Ohio Department of Health Ohio.gov

Month 6

What's Going on This Month?
A Month-by-Month Look at Your Pregnancy

Changes to Your Body

  • Fluid retention and extra body fat may change the size of your feet and make shoes uncomfortable.
  • You may feel pain down the side of your belly as your womb stretches.
  • Pregnancy hormones affect your vision, making it less sharp. Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable.

Baby's Progress

  • Is about 14 inches long.
  • Weighs about one-and-one-half to two pounds.
  • Is fully formed, can move around, hiccup, cry and close his eyes.
  • Your baby can hear your voice and your heartbeat.

Do's

  • If you will be working outside of the home, you should begin thinking about what type of child care would be right for your baby.
  • Call the Help Me Grow Helpline at 1-800-755-GROW (4769) for help in finding child care in your area.
  • Sleep on your left side to help keep good blood flow to your uterus.
  • Use sugarless chewing gum with xylitol three to five times a day. Xylitol is an ingredient that decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth. This will help prevent the transfer of cavity-producing bacteria from your mouth to your infant's mouth after the baby is born. Xylitol is found in Trident and Extra gum, Smints and Starbucks Mints (check the label).

Don'ts

  • Don't take laxatives or antacids without asking your doctor or nurse.

Nutritional Tips

  • Drink more water if you plan on eating bran foods. Bran cereal helps most women with constipation. Fresh fruits and vegetables also help you avoid constipation.
  • Limit caffeine. It robs you of fluids and interferes with the way your body processes calcium.
  • Talk to your doctor, dietician, or lactation consultant about breastfeeding.

Warning Signs of Trouble During Pregnancy

  • Severe or continued vomiting.
  • A sharp pain in your stomach.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • A low, dull backache, which is not helped by bed rest or walking.
  • Pain or burning when you go to the bathroom.
  • Increased vaginal discharge that may look watery or pinkish.
  • A sudden weight gain.
  • Very bad or frequent headaches.
  • Blurred vision, flashes of light or spots before your eyes.

If any of these signs occur your doctor or nurse will advise you on how to respond.

This page last updated on 3/17/08.