Coming up to the sixth month, the baby will be moving around a fair bit in the womb, with alternating periods of activity and sleep. It is often possible for mums-to-be to see their baby's movements by lying flat on their back, watching and waiting.
Meanwhile, the baby's skeleton and skull is continuing to develop and the child is becoming very well formed - by 24 weeks it will be about 32 centimetres long and weigh about 500 grams (more than 1lb). At this stage, babies born this prematurely can sometimes survive, with a lot of intensive care in hospital.
Women who are six months pregnant may find that their ever-growing uterus can leave them with what feels like a distinct lack of internal space. This can manifest itself by breathing becoming slightly more difficult as the lungs have less room to expand. Also, it may become uncomfortable to eat large meals, since the stomach has less room too; eating little and often is usually the key in this case.
It is also important for mums-to-be to ensure that they do not put themselves under unnecessary strain when bending or lifting, and that they are taking care of their back. From time to time, they may experience discomfort in their side, like a stitch, which is a result of the womb's muscles stretching. Expectant mothers should continue to take care of themselves well, particularly watching their diet. Some studies have shown that eating oily fish can help a baby's development in the womb.
It is routine to have an ultrasound this month, which will check for the normal development of the baby. At the antenatal appointment, it may also be possible to hear the baby's heartbeat on request. Now is also a good time to think about all the options around maternity leave and remember that week 26 is the qualifying week for Statutory Maternity Pay.
