Month 5 of pregnancy – what to expect
This month is normally earmarked by parents-to-be as the month when you can find out whether your have a boy bump or a girl bump! Gender scans are available from month five, as your baby’s sexual organs have developed and are identifiable.
What else is there to know about month five?
Get talking!
Your baby is now able to hear you – get singing and talking to your bump and expect to feel movement and kicks in reply. Talking to your baby in the womb is a key stage of bonding, even before birth, as your voice will calm him down and provide reassurance once he’s made his grand entrance. Encourage your partner, close friends and family to talk to your bump as well, so that your baby gets used to hearing lots of different voices. You could also experiment with playing different music – who knows, you might have a future Bach in there!
Leg cramps
Unfortunately, at this stage of pregnancy, you are more likely to suffer from horrible leg cramps, especially at night when you are fast asleep – these will be in between trips to the toilet, of course… Try to minimise the pain by keeping legs elevated whenever possible and drinking plenty of fluids during the day. (We know this is probably the last thing you’ll want to do, especially when you already have to get up 10 times a night for a wee, but trust us it helps!)
Cankles
At this stage in pregnancy, you might be waving goodbye to your ankles, but it will only be temporarily! Poor Kim Kardashian learned this the hard way, so try to avoid high heels and shoes that restrict bloody flow to your feet and ankles. As soon as you are home, switch to supportive and comfortable slippers that give your feet some room. Drinking plenty of fluids helps, as will avoiding tight fitting tights, stockings and socks.
Developing an outie
At this stage in your pregnancy, you’ll probably notice that your innie has turned into an outie! Your baby is growing rapidly and your uterus is pushing forwards. But don’t worry, your innie will return shortly after delivery when your body has settled down!
With only four more months to go now until you get to meet your baby, exciting things are happening all the time! Enjoy talking to and stroking your bump this month, getting to know your little one J
Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/emerycophoto/2892182827/