The Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Congratulations! You have reached the second trimester of pregnancy, and for most women, this is when they start feeling better, get their energy back, and enjoy pregnancy more. The second trimester is weeks 13-28 of pregnancy. During weeks 18-20 you should start to feel the baby move, and around 20 weeks you will be offered an ultrasound to see how the baby is developing (detailed anatomy scan).
Your Body
Here are a few other things you might expect in the second trimester:
- A growing belly
- An increased appetite
- Body and muscle aches, round ligament pain
- Weight gain
- Darkening of the areola (the colored skin around your nipple)
- Developing of the linea nigra (dark line that runs from the pubic bone to the belly button)
- Some stretch marks around the breasts, belly, butt, and thighs
- Nosebleeds or nasal congestion
- Hemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
Your Baby
Just as your body is growing and changing in the second trimester, so is your baby’s.
- Baby will grow from the size of a plum at 13 weeks to the size of an eggplant at 28 weeks.
- During the second trimester, your baby will begin to look more like a baby: fully formed fingers and toes, defined facial features, eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair, and nails.
- Baby will start to stretch, make faces, yawn, hiccup, and suck their thumb.
- Usually by 28 weeks, baby’s movements will become regular and predictable.
- By the end of the second trimester, baby will start to be able to hear you and you may notice baby moving in response to your voice. It’s a great time to start reading stories or singing songs to your baby regularly. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/pregnancy/bonding-before-birth-reading-aloud-to-your-bump/
Your Schedule
- During the second trimester, you will continue with provider appointments every 4 weeks unless your pregnancy is considered high risk or your provider tells you otherwise.
- Around 20 weeks, you will have your anatomy ultrasound to see how baby is developing and measuring. At this time, you can also find out the sex of your baby if you choose.
- You will have more tests ordered by your provider to screen for your blood type, anemia, and potentially sexually transmitted diseases.
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise can help you have a healthy pregnancy and grow a healthy baby.
It is important to remember that pregnancy is different for everyone. You may not see improvements to nausea or experience a burst of energy in the second trimester. You may not enjoy being pregnant at all, and that’s ok. Make sure you discuss any concerns or questions with your care provider, especially if you continue to feel poorly or are struggling with positive thoughts towards your pregnancy and baby.
Heart to Heart Pregnancy Center offers many resources during the second trimester. You can schedule a nurse consultation visit where we can check your blood pressure and check your baby’s heart tones. We offer STI testing as well as free prenatal vitamins. We also offer a range of classes: childbirth classes in person or online, parenting and child development classes, and through an online portal called Bright Course, we offer life skills classes. After completing a certain number of classes with Bright Course, you are also eligible for a free car seat. We can also make referrals to community resources for services beyond what we offer. Give us a call or schedule your free consultation here.