Congratulations, you’ve made it through the first trimester of your pregnancy! You’re now a third of the way to meeting your baby. If you experienced some of the common ailments during your first trimester, you’ll appreciate the reprieve that the second trimester often brings.
Unlike the first trimester, the second tends to be somewhat calmer as your body – and those lovely raging hormones have had some time to adjust to the major changes that come with pregnancy. In fact, the second trimester is often called the ‘golden period,’ because many of the unpleasant effects of early pregnancy begin to subside. You’ll enjoy decreased nausea, better sleep patterns, and an increased energy level. If this is your first pregnancy, you’ll also start showing more during this trimester.
To help you better navigate this stage of pregnancy, we’re breaking down what to expect during the second trimester – which begins in week 13 and runs through week 26. We’ve included what to expect during your monthly prenatal visits, common physical changes you may experience, your baby’s development, and recommendations to help you better prepare for your baby’s arrival.
Prenatal Visits
During the second trimester, your prenatal appointments will focus on your baby's growth. Your health care provider will begin by checking your weight and blood pressure. He or she might measure the size of your uterus by checking your fundal height — the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus (fundus).
You’ll also be able to listen to your baby’s heartbeat via a sound Doppler. Your health care provider might suggest an ultrasound or other screening tests this trimester. The 20-week ultrasound, which is typically done between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, – is a standard exam to evaluate several features of the pregnancy. This includes fetal anatomy, growth, amniotic fluids and the placenta, to ensure that your baby’s development is on track. This ultrasound also offers you the chance to find out your baby’s sex if you choose.
What You’re Experiencing
There are several common physical changes that occur during the second trimester. Some of these may cause slight discomfort, but they indicate that your body is doing exactly what it needs to accommodate and nurture your growing baby. The following are a few common physical changes:
- Growing belly and breasts – As your uterus expands to make room for the baby, your belly grows. Some women wear a belly band to help support their growing bellies and provide relief. Your breasts will also gradually continue to increase in size. Wearing a bra with wide straps or a sports bra provides more comfort.
- Braxton Hicks contractions – You might feel these mild, irregular contractions, which are more likely to occur after physical activity or sex. Contact your provider if the contractions become regular and steadily increase in strength, which can be a sign of preterm labor.
- Skin changes – You might notice brown patches on your face (melasma) and/or a dark line down your abdomen (linea nigra), which usually fade after delivery. Many women also experience stretch marks on their abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and/or thighs. Although stretch marks can't be prevented, most eventually fade.
- Nasal problems – As your hormone levels increase, your body makes more blood, which can cause mucous membranes to swell. This results in stuffiness and nosebleeds. Saline drops or a saline rinse can help relieve congestion.
- Bleeding gums – Pregnancy can cause your gums to become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, causing some minor bleeding. Rinsing with salt water and switching to a softer toothbrush can decrease irritation.
- Dizziness – Circulation changes during pregnancy often cause moments of lightheadedness. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, avoid standing for long periods, and move slowly when you stand up or change position. If you feel dizzy, try resting on your side until the feeling passes.
- Nightly leg cramps – Leg cramps are another common complaint during pregnancy, especially at night. To prevent them, stretch your calf muscles, stay physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and choose comfortable, supportive shoes. For relief, stretch the calf muscle on the affected side. A hot shower, warm bath or ice massage might also help.
These are just a few of the most common physical changes (or annoyances) that occur during the second trimester. However, if you experience any unusual or painful symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your OB/GYN. Your primary focus should be to have an uneventful, uncomplicated pregnancy that results in a healthy baby and a healthy (mostly happy) you.
Your Baby’s Development
Just as you’re experiencing certain physical changes, your baby is rapidly changing during the second trimester as well. The bones are beginning to harden in your baby’s skeleton, especially in the skull and long bones. Your baby’s skin is still thin and transparent, but it will soon begin to thicken. Many significant developments occur from weeks 14 through 26, including:
- Week 16 – your baby's limb movements are becoming coordinated and can be detected during ultrasound exams. However, these movements are still too slight to be felt by you.
- Week 18 – your baby can hear sounds and his or her digestive system has started working.
- Week 20 – your baby has been active throughout the entire pregnancy even though you probably couldn’t tell. However, you’ll probably notice these movements now. Also, your baby’s genitals are identifiable via ultrasound if you choose to find out your baby’s gender.
- Week 23 – your baby begins to have rapid eye movements. Your baby might begin hiccupping, causing jerking movements that you can feel.
- Week 25 – your baby might be able to respond to familiar sounds, such as your voice, with movement.
- By the end of the second trimester, your baby's lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, which allows the air sacs in the lungs to inflate. Your baby measures approximately nine inches from crown to rump and weigh nearly two pounds.
Preparing for Baby’s Arrival
Now that your energy has rebounded somewhat, you may want to consider making certain preparations for your baby’s arrival:
- Sign up for a childbirth preparation class for tips on coping with labor, relaxation methods, breathing patterns, pain management options, and postpartum adjustment strategies.
- If you’re planning to breastfeed, consider signing up for a breastfeeding class or consult with a lactation specialist to learn more about what you need to do to prepare.
- If you work, talk to your employer about your company’s maternity leave option and what benefits are available to you, so you can plan accordingly.
- Research local daycare providers or other care giving options (e.g., nanny, mothers’ day out, etc.) that are available and will work with your needs.
- Start planning your baby’s nursery and consider buying a crib, car seat and other necessary baby items. You can also register at a local baby store, allowing friends and family to purchase these items as baby gifts.
SLUCare OB/GYN and Women’s Health at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis offers comprehensive care for women at every stage of life — from pediatric and adolescent care to pre-pregnancy planning and counseling through pregnancy and beyond.
For more information about prenatal care and what to expect when you’re expecting, visit https://www.ssmhealth.com/maternity/expecting-a-baby
