What are the signs of a 5-month pregnant belly? This is a question that many mothers are interested in. Is a small 5-month pregnant belly dangerous? Let’s find the answer through the following article from AVAKids’ Pregnancy section!

1Common Belly Shapes

A pregnant woman’s belly shape can fall into one of the following categories:

• Small belly: If you have checkups and there are no abnormal signs, there’s no need to worry. Sometimes, a small 5-month belly can be due to low or insufficient amniotic fluid.
• Large belly: A large belly is not a cause for concern. It can be due to the baby’s position or a condition called polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid).
• High belly: This indicates that the mother has strong and toned abdominal muscles.

A large pregnant belly is completely normal. Source: Internet

• Low belly: A low belly is often seen in mothers who are pregnant for the second or third time, as their muscles have been stretched. In the final months of pregnancy, a low belly can also be a sign of labor.
• Wide belly: A wide belly can be due to the baby’s position in the womb. However, if the baby doesn’t turn head down by the time of delivery, it can be a cause for concern. Sometimes, being overweight can also cause a wide belly.

25-Month Pregnant Belly Size

A 5-month-old fetus is usually about 27cm long and weighs about 360 grams. During this time, the mother’s uterus also expands to accommodate the fetus’s growth.

Accordingly, the mother’s 5-month belly will be visibly larger, about the size of a basketball. However, not all pregnant bellies are the same size.

3Factors Affecting 5-Month Pregnant Belly Shape and Size

The shape and size of a 5-month pregnant belly can be affected by several factors, such as:

Mother’s Height

The taller the mother, the more space the fetus has to grow. In this case, the mother’s belly will protrude higher and be larger. If the mother is shorter, the 5-month belly will tend to protrude outwards rather than upwards.

Uterine Changes

During pregnancy, the uterus expands, causing the intestines to be pushed downwards or upwards. This changes the size of the mother’s belly. Once the intestines are pushed around the uterus, the 5-month pregnant belly will appear rounder, larger, and fuller.

First Pregnancy

If it’s the first pregnancy, the mother’s belly will protrude forward more because the body is not yet accustomed to being stretched. Additionally, subsequent pregnancies tend to show larger bellies earlier than the first.

Fetal Position

From the second trimester, the baby will start changing positions in the womb, especially between weeks 32 and 34, causing the mother’s belly to change shape. In the third trimester, the belly will protrude forward more as the baby’s head moves down into the pelvis.

Amniotic Fluid Volume

Throughout pregnancy, the volume of amniotic fluid constantly changes, and this determines whether the 5-month pregnant belly is large or small. In fact, the amount of amniotic fluid is higher in the second trimester and lower in the third trimester.

The fetus’s position can change the shape of the pregnant belly.

4What Changes Occur During the Fifth Month of Pregnancy?

Fetal Development

Fetal development changes over time. Mothers can easily recognize the following signs:

At 17 weeks

The baby’s organ systems gradually begin to function, and the layer of fat under the baby’s skin begins to form and develop.

At 18 weeks

At this point, the baby’s movements in the womb become clearer and stronger. The baby’s genitals have also taken shape, and the baby can hear sounds from outside the womb, so parents can often talk to their baby.

At 19 weeks

The baby’s arms and legs are more proportionate, and the baby begins to control their actions.

At 20 weeks

At 20 weeks, the baby can be about 25 cm long and weigh about 300 grams. Muscles are more fully developed, and hair and nails begin to appear. At this time, parents can hear the baby’s heartbeat through a stethoscope.

At 20 weeks, the baby’s nails and hair will gradually appear. Source: Baby Center

Maternal Body Changes

During the fifth month of pregnancy, the pregnant woman’s body will undergo significant changes in appearance and physique. Mothers can perceive these differences through several signs, such as:

• Skin on the face, vulva, and areola darkens; breasts enlarge; stretch marks may appear on the abdomen. Some mothers may start producing colostrum at 5 months. This is a normal phenomenon, so there’s no need to worry.
• Bleeding gums may occur when brushing teeth in the morning.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Abdominal tightness.
• Health issues like acid reflux, heartburn, and constipation during pregnancy.
• Ligaments in the pelvic frame and intestinal muscles may stretch due to changes in pregnancy-sustaining sex hormones.
• Beginning to feel fetal movements (quickening).
• Shortness of breath due to reduced lung capacity.
• Swelling in the feet and ankles; the body retains more water than usual.
• Edema may occur when standing for long periods.

5Is a Small 5-Month Pregnant Belly a Problem?

Is a small 5-month pregnant belly dangerous?

In reality, many mothers still have relatively small bellies at 5 months, and their bodies remain quite compact. This often worries mothers about the fetus’s development. However, according to medical experts, this is a completely normal situation because the size of the pregnant belly varies from person to person.

6What to Do if Your 5-Month Pregnant Belly is Still Small

It can be affirmed that a small 5-month pregnant belly stems from various causes. Experts share that mothers should not assume that a large 5-month belly indicates good fetal development and vice versa; a small 5-month belly does not mean the fetus is developing slowly.

We cannot determine fetal development solely based on the shape and size of the pregnant belly. Therefore, to be sure, mothers should adhere to regular prenatal checkups as directed by their doctor. Only through checkups can the baby’s development be accurately assessed, providing peace of mind for the mother during pregnancy.

7Some Notes for the Fifth Month of Pregnancy

Abnormal Signs During the Fifth Month of Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain during the fifth month of pregnancy is a very dangerous sign indicating that the fetus has stopped developing. Mothers can also recognize this condition through brown spotting.

Cramps, back pain

During pregnancy, most pregnant women experience back pain or cramps. Although this is a normal phenomenon, if it persists for a long time and worsens, it could be a sign that the baby is experiencing health problems.

Too little or too much amniotic fluid

Too much amniotic fluid can affect the baby’s nervous system, heart, and lungs. Conversely, too little amniotic fluid can lead to stillbirth or birth defects.

Mother not gaining weight, 5-month belly not growing

During the fifth month of pregnancy, pregnant women usually gain the most weight. During this time, the baby also develops rapidly, so their nutritional needs are high, leading to increased appetite and food intake.

Therefore, if a mother does not have an appetite at 5 months of pregnancy, accompanied by other abnormal signs, it is possible that the fetus has died.

No heartbeat or fetal movement detected

From 6-7 weeks of age, parents can hear the fetal heartbeat. Therefore, if by the fifth month, the heartbeat or fetal movement cannot be detected, it is abnormal. In this case, the mother needs to go to the hospital to check if the baby is stillborn.

If you don’t feel fetal movement, you should see a doctor. Source: Today’s Parent

Observing Fetal Movement in the Fifth Month

By the second trimester, parents can feel the baby’s movements more clearly. However, mothers still need to pay close attention to recognize these movements. In many cases, they can be mistaken for digestive issues. After week 20, fetal movements become more pronounced, and the baby kicks more frequently.

Sleeping Positions for Pregnant Women at 5 Months

During the fifth month of pregnancy, the uterus expands more to accommodate the baby’s growth and movement. This can affect the mother’s stomach, causing discomfort. Therefore, mothers should avoid lying on their stomachs for greater comfort.

From the fourth month of pregnancy onwards, when sleeping at night, mothers should elevate their legs if they have underlying heart conditions or frequent cramps. For pregnant women with acid reflux, elevating the head and back can help reduce acid reflux. Lying on the side is also recommended by experts to reduce discomfort.

What to Eat During the Fifth Month of Pregnancy

By the fifth month, the baby’s body is more developed. Therefore, mothers should carefully research their diet to ensure adequate nutrition for the baby with food groups such as:

• Protein-rich foods: chicken, beef, pork, cereals, etc., to help the baby grow strong.
• Fiber-rich foods: carrots, beets, cabbage, tomatoes, etc., to help prevent and improve constipation.
• Foods rich in vitamins and minerals: green vegetables, pig’s trotters, seaweed, pork liver, etc., to strengthen the pregnant woman’s immune system.
• Iron-rich foods: Mothers need to supplement 20-30mg of iron daily through medication or functional foods as prescribed by their doctor.

Consume foods rich in omega-3 to aid in the baby’s brain development. Source: ADDtitude

• Foods rich in omega-3: Commonly found in fish like mackerel, salmon, tuna, or walnuts and sunflower seeds. This acid plays a crucial role in improving the baby’s brain function and development.
• Foods rich in Choline: Influences the brain development of infants and fetuses.
• Foods rich in folic acid: Consuming enough folic acid helps prevent birth defects in the baby’s heart, lips, and limbs. Mothers can supplement this nutrient through vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, and asparagus.
• Foods rich in zinc: Seafood, eggs, beef, milk, and beans are natural sources of zinc that mothers should not overlook. Supplementing with zinc during pregnancy helps the fetal brain cells develop better.
• Drink plenty of water and milk: During the fifth month of pregnancy, mothers should drink plenty of water and milk to prevent constipation and help the baby develop stronger bones.

A small 5-month pregnant belly is not a cause for concern because not all pregnant bellies are the same size. However, to be certain about the fetus’s development, mothers should have regular prenatal checkups to receive a doctor’s diagnosis.

Articles from Vũ Trụ Bỉm Sữa/ AVAKids are for reference only and do not replace professional medical diagnoses.

Compiled by Lan Anh

Reviewed by Anh Thu