You need rest and good sleep to handle the extra stress
The sixth month of pregnancy is a time of rapid growth and development for the baby. Your baby gets heavier day by day. It is not easy to get used to the extra stress derived from your physical and emotional changes, so fatigue may be a concern. Be kind to yourself, do not burden yourself with unnecessary work, and try to rest more.
You may find it difficult to fall asleep at night because finding a comfortable position can be complicated. From this stage of pregnancy until delivery, it is better to sleep on your side. You can place a pillow under your belly and between your knees [1, 2].
In the second trimester of pregnancy, you will probably notice thin stripes of pink, red, or brown on your skin, known as stretch marks. These appear in many pregnant women on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts. Stretch marks occur naturally due to an enlarged abdomen and in some places, the skin becomes thinner. Some women are genetically and hormonally predisposed to developing stretch marks [3]. Stretch marks are more common in women who are overweight during pregnancy; therefore, experts recommend adhering to a healthy diet from the very beginning of the pregnancy [4].
If you are expecting twins
At 23 weeks, a mom expecting twins is often the size of a mom carrying a single pregnancy at 27 weeks. Your proportions change faster than they would with a single pregnancy. Naturally, it's harder for you to adapt! Due to the rapid growth of the uterus, the rectus abdominis muscles may disperse. This condition is called diastasis. It is not dangerous and does not affect the viability of the pregnancy, but because of it, there may be problems with the restoration of the abdominal wall after childbirth [5].
Discharge
You may experience discharge from time to time. If it is light in color, thick and sticky, it is considered normal. Watch for discharge that has an unpleasant odor (such as a fishy smell), unusual texture (curdled or foamy), and is darker in color (green or yellow). These signs may indicate an infection, so see your doctor if they appear. If you have bloody discharge, seek immediate medical help [6].
