The month of first kicks
This is often the month when movement becomes unmistakable — some describe it as flutters turning into actual nudges. The detailed anatomy scan usually happens now, giving a close look at the baby's organs, spine, and growth. Hearing is developing enough that the baby may start responding to loud sounds, and a protective waxy coating called vernix begins covering the skin.
Baby this month: about 26 cm — crown to heel, roughly the length of a banana · about 430 g
≈ 26 cm — about the size of a banana
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
What's developing right now
Inner ear structures mature enough for the baby to begin responding to loud or familiar sounds.
Covered by vernix, a waxy protective coating, and lanugo, a fine layer of soft hair.
Starts producing meconium, the dark first stool that will typically pass after birth.
Kicks and rolls become strong enough to be felt regularly by the parent.
Now developed enough that sex can usually be determined clearly on ultrasound.
What your body is doing
- Regular movement becomes noticeable and often turns into a comforting daily check-in.
- The bump becomes clearly visible, and clothing may need adjusting.
- Backaches can start as posture shifts to accommodate a growing uterus.
- Skin changes, such as a line down the belly or darker patches, may appear.
Eating for this month
Energy needs are rising steadily now as the baby grows quickly, and iron continues to matter as blood volume keeps expanding. Fiber-rich foods can help with constipation, a common companion of the hormone changes in the second trimester. Small, frequent meals often sit better than three large ones as the uterus takes up more room.
Checkups commonly done this month
- The detailed anatomy or 'anomaly' ultrasound, commonly done around weeks 18–22, checking organs, spine, and growth — schedules vary by country and doctor
- Blood pressure and urine checks at routine prenatal visits to screen for early signs of complications
- A discussion of the upcoming glucose screening planned for month six
Contact your doctor promptly if…
A significant, sudden drop in usual movement patterns
Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
Severe swelling in the face or hands
Persistent, severe headache or vision changes
Questions people ask
What if the anatomy scan finds something unexpected?
Anatomy scans sometimes flag findings that need a closer look, such as a follow-up ultrasound or a specialist referral. Many flagged findings turn out to be minor variations rather than serious problems, but a doctor is the right person to explain what any specific result means for a particular pregnancy.
Is it normal to not feel movement every single day yet?
Yes, at this stage movement can still be irregular, especially for first-time parents still learning to recognize it, or if the placenta is positioned toward the front of the uterus. Daily, predictable movement patterns usually become more established over the next several weeks.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.