Halfway there! If you are wondering "halfway to what," there's a chance that you have developed one of mid-pregnancy's more common side effects: pregnancy brain. Many women experience forgetfulness beginning in their fifth month, with pregnancy hormones most likely to blame for temporary cognitive changes. Something you probably won't forget this month? A chance to see your baby! Routine prenatal care typically includes an in-depth ultrasound scan to check on the development of your baby's heart and other organs, as they are are now all visible.
Your Baby
Things to Start Thinking About
Choosing a pediatrician: Have you started looking for your baby's primary care doctor yet? The relatively quiet stretch of the second trimester is often the perfect time to start this search. "During your fifth month of pregnancy is a good time to choose a healthcare provider for your baby—one way to do this is by talking to your friends and ask them if they are happy with the health care provider," advises Lizellen La Follette, M.D., OB-GYN at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, Calif.
Are ultrasounds safe? Also called sonograms, ultrasounds rely on sound wave technology to create a two-dimensional image of your baby. A routine part of prenatal care for the past few decades, ultrasound/sonography has proven itself to be a useful and low-risk tool in evaluating fetal well-being. The ultrasound typically performed during the second trimester examines and measures key bones and organs. An accurate sonogram can indicate healthy growth or potential developmental problems. Ultrasounds are most often performed between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy because all your baby's organs are visible by then.
LOOK AHEAD: Month 6
