Hormonal changes or just heavier?

Michael and I can SEE kicks and movement sometimes, usually after dinner, and it's possible to feel my pulse rate easily through my abdomen.

At the 6-month mark, I now weigh more than I have ever weighed.
+ spreading feet - shoes and boots are tight in the width
+ hip joints ache (usually whichever side I've slept on)
+ itchy skin over the abdomen

According to the most recent update the Baby Center sent, my uterus is the size of a soccer ball and the bean is approximately 12 inches long and weighs about one pound.