GUIDE
6 Months Pregnant
Month 6 covers weeks 23 through 27 — the viability milestone and the end of the second trimester.
Being 6 months pregnant brings two significant milestones. Around week 23, your baby reaches the point of viability — the gestational age where survival outside the womb is possible with intensive medical care. You will also have the glucose screening test for gestational diabetes. Your baby's eyes open for the first time, and kicks are strong enough for your partner to feel.
Be prepared from day one
What Happens During Month 6
Month 6 of pregnancy (weeks 23-27) closes out the second trimester with major milestones in your baby's development and an important screening test for you.
At week 23, your baby reaches the viability milestone. The lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, the substance that will allow the air sacs to inflate after birth. Week 24 brings rapid brain growth and the establishment of regular sleep-wake cycles.
By week 25, your baby recognizes and responds to your voice. Week 26 is a remarkable moment — your baby's eyes open for the first time. Week 27 wraps up the second trimester with the baby practicing breathing movements using amniotic fluid.
The glucose screening test happens during month 6, typically between weeks 24 and 28. This checks for gestational diabetes.
| Week | Baby Size | What Is Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Week 23 | Grapefruit | Viability milestone — lungs developing surfactant for breathing |
| Week 24 | Ear of corn | Brain growing rapidly — regular sleep-wake cycles forming |
| Week 25 | Cauliflower | Baby responds to your voice — skin becoming less translucent |
| Week 26 | Lettuce head | Eyes opening for the first time — startle reflex active |
| Week 27 | Cabbage | Second trimester ends — baby practicing breathing movements |
Your Body at 6 Months Pregnant
Your body is working harder than ever to support your growing baby. Blood volume has increased by about 50%, your heart is pumping more blood per beat, and your uterus is now well above your belly button.
Back pain continues to be a common challenge as your center of gravity shifts further forward. Heartburn intensifies as the uterus pushes the stomach upward. Some people begin to notice Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular, painless tightenings of the uterus that are your body's way of practicing for labor.
Your baby's kicks are now strong enough for others to feel. You may start noticing patterns in your baby's activity — certain times of day when movement is more vigorous, and quiet periods when the baby is sleeping. After week 24, your provider may recommend paying attention to these patterns, though formal kick counts typically start in the third trimester.
Common Symptoms at Month 6
- Strong fetal movement — kicks, punches, and rolls others can feel
- Fetal hiccups — a rhythmic pulsing sensation in your belly
- Back pain intensifying as the belly grows
- Heartburn and acid reflux becoming more persistent
- Swelling in feet and ankles, especially in warm weather
- Shortness of breath from the uterus pushing on the diaphragm
- Braxton Hicks contractions may begin — irregular, painless tightening
- Itchy skin as the belly stretches — stretch marks may appear
- Difficulty sleeping as finding a comfortable position gets harder
As the second trimester ends, symptoms begin transitioning toward the challenges of the third trimester.
When to Call Your Doctor
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks — could indicate preterm labor
- Leaking fluid — possible premature rupture of membranes
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe headaches with visual changes
- Significant decrease in fetal movement after week 24
- Sudden severe swelling in face or hands
With your baby reaching viability, preterm labor signs should be taken seriously and reported immediately.
Looking Ahead
At month 7 (weeks 28-31), the third trimester begins. Prenatal visits increase to every two weeks, kick counts become important, and your baby's brain develops rapidly. For a look at what the rest of the second trimester covered, see our second trimester guide.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
