Weight gain in the second trimester should be between 12-14 pounds. The fourth month is considered weeks 14 to 17 of pregnancy. The uterus is continuing to grow at this point and may have reached the size of a small melon. A pregnant woman can now feel a hardening under her belly button. The placenta is fully formed by this time and is how baby breathes and eats. Tenderness in the breasts may have decreased and appetite may have increased. Often near the end of this month, the mother-to-be can feel fetal movement. Some other symptoms for month four may include:
a change in overall appearance due to weight gain
apprehension and frustration
swelling and bleeding gums
red palms
healthier appearance of hair (more shine and body)
worse appearance of hair (limp)
trouble sleeping
snoring due to nasal stuffiness
milky and mild smelling discharge from the vagina
higher blood pressure than normal
sugar in the urine
anemia
nosebleeds
nasal stuffiness
Pregnancy Fifth Month
The fifth month of pregnancy is 18 to 22 weeks. If the mother-to-be has not felt the babymove, she is very likely to feel it month. Her abdomen will become very round. She may feel the following symptoms:
aches in her abdomen
faintness
a hearty appetite
leg cramps
mild swelling of the face and ankles
a faster heart rate
faster growing of hair and nails
aches in her feet
easier or more difficult orgasm
backache
skin discoloration on her face and/or abdomen
itchy palms
dry eyes
visual changes (for the duration of the pregnancy)
a protruding navel
problems with over heating and staying warm
more forgetful
Pregnancy Sixth Month
The sixth month of pregnancy is 23-27 weeks. Mom-to-be may feel like her child is doing leg exercises, karate kicks or trying to break through her belly at times. There is a definite increase in fetal activity. She may feel aches along the sides from the stretching of her uterus. A protruding navel is now apparent. It is not uncommon for the mother-to-be to begin to feel some anxiety about the next phases and the hereafter. In addition to the other symptoms previously discussed, she may also have the following:
pain and numbness in the hands
a tingling sensation in the hands and feet
clumsiness
an itchy abdomen
rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids
anal fissures
clogged milk duct
toxemia (hypertension caused by pregnancy)
Prenatal care is extremely important. Many of these conditions occur in 20-50% of all pregnant women. It is important to be under the care of a physician who can offer suggestions on how to make you more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
