Key takeaways
- In the fifth month, your baby is about About 25 cm — the size of a bell pepper.
- Baby can hear sounds is a key milestone this month.
- Common symptoms include baby movements and round ligament pain.
- This month's key check: anomaly scan.
In the fifth month (weeks 17–20) you may feel your baby's first kicks, and the important anomaly scan is done. If something is flagged on it, our page on an anomaly found on your scan explains what happens next. Your baby is now about the size of a bell pepper (25 cm) and can hear your voice.
How big is the baby in the fifth month?
Your baby is about About 25 cm, roughly the size of a bell pepper.
What is developing this month?
Key milestones in the fifth month include:
- Baby can hear sounds
- Kicking begins
- Vernix (protective coating) forms
- Sleep-wake cycles begin
What symptoms can you expect in the fifth month?
Every pregnancy is different, but common symptoms this month include:
- Baby movements
- Round ligament pain
- Leg cramps
- Increased appetite
What should you do this month?
- Enjoy and get used to your baby's movement pattern
- Stay hydrated and stretch to ease leg cramps
- Sleep on your side, ideally the left
- Continue iron and calcium as advised, and attend your anomaly scan
Which tests or scans are done in the fifth month?
This month includes the most detailed scan of your pregnancy.
- The anomaly scan (TIFFA / level II ultrasound), around 18–20 weeks — a detailed check of your baby's organs, growth and the placenta
- A fetal echo (heart scan) if specifically indicated
- Routine blood pressure, weight and urine checks