Fetal Perspective

Month 6

In the sixth month, the baby grows significantly in size, begins to look more like a newborn, and fine-tunes many critical systems. Movements become stronger and more pronounced, allowing the mother to feel consistent kicks and rolls. Sensory development accelerates as the baby starts to perceive the outside world more vividly.

Weeks 21 to 24: Key Developments

Week 21:

Development:

The baby's digestive system starts functioning. Although the baby isn't eating yet, swallowing amniotic fluid helps practice digestion.

Taste buds are fully formed, and the baby can now taste flavors in the amniotic fluid based on the mother's diet.

Rapid eye movements (REM) begin, an early indicator of sleep cycles.

The arms and legs are proportionate to the rest of the body, and movements are more coordinated.

Size: About 10.5 inches long, similar to a large carrot (head-to-toe measurement).

Weight: Around 12.7 ounces.

Week 22:

Development:

The baby's skin is wrinkled and covered with lanugo (a fine layer of hair) and vernix caseosa to protect it.

Hair on the scalp becomes more visible, although its color and texture are still developing.

The lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are well-defined.

The pancreas, critical for producing hormones like insulin, begins to mature.

The baby can hear muffled sounds from the outside world, including voices, music, and environmental noises.

Size: About 11 inches long, comparable to a papaya.

Weight: Around 15 ounces.

Week 23:

Development:

The baby's blood vessels in the lungs are developing to prepare for breathing air after birth.

The heartbeat can now be heard clearly with a standard stethoscope.

Movements are stronger, and patterns of activity and rest become noticeable. The baby might kick more during certain times of the day.

The skin begins to produce pigment, though it remains thin and translucent.

The sense of touch is refined; the baby may grab at the umbilical cord or touch its face.

Size: About 11.4 inches long, similar to a grapefruit.

Weight: Around 1 pound (16 ounces).

Week 24:

Development:

The baby's lungs develop branches of the respiratory tree and begin producing surfactant, a substance necessary for keeping the air sacs in the lungs open after birth.

Brain growth accelerates, leading to more defined facial expressions and reflexive movements like hiccupping.

The baby is becoming more responsive to external stimuli. A loud noise might make it jump or shift position.

Skin thickens, but it remains covered in vernix and lanugo.

Size: About 11.8 inches long, comparable to an ear of corn.

Weight: Around 1.3 pounds (20 ounces).

Physical Milestones in Month 6

Lung Development:

The baby is practicing "breathing" by inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid.

Fetal Movements:

Kicks, rolls, and punches become stronger and more regular. The baby is now large enough to occasionally press against the mother's ribs or bladder.

Sense Development:

Hearing improves significantly; the baby may recognize familiar voices, especially the mother's.

Taste buds are active, and the baby swallows amniotic fluid, which reflects the flavors of the mother's diet.

Appearance:

The baby looks more like a newborn but is still very lean. Fat layers are forming under the skin to aid in temperature regulation after birth.

Sleep and Wake Cycles:

The baby starts developing regular sleep and wake patterns.

Mother's Experience in Month 6

Increased Movement Awareness:

The mother feels more pronounced and frequent movements, often strongest after eating or lying down.

Weight Gain and Belly Growth:

The uterus expands, and the belly grows noticeably. The mother may feel stretched skin or occasional mild pain from the baby pressing on internal organs.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Some women may begin experiencing these "practice contractions," which are irregular and painless.

Physical Symptoms:

Back pain, heartburn, and swelling in the feet or hands may begin.

Increased appetite due to the baby's growth spurt.

Emotional Changes:

The mother may feel more emotionally connected to the baby, especially as movements become regular and she feels the baby react to sounds or touch.

What to Expect at the End of Month 6

By the close of this month:

Size: The baby will measure about 12 inches long, roughly the length of an eggplant.

Weight: The baby will weigh approximately 1.3–1.5 pounds (20–24 ounces).

The baby's survival chances outside the womb improve significantly, though it would still require intensive medical care if born prematurely. The baby is becoming more active and responsive, signaling a major milestone in development as the body and brain prepare for the third trimester.