelids begin to open. Blood cells, taste buds, and eyebrows are also developing, marking key milestones in their growth.
Physical features
At this stage, your baby’s face is becoming more defined, with the early development of eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Their skin is starting to appear less transparent, although it still has a wrinkled texture due to the lack of fat. However, this is changing quickly as they begin to build up fat stores.
Weight of the foetus
By the end of the sixth month, your baby is expected to weigh between 800 and 900 grams and is usually 7-12 inches long. You might find a baby weight calculator useful for tracking their growth as your pregnancy progresses.
Baby movement
This month, you’ll notice those delightful kicks and movements becoming more frequent! These stronger movements indicate that your baby’s muscles and nervous system are developing well, offering little reminders that they’re preparing for life outside the womb.
You're halfway there! Your body is doing amazing things. Stay positive and trust that you're giving your baby the best start possible!
As you enter the sixth month, your body continues to adapt to your growing baby. Here are some common physical changes and symptoms you may notice:
Obvious Baby Bump
Your baby bump is more prominent now, as your uterus grows outward. It’s a sign of your baby’s growth—embrace and flaunt this beautiful change!
Increased Weight
Expect to gain about 1–2kg weekly during this trimester, though everyone is different. Regular check-ins with your doctor ensure you’re on track.
Skin Alterations
Skin changes like darkened areolas or the linea nigra (a line from the navel to the pubic bone) are common. These changes are temporary and fade post-birth.
Stretch Marks
Your growing belly might bring stretch marks. Staying hydrated and using moisturizers can help reduce their visibility, but they are completely natural.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may feel mild, irregular contractions as your body preps for labour. These “practice contractions” are typically painless and nothing to worry about.
By the sixth month, your baby grows rapidly, needing more nutrients. As morning sickness fades, focus on healthy foods to support you both. Here's what to eat and avoid:
Staying active during pregnancy relieves discomfort, boosts energy, and improves well-being. Focus on safe, consistent exercises suited to this stage of pregnancy.
At six months of pregnancy, you'll have key check-ups to ensure the health of both you and your baby. Here are some of the common recommended tests:
This test measures four substances in your blood to assess the risk of birth defects, like Down syndrome and checks the baby’s overall development.
An ultrasound between weeks 23-27 checks your baby’s growth, development, and possible birth defects, ensuring everything is progressing as it should.
This test collects amniotic fluid to detect birth defects or genetic conditions, especially if you’re 35+, have a family history, or earlier screenings suggest risk.
This test identifies gestational diabetes, a temporary condition during pregnancy that requires management to ensure healthy outcomes for you and your baby.
In month 6 of pregnancy, physical changes become more noticeable and may impact your mood along with hormonal fluctuations. Focus on self-care by staying connected with loved ones, staying active and nourished, and ensuring adequate rest. If you feel overwhelmed, consult a professional for the best advice.
Your body is using extra energy to support your baby’s growth, which may lead to some fatigue.
Yes, hormonal changes cause mood shifts. It’s a common part of pregnancy.
Contact your doctor if you notice significantly less movement. Regular movements are a positive sign of a health pregnancy.
Yes, but stick to low-impact activities like walking or swimming.
Yes, calcium is essential for your baby’s developing bones.
