MONTH 5: weeks 16-20
Possible Physical Changes
See Months 2, 3, & 4. In addition, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, mild ankle swelling, hemorrhoids, slight, whitish vaginal discharge, mild breathlessness, lackluster or shinier, fuller hair, worsening of allergies, decrease in urination frequency, iron deficiency anemia

Tests During Your Second Trimester

Possible Emotional Changes
See Months 2, 3, & 4. You may also be less focused and more forgetful as well as excited because you're finally starting to show. You may now feel it's safe to tell.

Possible Appetite Changes
Morning sickness usually subsides, increasing appetite. You may be tempted to overeat, although you require only 300 extra calories per day. Generally, you should gain 3 to 8 pounds the first trimester, 12 to 14, the second and 7 to 10, the third.

Ultrasound Images

The Inside Story
The fetus is about 4 inches long, the size of a small avocado, with the body beginning to catch up to the head in size. Fingers and toes are well-defined, tooth buds appear. You'll probably start feeling the first fetal movements.

Sleep/Stamina Irregularities
Because fatigue typically passes by the end of this month, most women feel more energetic. It's a good time to travel, although avoid flying in planes without pressurized cabins, and foreign locales requiring vaccinations.

Rx for Stress
To get a handle on "fuzzy" thinking, keep lists, engage in focusing techniques (yoga, guided imagery), find ways to simplify your life.

Special Risks
Gaining too little weight may jeopardize Baby and lead to premature birth, gaining too much may increase risk of backache, leg pain, C- section and postoperative complications.

Symptoms That Say "Call Your Doctor"
Same as Months 2, 3, & 4.

MONTH 6: weeks 20-24
Possible Physical Changes
Same as Months 2, 3, 4 & 5. Distinct fetal movement, lower abdominal achiness, backache, leg cramps, increased pulse or heart rate, skin pigmentation changes, heat rash, heightened sexual response, heartburn, indigestion, bloating.

Possible Emotional Changes
Growing acceptance of your pregnancy, fewer mood swings, occasional irritability, absentmindedness, crankiness, "fuzzy" thinking due to sleep loss.

Possible Appetite Changes
Ravenous, intensified food cravings and aversions.

The Inside Story
The fetus is about 8 to 10 inches long, the size of a little bunny, and covered with a protective soft down. Hair begins to grow on head, white eyelashes appear. The fetus' chance of surviving outside the womb is small, but possible in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

Sleep/Stamina Irregularities
Insomnia or disrupted sleep due to problems adjusting to new sleep positions. To ensure maximum blood and nutrient flow to placenta, avoid sleeping on belly or back, curl up on left side with a pillow between legs. Another good month to travel.

Rx for Stress
Same as Months 2, 3, 4 & 5. If you work, start planning your maternity leave, if your job is particularly draining, consider an early leave.

Special Risks
Same as Months 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Symptoms That Say "Call Your Doctor"
After the 20th week, call the doctor if you notice an absence of fetal movement for more than 12 hours.