5 months pregnant: girl or boy?
Big event of this 5th month: you're finally going to find out if it's a boy or a girl ! Unless you managed to get the information a little earlier... Or you're a pro at surprises and you managed to resist the temptation to discover the sex of your child .
The essentials of the 5th month of pregnancy
- Girl or boy? (26 cm / 550 g) : This is the month of revelation! During the morphology ultrasound, you will discover the sex of the baby, whose movements are now clearly perceptible (kicks).
- Fitness and Libido : Often synonymous with fulfillment and a rising libido, this month nevertheless requires monitoring shortness of breath and iron deficiencies (risk of anemia).
- Targeted care (Pregnancy mask & Stretch marks) : The increase in hormones makes the skin ultra-sensitive to UV rays: Radiant Cream SPF 50+ is essential on a daily basis, as is the hydration of the belly which is rounding out quickly.
- The glucose test : In addition to the 2nd ultrasound, this is often the time for screening for gestational diabetes (induced hyperglycemia test).
5 months pregnant: where are you at?
Baby is developing well inside while your belly (and everything else) is developing well on the outside. At this stage, you've likely gained between 3 and 6 kg , perhaps more or less depending on your situation. Normally, this is manageable, although you might start to feel some lower back pain, as if your body had signed up for a marathon without warning! Talk to your midwife or doctor if this pain is bothersome.
You might also experience some pulling or itching in your tummy. Don't worry, these sensations are normal and can be quickly soothed with the La Pause Douceur moisturizing and soothing mask. It's like a hug for your skin (also available in a gift set )! Remember, every symptom is a sign that your baby is on its way. So, relax and enjoy this adventure full of surprises!
And to keep beautiful skin : we moisturize it well and help it to prevent or reduce stretch marks with Le Lait Melant and L'Huile Sensorielle .
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Anti-Stretch Mark Ritual
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The Sweet Break
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What you may have felt
This month lends itself to that, often accompanied by an increase in libido. The second quarter is known for that!
In that case, enjoy it without feeling guilty; the baby won't feel a thing. And if you don't experience this increased libido, there's no need to worry; every expectant mother has her own unique experience.
You may also get out of breath more quickly: the uterus takes up much more space, it rises up to the level of the navel and begins to compress the lungs a little.
A less visible but equally important change : your blood volume has increased by almost a third! In fact, a quarter of your blood is used by the placenta to nourish the little being inside you. This means that the risk of circulatory problems is higher: varicose veins, cramps, hemorrhoids (usually accompanied by constipation... a real joy, isn't it?), and even occasional nosebleeds (infrequent and easy to treat). As an added bonus, if your baby is drawing on your blood reserves, you could develop a slight iron deficiency. Beware of anemia! If you feel excessively tired and a little pale , consult your doctor about possible iron supplements.
Also, take care of your teeth and gums, which are more fragile!
Enjoy your 5th month better: nutrition, energy, well-being
Your diet at this stage
Opt for a healthy diet , especially one rich in iron : spinach, peas, broccoli, eggs, dried fruit, almonds, hazelnuts, or, best of all, dark chocolate. Also, focus on the vitamin C found in citrus fruits.
Skin changes and sun protection
You might notice some slight changes in your skin: some spots or scars , as well as your nipples, may darken a little. All of this should return to normal after giving birth, but remember to protect yourself from the sun . At this stage, melasma (the "mask of pregnancy") becomes more common because hormones increase sensitivity to UV rays. Daily protection significantly reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation; protect yourself with Daylily Radiant Cream SPF 50+ to prevent the appearance of these brown spots. To learn more about this topic, you can read our article: Why use a day cream with SPF when you're pregnant?
You can find our Radiant Cream in the Must-Have Pregnancy Gift Set.
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Radiant Cream
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Must-Have Pregnancy
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Feel free to check out our full range of gift sets, all 100% compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Hydration and comfort
To pamper your skin and relax, opt for our gift set which offers a complete range of suitable skincare products.
The Soft Skin Set prepares your skin, the Sublimating Glove gently exfoliates, and the Cleansing Bubbles cleanse without drying.
Preparation for childbirth
Depending on the type of childbirth preparation you have chosen, you can practice it from the 5th month of pregnancy, as is the case with sophrology, haptonomy or prenatal singing .
This fifth month is ideal for trying a session: gentle breathing, body relaxation, or the first exercises suggested by your maternity ward. No obligation, just to see what suits you best.
Baby development at 5 months
At the end of the 5th month, your baby will measure approximately 26 cm and weigh 550 g . You will finally be able to refer to them using feminine or masculine pronouns! Indeed, the 5th-month ultrasound, called the morphology scan , will reveal – if you wish – the sex of your future baby .
What your baby is doing this month
You will be able to observe its breathing movements: its rib cage rises intermittently, simulating its first breathing exercises . During this period, its lungs continue to develop, with the gradual accumulation of amniotic fluid to promote their maturation.
Its skin continues to change and thicken. Its muscles, nerves, and bones develop more and more. Its immune system begins to establish itself with the appearance of the first white blood cells.
Her irises are starting to get pigmented even though her eyes are still closed.
Movements and direction
And most importantly: he's moving ! If you haven't felt it yet, you'll probably feel his first kicks during the 5th month . Indeed, he's becoming more active: 20 to 60 movements every half hour ! But then again, he still sleeps between 16 and 20 hours a day , so you're relatively safe (except that it's not necessarily at the same time as you: watch out for those kicks in the middle of the night!).
On the sensory side, his auditory system is well established and he can therefore react to noises ; now is the time to talk to him if you haven't already, to play him music, to do prenatal singing if you feel like it... His sense of taste is also developing since he can distinguish sweet, bitter, sour and salty.
Create a bond with your baby
During this fifth month, your baby's brain development is crucial. Quiet moments are the perfect opportunity to bond with your baby. A hand placed on your belly is enough to create a gentle and reassuring presence. Your voice is already there with them, even if you're not always aware of it. A tender word, a simple song, or relaxing music establishes a close and consistent connection.
Haptonomy and prenatal singing naturally come into play if you wish, but this bond is also forged through ordinary gestures. Your baby perceives your emotions, your rhythms , and your pauses. These daily exchanges lay the foundation for a strong connection for the months to come.
Your 5th month appointments
Morphological ultrasound
Your second ultrasound , called the morphology scan, will allow you to detect any potential developmental problems and also find out the sex of your future baby if you wish. Remember, it's not guaranteed that you'll find out. It depends on your little one's mood; if they want to surprise you, they might get into a rather unfavorable position! During this ultrasound, many other aspects will also be checked: abdominal wall diameter, girth, limb growth, etc., to ensure that everything is in order and that no further monitoring is necessary.
Medical examinations to be expected
You will also have your 3rd mandatory medical consultation , to check blood pressure, weight, uterine height...
Depending on the type of childbirth preparation you have chosen, you can practice it from the 5th month of pregnancy, as is the case with sophrology, haptonomy or prenatal singing .
If you are not immune to toxoplasmosis, you will have a blood test done, as every month.
You may also be prescribed a urine test to check sugar (risk of gestational diabetes ) and albumin (search for proteins, which may be a sign of hypertension, kidney abnormalities, urinary tract infection...).
You can also be offered a blood test for gestational diabetes . Even for sugar lovers, it's a challenge: you have to swallow 75 grams of sugar on an empty stomach, dissolved in water... that's more than 12 small sugar cubes! A little tip: bring a lemon, it goes down easier. 😉
And bring something to read because you will have 3 blood tests in 2 hours.
Practical and administrative life
Organizing this month will help you move forward with greater peace of mind. You can start by identifying some essentials: a comfortable outfit for your hospital bag, two or three useful initial purchases, or a notebook to jot down questions for your midwife. These small preparations give a reassuring sense of control, without making you look too far ahead.
You can start thinking about your maternity leave, your future needs, and how to organize the first few weeks with your baby.
And why not plan a little babymoon with your sweetheart? This concept, straight from the United States and largely inspired by the honeymoon, allows you to enjoy a special moment while you are still just the two of you.
Take a few days away together and savor every moment. It could be just a few kilometers from home or thousands of kilometers away. The important thing is to give yourselves a break to reconnect as a couple and enjoy your happiness together (and a half).
FAQ: 5 months pregnant
- What are the symptoms at 5 months? Shortness of breath, tightness, variable appetite, constipation, cramps, pigment spots.
- Can we find out the sex? Yes, often visible on the morphology ultrasound, depending on the baby's position.
- When can you feel the movements? Often in the 5th month, especially if it's not your first pregnancy.
- What treatment can prevent stretch marks? Melting Milk and Sensory Oil, morning and evening.
- When to consult a doctor? Unusual pain, fever, bleeding, regular contractions.
The fifth month marks the beginning of a period full of discoveries: a growing belly, a very active baby, and often the long-awaited revelation of the sex. Continue to listen to your body, moisturize your skin, protect yourself from the sun, and enjoy this stage where pregnancy becomes gentler and more tangible.
