6 months pregnant
At 6 months pregnant (weeks 23 to 27), your baby is about the size of a cabbage and could survive with intensive care if born now. You'll usually have your glucose test for gestational diabetes.
Which weeks are 6 months pregnant?
6 months pregnant covers weeks 23 to 27, in the second trimester. Doctors count pregnancy in weeks from the first day of your last period, so months are only approximate. Not sure how far along you are? Try our how many weeks pregnant am I calculator.
Week 23 Week 24 Week 25 Week 26 Week 27
Your baby at 6 months pregnant
Your baby's lungs are developing branches and making surfactant, which helps them inflate after birth. Hearing keeps improving and your baby responds to sounds and touch. The eyes begin to open, and regular cycles of sleep and wakefulness develop. Babies born from around 24 weeks have a chance of survival with specialist neonatal care. By the end of the month your baby is about 37 cm long and weighs nearly 900 g.
By the end of the month:
| Size | About the size of a cabbage |
|---|---|
| Length | about 36.6 cm head to heel |
| Weight | about 875 g |
Your body at 6 months pregnant
Your bump is growing quickly. Common niggles include heartburn, leg cramps, swollen ankles, tingling hands (carpal tunnel), itchy skin and trouble sleeping. Your baby's movements are strong and you'll start to notice a regular pattern.
Common symptoms at 6 months pregnant
- Strong, regular movements
- Heartburn
- Swollen ankles
- Tingling hands
- An itchy, stretching bump
- Trouble sleeping
Your checklist for month 6
- Have your glucose test between 24 and 28 weeks if offered.
- Get to know your baby's pattern of movements.
- Call your maternity unit straight away if movements slow down or change.
- Ask about anti-D if your blood group is Rhesus negative.
- Start writing your birth preferences.
When to call your doctor
Call your doctor or maternity unit straight away for bleeding, severe tummy pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache or vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, a high temperature, or, from about 24 weeks, if your baby is moving less than usual.
Questions about being 6 months pregnant
How big is my belly at 6 months pregnant?
Your womb reaches above your belly button, and your bump is clearly visible. Your doctor may measure from your pubic bone to the top of your womb; in centimetres it usually roughly matches the number of weeks.
What if my baby is born at 6 months?
Babies born at 24 to 27 weeks need neonatal intensive care, often for many weeks. Many survive with specialist care, though they face significant risks. Each extra week in the womb makes a big difference.