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Fifth Month of Pregnancy: Baby Kicks, Anomaly Scan, Symptoms and Diet Chart
20 minMonth Five: Halfway There and Feeling the First Kicks
Welcome to the fifth month of pregnancy, covering weeks 18 to 22. Congratulations, you reach the halfway mark of your pregnancy at week 20!
This is one of the most exciting months. Most moms feel their baby's first kicks, your bump becomes clearly visible, and you'll see your baby in detail on the anomaly scan. Your baby is also growing fast, roughly doubling in weight this month.
In this guide you will learn:
How your baby grows from a sweet potato to the size of a papaya
When and how you'll feel your baby's first kicks
Everything about the anomaly (level 2) scan
Common fifth-month symptoms and how to ease them
An Indian diet chart, foods to avoid and safe care tips for month five
How Many Weeks Is 5 Months Pregnant?
Five months pregnant covers weeks 18 to 22. It is the middle month of the second trimester, and week 20 marks the exact halfway point of a 40-week pregnancy.
Pregnancy month | Weeks | Trimester |
|---|---|---|
Month 4 | Weeks 14 to 17 | Second trimester |
Month 5 | Weeks 18 to 22 | Second trimester (halfway point at week 20) |
Month 6 | Weeks 23 to 27 | Second trimester |
Your Baby's Growth in Month Five: From a Sweet Potato to a Papaya
By the end of month five, your baby is about 25 to 28 cm (10 to 11 inches) long from head to heel and weighs around 400 to 450 grams (about 1 pound).
Why the jump in length? Until about week 20, babies are measured from head to bottom, because their legs are curled up. From week 20, they're measured from head to heel.
Week | Baby's length (approx.) | Weight (approx.) | Size comparison | Key developments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Week 18 | 14 cm (head to bottom) | 190 g | Sweet potato | Baby develops a sleep-wake cycle; loud noises may wake them |
Week 19 | 15 cm (head to bottom) | 240 g | Mango | A protective white coating called vernix covers the skin; most moms start to feel kicks |
Week 20 | 25.6 cm (head to heel) | 300 g | Banana | Halfway point! Nails reach the fingertips; baby can hear your heartbeat and digestion |
Week 21 | 26.5 cm | 360 g | Carrot | Baby swallows more amniotic fluid; movements become stronger |
Week 22 | 27.5 cm | 430 g | Papaya | Fine, soft hair called lanugo covers the body; eyebrows and lips are more defined |
Milestones to celebrate this month
First kicks: Most moms feel those fluttering movements turn into clear kicks and punches.
Vernix: A creamy white coating protects your baby's skin from the amniotic fluid.
Lanugo: Soft, peach-fuzz hair keeps your baby warm until fat builds up.
Sleep and wake cycles: Your baby has active times and quiet times, and loud sounds may wake them.
Better hearing: Your baby can hear your heartbeat, your stomach rumbling and your voice.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development and NHS, 20 weeks pregnant.
Baby Movements in Month Five: What Do the First Kicks Feel Like?
Most moms feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. First-time moms usually notice movements around 18 to 20 weeks or later, while moms in a second pregnancy often feel them earlier.
Stage | What it feels like |
|---|---|
First flutters (quickening) | Bubbles, gentle tapping, butterflies or a swirling feeling, often mistaken for gas |
Getting stronger | Light taps and flicks, often when you're resting or after a meal |
Clear kicks | Distinct kicks, rolls and jabs, which your partner may soon feel from outside |
When is your baby most active? Often when you're lying down, resting at night, or after you eat. There is no fixed number of kicks to count at this stage. In the coming months, learn your baby's usual pattern and tell your doctor if it changes.
Source: NHS, Your baby's movements.
5 Month Pregnancy Me Baby Ulta Ho To Kya Kare? (Is a Breech Baby a Worry?)
No need to worry at all. At 5 months, your baby has plenty of room and keeps changing position, flipping head-up (breech), sideways or head-down many times a day.
Most babies turn head-down on their own by the third trimester. Your baby's position only matters at around 36 weeks, close to your due date. There's nothing you need to do about it now.
5 Months Pregnant Belly: Your Bump Is Out!
By month five, your bump is clearly visible to everyone. The top of your uterus reaches your belly button at around week 20.
What you might notice | Why it happens |
|---|---|
A clearly rounded bump | The uterus has reached the belly button |
Belly button flattening or popping out | The growing uterus pushes it forward |
Stretch marks on the belly, breasts or thighs | The skin is stretching fast |
A darker linea nigra (line down the belly) | Pregnancy hormones increase skin pigment |
Itchy belly skin | Stretching and dryness |
Also read: Carrying low vs carrying high in pregnancy (Editor: insert the link to the existing Mylo article here)
5 Months Pregnant Symptoms and How to Manage Them
Symptom | Why it happens | What helps |
|---|---|---|
Back pain | Your centre of gravity shifts and joints loosen | Good posture, flat supportive footwear, prenatal yoga, a warm compress |
Round ligament pain | The ligaments supporting the uterus stretch | Move slowly; avoid sudden twisting; rest on your side |
Leg cramps, especially at night | Circulation changes and pressure on the nerves | Stretch your calves before bed; stay hydrated; eat calcium-rich food |
Swollen feet and ankles | Extra fluid and pressure on the veins | Raise your feet; avoid standing too long; wear comfortable footwear |
Heartburn and indigestion | Hormones and a growing uterus | Small meals; avoid spicy and oily food; don't lie down right after eating |
Constipation | Progesterone and iron tablets | Fibre, water, fruits, a daily walk |
Dizziness | Lower blood pressure and pressure on blood vessels | Stand up slowly; don't skip meals; avoid lying flat on your back |
Stuffy nose, nosebleeds, bleeding gums | Increased blood flow | Steam, saline drops, a soft toothbrush |
Stretch marks and itchy skin | Stretching skin | Moisturise twice a day with coconut oil or a gentle cream |
Increased appetite | Your baby is growing fast | Choose healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, sprouts and curd |
Difficulty sleeping | Bump size, backache, frequent urination | Sleep on your left side with a pregnancy pillow |
Occasional painless tightening | Practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) may begin | Rest and drink water; see a doctor if they're painful or regular |
Also read: Pain in the anus during pregnancy
The Anomaly Scan (Level 2 or TIFFA Scan): Your Most Detailed Look at Baby
The anomaly scan is the key test of month five. It's usually done between 18 and 21 weeks and takes about 30 minutes. It checks your baby's body from head to toe.
What the anomaly scan checks
Area checked | What the doctor looks for |
|---|---|
Brain and skull | Normal brain structure and head shape |
Spine | Open spina bifida and other spine problems |
Face | Cleft lip |
Heart | The heart chambers, valves and major blood vessels |
Abdomen and kidneys | The stomach, abdominal wall and kidneys |
Arms, legs, hands and feet | Bone growth and skeletal conditions |
Growth | Baby's head, belly and thigh bone measurements |
Placenta and amniotic fluid | Placenta position and fluid levels |
Good to know
The scan can't detect every condition. Some conditions are easier to see than others.
If something unusual is seen, your doctor may suggest more scans or tests and refer you to a specialist.
Low-lying placenta? If the placenta is close to the cervix, your doctor will usually re-check it in the third trimester, as it often moves up on its own.
Sex determination is illegal in India under the PCPNDT Act, so the scan will not reveal your baby's sex.
Source: NHS, 20-week scan.
Also read: What is an anomaly scan? A complete guide · Why is the second trimester anomaly scan important?
Other check-ups this month
At your monthly visit, your doctor will usually check your blood pressure, weight, urine, haemoglobin and your baby's heartbeat. You'll also get your second Td injection if it's due.
Plan ahead: Your glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes is usually done between weeks 24 and 28, so ask your doctor when to book it.
Changes in Your Body and Mind This Month
Physical changes
Steady weight gain: Most women gain weight steadily in the second trimester. Your doctor will tell you the healthy range for your body.
Breasts keep growing, and some women leak small amounts of colostrum.
Skin and hair: Dark patches on the face, a darker linea nigra, thicker hair and faster-growing nails are common.
Feeling warm: Increased blood flow can make you feel hot and sweaty.
Emotional changes
Feeling your baby kick often makes everything feel real, and many moms feel a strong emotional bond this month. It's also normal to feel nervous before the anomaly scan.
Share the kicks with your partner; soon they'll feel them from outside.
Start thinking about your birth preferences and your hospital choice.
If anxiety or low mood lasts more than two weeks, talk to your doctor.
Fifth Month Pregnancy Diet: Fuel for a Fast-Growing Baby
Your baby roughly doubles in weight this month, so nutrition matters more than ever. You need a little extra food from the second trimester, about one extra healthy snack or small meal a day.
Supplements to continue
Iron and folic acid (IFA): One tablet daily (60 mg iron + 500 mcg folic acid), as advised under India's Anemia Mukt Bharat programme. Source: PMC, Anemia Mukt Bharat study.
Calcium: Continue as prescribed, keeping a 2-hour gap from your iron tablet.
Key nutrients for month five
Nutrient | Why it matters now | Indian food sources |
|---|---|---|
Iron | Prevents anaemia; carries oxygen to your baby | Palak, methi, jaggery, dates, ragi, bajra, eggs, chicken, mutton |
Calcium | Your baby's bones and teeth are hardening | Milk, curd, paneer, ragi, til, almonds |
Protein | Supports rapid growth | Dal, rajma, chana, paneer, eggs, soya, chicken, fish |
Omega-3 (DHA) | Brain, eye and nerve development | Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, low-mercury fish |
Vitamin D | Helps absorb calcium | Morning sunlight, eggs, fortified milk |
Magnesium | Can ease leg cramps | Bananas, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green vegetables |
Fibre and water | Prevents constipation | Fruits, vegetables, dalia, oats, coconut water |
Sample 5th month pregnancy diet chart (Indian)
Time | Meal | What to eat |
|---|---|---|
7:00 am | Early morning | Warm water + 5 soaked almonds, 2 walnuts, 2 dates and 1 teaspoon soaked flaxseeds |
8:30 am | Breakfast | Vegetable upma, ragi dosa with sambar, paneer paratha with curd, or a 2-egg omelette with toast |
11:00 am | Mid-morning | 1 fruit (guava, orange, apple, pear) + iron tablet with lemon water |
1:30 pm | Lunch | 2 to 3 rotis or 1 cup rice, dal, a green sabzi, salad and a bowl of curd |
4:30 pm | Evening snack | Sprouts chaat, roasted chana or makhana, a fruit smoothie, or a protein-rich biscuit with milk + calcium tablet |
7:30 pm | Dinner | Roti with paneer, chicken or fish curry, a vegetable sabzi, or vegetable pulao with raita |
9:30 pm | Bedtime | 1 glass warm milk |
Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Eat smaller, more frequent meals if heartburn bothers you.
Foods to avoid in the fifth month
Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
Alcohol and smoking | Can harm your baby's growth and development |
Raw or undercooked eggs, meat and seafood | Risk of salmonella, listeria and toxoplasmosis |
Unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses | Can carry listeria |
Liver and liver products | Too much vitamin A can harm your baby |
High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel) | Can affect your baby's nervous system |
More than 200 mg caffeine a day | Linked to low birth weight |
Raw or semi-ripe papaya | Contains latex that may trigger contractions |
Excess sugar, salt and fried food | Raises the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and excess weight gain |
Source: NHS, Foods to avoid in pregnancy.
Also read: Second trimester diet chart · Healthy pregnancy diet plan: what to eat and avoid · Anjeer in pregnancy · Banana during pregnancy · Mylo protein biscuits for pregnancy
Fifth Month Pregnancy Care: Do's and Don'ts
Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
Attend your anomaly scan and monthly check-up | Don't skip your iron and calcium tablets |
Sleep on your left side with a pregnancy pillow | Don't lie flat on your back for long periods |
Walk 30 minutes a day and do prenatal yoga | Don't lift heavy objects or do high-impact exercise |
Raise your feet when sitting to reduce swelling | Don't stand or sit in one position for hours |
Moisturise your belly twice a day | Don't scratch itchy skin hard |
Wear flat, comfortable footwear and a maternity bra | Don't wear high heels or tight clothes |
Do pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises daily | Don't hold your urine for long |
Talk and play music to your baby | Don't ignore pain, bleeding or fluid leakage |
Is it safe to travel in the fifth month?
Yes. The second trimester is the best time to travel. Carry your medical file, wear compression socks on long trips, stay hydrated, and walk every 1 to 2 hours. Check your airline's rules for pregnant travellers before flying.
Is sex safe in the fifth month?
Yes, for most healthy pregnancies. Choose comfortable positions that don't put pressure on your bump. Avoid sex if your doctor has advised against it, for example because of a low-lying placenta, bleeding or a risk of preterm labour.
Also read: When to stop bending during pregnancy
Warning Signs in the Fifth Month: When to Call Your Doctor
Warning sign | What it could mean |
|---|---|
Vaginal bleeding | Placenta problems or risk of pregnancy loss |
Watery fluid leaking from the vagina | Possible leak of amniotic fluid |
Painful, regular cramps or tightening (4 or more in an hour) | Possible preterm labour |
Pressure low in the pelvis or a sudden low backache | Possible preterm labour |
Severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of the face and hands | Possible high blood pressure |
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or burning while urinating | Infection |
Severe itching on the palms and soles | Needs a liver function check |
Extreme tiredness, breathlessness or a racing heart | Possible severe anaemia |
Your Fifth Month Pregnancy Checklist
Attend your anomaly (level 2) scan between weeks 18 and 21
Complete your second Td injection if due
Keep taking iron and calcium tablets daily
Ask your doctor when to book your glucose test (weeks 24 to 28)
Buy a pregnancy pillow and comfortable maternity wear
Moisturise your belly, breasts and thighs daily
Start a kick journal to note when your baby is most active
Begin researching hospitals and birth options
Look into antenatal classes for later in pregnancy
Plan a babymoon if your doctor says it's okay to travel
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fifth Month of Pregnancy
1. How many weeks is 5 months pregnant?
Five months pregnant covers weeks 18 to 22. Week 20 is the halfway point of your pregnancy.
2. What is the baby's weight at 5 months?
By the end of month five, your baby weighs about 400 to 450 grams (about 1 pound) and is about 25 to 28 cm long from head to heel.
3. When will I feel my baby kick?
Most moms feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks. First-time moms usually notice them around 18 to 20 weeks or a little later.
4. My baby is breech (ulta) at 5 months. What should I do?
Nothing. Babies change position many times a day at this stage. Most turn head-down on their own, and position matters only near 36 weeks.
5. When is the anomaly scan done?
Usually between 18 and 21 weeks. It takes about 30 minutes and checks your baby's organs, growth, placenta and amniotic fluid.
6. Can the anomaly scan tell the baby's gender?
In India, revealing a baby's sex before birth is illegal under the PCPNDT Act, so doctors will not tell you.
7. Is white discharge normal in the fifth month?
Yes, thin white discharge is normal. See your doctor if it's watery, green or yellow, smells bad, itches, or is mixed with blood.
8. Can I hear my baby's heartbeat at 5 months?
Yes. Your doctor can easily check it with a doppler at your monthly visit. It's usually around 120 to 160 beats per minute.
9. Is back pain normal in the fifth month?
Yes. Your posture changes as your bump grows. Gentle stretches, good posture and flat shoes help. Sudden or severe back pain, especially with tightening, needs a doctor's check.
10. Which sleeping position is best at 5 months pregnant?
Sleep on your side, ideally the left, with a pillow between your knees and one supporting your bump.
The Bottom Line
Month five is a milestone: you're halfway there, your bump is out, and you'll likely feel your baby's first kicks. Don't miss your anomaly scan, keep up your iron and calcium, eat well and rest on your side. Next month, your baby's movements get stronger, and the glucose test is on the way. Stay tuned for our guide to the sixth month of pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your gynaecologist about your own pregnancy.
References
Essentials for Your Fifth Month of Pregnancy
Care for you as your baby starts to kick
MamaGro™ Protein Diskettes - 750gm (50 Vanilla + 50 Jeera + 50 Chocolate Diskettes)
High Protein Pregnancy Biscuits | Fortified Nutrition | No Added Sugar | Easy To Digest
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a physician or other health care professional if you have any concerns or questions about your health. If you rely on the information provided here, you do so solely at your own risk.
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