In the sixth month of pregnancy the foetus grows rapidly. Mother too experiences certain changes like enhanced appetite, itching near the abdominal area etc. Read on to know more about the foetal development and growth taking place in the sixth month of pregnancy. In the sixth month of pregnancy, the baby grows over a foot in length and weighs near about two pounds. The foetus is developing very rapidly and you will begin to perceive many reactions that are very similar to a baby who is already born. This is in reference to movements, their frequency and reaction to high intensity light and sound. The motor functions become more rapid and frequent as the initial stage is already passed. There will be a pedaling of feet and the mother will experience more frequent kicks. Sometimes the kick can cause pain if it targets right at the cervix. In this articleFoetal Growth and Development Other Vital Developments in the FoetusChanges in Mother’s Body Foetal Growth and Development In the sixth month the padded hands and feet become more definitive and the grip begins to form. Now the foetus is not just opening his eyes for a brief period, but actually reacts to strong light rays. He will open and close his eyes as a reaction to intense light rays. The vocal cords of the foetus are also developing rapidly and by the end of the sixth month, they become completely functional. But they will not be exercised until the baby sees the first glimpse of light outside the womb. The mother can feel the frequent hiccups of the child throughout the day. This is because the foetus has started practicing the act of swallowing. As it moves around and about in the fluid, it swallows some of it. This means that under special or emergency situation if the baby has to be delivered, it has good chances of survival. Other Vital Developments in the Foetus The fat begins to form beneath the surface of the skin of foetus. This accentuates the regulation of the body temperature post delivery as it gradually prepares the baby for birth. Since the baby is floating constantly in the uterine fluid, the delicate skin requires protection in the watery environment. This results in the development of a waxy covering called vernix that keeps the skin soft, supple and protected. There is also a growth of fine hair all over the body, which is called lanugo. The fingers and toes had already begun to develop in the fifth month. Now in the sixth month, the finger and toe nails will be forming. The foetal intestine is likewise developing and meconium is slowly forming in the intestines. This is why when the baby gives out the first stool after birth; it is a black tar like substance. The lungs are yet to be fully developed during this stage. Changes in Mother’s Body The mother too experiences certain overt changes in her body. There can be a frequent itching sensation in the abdominal area during this stage. This is because the skin stretches as the belly swells up. It is important to adequately moisturise the area as dryness can worsen and enhance the itching feeling. As the baby is growing very rapidly now, the mother will feel an enhanced appetite. It is always advisable to eat whenever hungry. Six small meals spaced out throughout the day and interspersed with healthy snacks will help the mother deal with the frequent hunger pangs. It is also important to ensure that the nutritional requirements of the mother as well as the developing baby are met. Always follow the advice of your nutritionist and avoid empty calories and junk at all costs. This will only add on to the weight without contributing anything nutritionally. It will make losing weight after childbirth quite difficult. The sixth month is also marked by other common symptoms like indigestion, constipation, muscle cramps, especially if you are sedentary, and lower abdominal pain along with heartburn sensations and bleeding gums.
In the sixth month of pregnancy the foetus grows rapidly. Mother too experiences certain changes like enhanced appetite, itching near the abdominal area etc. Read on to know more about the foetal development and growth taking place in the sixth month of pregnancy. In the sixth month of pregnancy, the baby grows over a foot in length and weighs near about two pounds. The foetus is developing very rapidly and you will begin to perceive many reactions that are very similar to a baby who is already born. This is in reference to
movements, their frequency and reaction to high intensity light and sound. The motor functions become more rapid and frequent as the initial stage is already passed. There will be a pedaling of feet and the mother will experience more frequent kicks. Sometimes the kick can cause pain if it targets right at the cervix.
Foetal Growth and Development
In the sixth month the padded hands and feet become more definitive and the grip begins to form. Now the foetus is not just opening his eyes for a brief period, but actually reacts to strong light rays. He will open and close his eyes as a reaction to intense light rays. The vocal cords of the foetus are also developing rapidly and by the end of the sixth month, they become completely functional. But they will not be exercised until the baby sees the first glimpse of light outside the womb.
The mother can feel the frequent hiccups of the child throughout the day. This is because the foetus has started practicing the act of swallowing. As it moves around and about in the fluid, it swallows some of it. This means that under special or emergency situation if the baby has to be delivered, it has good chances of survival.
Other Vital Developments in the Foetus
The fat begins to form beneath the surface of the skin of foetus. This accentuates the regulation of the body temperature post delivery as it gradually prepares the baby for birth. Since the baby is floating constantly in the uterine fluid, the delicate skin requires protection in the watery environment. This results in the development of a waxy covering called vernix that keeps the skin soft, supple and protected.
There is also a growth of fine hair all over the body, which is called lanugo. The fingers and toes had already begun to develop in the fifth month. Now in the sixth month, the finger and toe nails will be forming. The foetal intestine is likewise developing and meconium is slowly forming in the intestines. This is why when the baby gives out the first stool after birth; it is a black tar like substance. The lungs are yet to be fully developed during this stage.
Changes in Mother’s Body
The mother too experiences certain overt changes in her body. There can be a frequent itching sensation in the abdominal area during this stage. This is because the skin stretches as the belly swells up. It is important to adequately moisturise the area as dryness can worsen and enhance the itching feeling. As the baby is growing very rapidly now, the mother will feel an enhanced appetite.
It is always advisable to eat whenever hungry. Six small meals spaced out throughout the day and interspersed with healthy snacks will help the mother deal with the frequent hunger pangs. It is also important to ensure that the nutritional requirements of the mother as well as the developing baby are met. Always follow the advice of your nutritionist and avoid empty calories and junk at all costs. This will only add on to the weight without contributing anything nutritionally. It will make losing weight after childbirth quite difficult.
The sixth month is also marked by other common symptoms like indigestion, constipation, muscle cramps, especially if you are sedentary, and lower abdominal pain along with heartburn sensations and bleeding gums.
