What Does 5 Months Pregnant Look Like? | The Visible Changes

By the fifth month (weeks 17–20), many women notice a distinct baby bump, and their baby grows to about the size of a banana—roughly 10 inches long.

If you’ve been wondering when your pregnancy will start to show, the fifth month usually delivers. The uterus rises above the pubic bone, creating a curve that’s hard to miss. But the visual changes go deeper than just a bump—your body is adjusting to a rapidly growing baby, and what you see in the mirror may surprise you.

Here’s what 5 months pregnant actually looks like, from your belly button’s new shape to the baby’s development inside you. We’ll cover the common body changes, key milestones, and what to expect at your 20-week ultrasound.

Your Belly Shape and Skin Changes

By month five, your uterus has expanded to about the size of a mango. That puts it well above your pubic bone, so your belly becomes visibly rounder. You may notice a low, firm bump that feels different from first-trimester bloating.

Your skin also reacts to the stretch. Stretch marks can become noticeable on the belly as the skin grows quickly. Some women also see their belly button flatten or even pop out, turning an innie into an outie for a few months.

These changes are normal and temporary. The dark line called linea nigra may also appear down the center of your belly, though not every woman develops it. Your body is making room for your baby—and that means visible shifts.

Why the Fifth Month Feels Different

This is often the month when pregnancy feels more real and more physical. Many women notice a collection of small but meaningful changes that make this stage stand out from earlier weeks.

• Your belly button may pop out. As the uterus pushes forward, your navel can flatten or become an outie. It usually goes back after delivery.
• Stretch marks can become visible. The rapid skin stretching may cause marks on your belly, hips, or breasts. Moisturizers can help with itching but not prevention.
• Your uterus is about the size of a mango. This puts it above the pubic bone, giving you a distinct, firm bump that’s often high and round.
• The baby now outweighs the placenta. Around week 20, your baby is heavier than the placenta, which changes how your belly feels and looks.

These shifts are all part of the second trimester’s growth spurt. If you feel more energetic and less nauseous now, that’s common too—many women find the fifth month to be a sweet spot.

How Your Baby Develops Inside You

Your baby is growing fast during month five. By the end of week 20, she’s about 10 inches long and weighs around 1 pound—roughly the size of a banana or sweet potato. That’s a big jump from just a few weeks earlier.

A protective coating called vernix caseosa begins to form on the baby’s skin, while fine hair called lanugo covers her body. These help protect the skin while floating in amniotic fluid. Hair may also start to sprout on the head, and muscles are growing stronger.

Mayo Clinic notes that by week 19, your baby is about 5.5 inches long and weighs 7 ounces—see their fifth month of pregnancy guide for week-by-week details. The baby’s lungs are fully formed by the end of the second trimester, though not yet ready to breathe air.

By the end of this month, your baby’s eyes are still closed but will open in the coming weeks. The 20-week ultrasound is your best chance to see detailed anatomy.

What the 20-Week Ultrasound Reveals

The anatomy scan, usually scheduled between weeks 18 and 22, is a major event in the fifth month. It’s your most detailed look at your baby so far.

1. You can learn the baby’s sex. If you choose to, the sonographer can often tell you from the scan images.
2. The anatomy scan checks major organs. The sonographer examines the baby’s heart, brain, spine, kidneys, and limbs for development.
3. You’ll see fingers, toes, and facial features. Many parents watch the baby yawn, stretch, or suck their thumb on the screen.
4. It confirms your due date. Measurements of the baby’s size help verify or adjust the estimated delivery date.

This scan is also a good time to ask questions. If you have concerns about your baby’s position, movement, or weight, the technician can provide real-time information.

Common Questions About the Fifth Month

Many women wonder whether the changes they’re seeing are normal. Below are a few quick answers based on typical second-trimester experiences.

Your belly button popping out is common and usually harmless. Stretch marks may appear and often fade after pregnancy. Weight gain by month five is generally around 10–15 pounds total, but that varies widely. If you’re unsure about any change, your OB or midwife can help.

Your 20-week ultrasound is a key appointment this month—Enfamil’s 20-week ultrasound appointment guide walks through what to expect during the anatomy scan.

The Bottom Line

At 5 months pregnant, your belly becomes more noticeable, your baby reaches banana size, and the 20-week ultrasound offers a detailed glimpse of development. Every pregnancy is unique—your bump may look different than someone else’s, and that’s okay. Most changes, from stretch marks to an outie belly button, are normal and temporary.

If you have specific questions about your baby’s movements, your weight gain, or the anatomy scan results, your obstetrician or midwife can give you personalized guidance based on your pregnancy and health history.