2nd Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Second Trimester (Week 14 thru 27)
Welcome to your second trimester of pregnancy! At the onset of your second trimester you may begin to feel as though things are getting a bit better. Chances are good now that “morning sickness” is easing up and you’re starting to adjust to the new life inside of you. You are likely to have more energy than in your first trimester, feel less breast tenderness, less constipated, and just generally less of most of your 1st trimester discomforts. And while some worrying throughout pregnancy is normal, the second trimester often bring with it peace and tranquility for many women, especially since the risk of miscarriage has significantly decreased.
Your uterus, at its highest point, is now at the beginning of the second trimester slightly above your pubic bone. This will, if it hasn’t already, bring on another pregnancy milestone – your tummy might be getting pushed out a bit, and even more if this isn’t your first pregnancy. Starting to show is really exciting for many pregnant women as it’s real physical proof to the outside world that you have brand new life in your insides.
As another exciting point, if you haven’t already, start to tell your family, friends, and co-workers of your exciting news. You may want to read our article Telling Your Boss You’re Pregnant for tips and ideas to get the plan and conversation going at work.
Changes in Your Body During the Second Trimester
Though pregnancy may be getting easier, it’s just as important that you stay informed on all the changes happening with you and your growing baby. And while your first trimester pregnancy symptoms may be fading, there will be an onset of new changes.
As you gain weight and your baby continues to grow, your abdomen will expand. Before this trimester is over, you may be able to feel your baby moving! During the second trimester, your uterus will grow from being below your belly button (just above your pubic bone) to 2 inches above your belly button and the size of a soccer ball!
Some of the aches and pains you had in the first trimester may continue while other subside. Remember to follow some tips and suggestions from the Pregnancy Discomforts articles to help ease some of your 2nd trimester symptoms.
During the second trimester, you may have some of the following aches and pains:
- Pain in the abdomen, groin, and thighs.
- Shortness of breath
- Stretch marks
- Backaches
- Skin changes
- Tingling in hands and fingers
- Itching on the palms, soles of the feet, and abdomen
If you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), or fatigue combined with itching, call your doctor right away. This could be signs of a serious liver problem called cholestasis of pregnancy.
Weight Gain
Every pregnant woman will gain weight differently. However, on average, it’s normal to gain about one pound per week or about three to four pounds per month during the second trimester. Talk with your doctor or midwife about weight gain that is appropriate for your pre-pregnancy weight or if you’re concerned you’re gaining weight too rapidly or too slowly.
Changes in Your Baby
At the end of your second trimester, your baby will have gone from weighing about ½ an ounce to weighing from about 1 ¾ pounds to 2 pounds. He or she will also go from 3 inches from crown to rump to be about 13 inches long.
Your baby’s growth includes the development of fingers, toes, eyelashes, and eyebrows. By the end of this trimester, all of your baby’s essential organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys are formed.
Boy or Girl?
During your second trimester of pregnancy, somewhere between 18 weeks and 22 weeks, you will undergo what is known as an anatomy scan, also known as a level 2 ultrasound. During this test, the lab technician will be able to tell if your baby is a boy or girl – considering that your little one doesn’t hide the goods during the exam. Remember, if you don’t want to know, tell your practitioner beforehand.
