TL;DR
- The second trimester typically starts around week 13 and lasts until week 27.
- Common symptoms you might experience during this time include improved appetite, mood, and energy, a bigger belly and stretched skin, back pain, and bleeding gums.
- The fetus experiences rapid growth and development, with noticeable increases in length and weight, maturation of vital organs, improved movement, responses to stimuli, and fat accumulation.
- Tests during pregnancy may include blood pressure monitoring, weight checks, urine tests, ultrasounds, and genetic screenings.
- Eating healthy, taking supplements, going for appointments, and doing light exercises are recommended.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, drugs, alcohol, and similar harmful substances.
Second Trimester Guide
Pregnancy is different for every woman. For some, it can be a fairly smooth journey, while for others it may feel more challenging. Many expecting women find the first trimester to be an uphill climb, with morning sickness, heartburn, sore breasts, and constant fatigue making daily life harder. If you’ve already gone through a challenging first trimester, you may be anxiously wondering what’s in store for you when your second trimester starts.
Typically beginning around the 13th week and lasting until the end of the 27th week, the second trimester is fortunately referred to as the “easier” stage of pregnancy. For many women, this is the time when discomfort begins to ease up, energy levels improve, and the experience can feel a little more enjoyable.
This blog breaks down what to expect when your second trimester starts.
How Do You Change During the Second Trimester?
Well, for starters, it becomes more evident that you are expecting (that means you finally get to show off your baby bump!). Most women notice that their mood improves and they feel more energetic, as hormones usually stabilize during this period. However, it’s also completely normal if this isn’t the case. Remember, everyone’s pregnancy journey is different.
Some additional symptoms may also appear, though they can vary from woman to woman:
- You might feel hungrier than usual.
- By 18-20 weeks, you might feel fetal movements for the first time.
- Pain along the body’s sides or in the lower abdomen.
- The skin around your belly stretches and might begin to itch.
- You may notice that the frequent urge to urinate from the first trimester starts to ease.
- Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums might occur due to the effect of reproductive hormones on the nasal and oral mucous membranes.
- You may develop hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and white vaginal discharge.
- The skin on your belly and face might change color.
- Back pain due to increased weight.
- Ankles, hands, and feet might swell.
- Digestive issues and heartburn might continue.
How Does Your Baby Develop During the Second Trimester?
The reason why many expecting women look forward to the starting of the second trimester is because the fetus hits a new high of growth and development. By the second trimester’s end, the fetus is usually between 13 and 16 inches in length and weighs 2-3 pounds. All the important biological systems and organs are formed, and several important changes take place:
- The fetus moves, kicks, and exhibits side-to-side movement.
- Sucking and swallowing reflexes develop.
- Eyes and ears gradually take up the positions they are supposed to.
- Your little one can hear you and even react to certain kinds of stimuli.
- A protective, creamy film appears on the fetus’s skin.
- The placenta develops completely.
- The fetal brain grows rapidly.
- Hair appears on the little one’s head.
- Fingers and toes of the fetus separate, and nails grow on the tips.
- Prints on fingers and toes also form.
- Eyelids start opening.
- The baby sleeps and wakes up in a cyclical manner.
- Eyelashes and brows appear.
- The baby starts accumulating fat.
Medical Testing in the Second Trimester
It is useful to plan for when the second trimester starts, as this can help you prepare for necessary screenings and tests. Generally, a healthcare provider will conduct routine tests to check your weight, urine composition, and blood pressure.
They may also screen for gestational diabetes and potential genetic conditions in the fetus. Ultrasounds are conducted to track the baby’s growth and development, and during the second trimester, they can often reveal the baby’s sex.
Any other test a doctor recommends will depend on your age, medical history, and current health status.
Second Trimester: Dos and Don’ts
After you pinpoint when your second trimester starts and learn what it entails, it’s time to understand some essential dos and don’ts.
Dos
- Attend prenatal check-ups regularly to monitor your health and your baby’s development.
- Stay active with safe exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, unless advised otherwise.
- Take prenatal supplements as prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated and get enough rest to support your energy levels.
Don’ts
- Eat deli meats, undercooked or raw meat, as they may carry harmful bacteria.
- Consume unpasteurised milk or dairy products, which can pose infection risks.
- Include mercury-heavy fish such as king mackerel, shark, or swordfish in your diet.
- Use alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs as they can harm the baby’s growth.
- Spend time in saunas or hot tubs, which can raise your body temperature to unsafe levels.
- Handle cat litter directly to avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection).
Have a Safe Second Trimester and Beyond with the Right OB-GYN
With the right pregnancy care provider by your side, you can receive informed and expert guidance on any question, including what to expect when the second trimester starts. They hold your hand at every step of the pregnancy journey, from diet planning and pelvic health tips to delivery and postpartum care.
By partnering with a suitable OB-GYN, you can also receive reliable guidance on supplements, complications, genetic risks, and so on. Hence, zeroing in on an expert and forging a strong bond with them early on is the key to happy, healthy motherhood.
Enjoy Different Pregnancy Stages with Almara Clinic
At Almara Women’s Health, we’re here to walk this journey with you. Pregnancy can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, and you deserve care that makes you feel confident every step of the way. Our board-certified OB-GYNs will take the time to explain what’s happening with your body week by week, answer your questions, and give you advice that’s tailored to you and your baby.
With 10 clinic locations across the Twin Cities, you can choose the one most convenient for you. We encourage you to connect with us even before you begin trying to conceive, so we can help you prepare for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Need a consultation? Schedule an appointment at your nearest Almara Clinic, or email your questions anytime to hello@almara.com.
FAQs
- When is the beginning of the second trimester, and when does it end?
The second trimester usually kicks off around week 13 and continues until the end of week 27.
- What are some common bodily experiences during the second trimester?
The belly grows and its skin stretches during this time. Increased appetite, better mood, nasal congestion, bleeding gums, and back pain are some other common changes.
- How does the fetus develop during the second trimester?
The fetus starts growing rapidly, moves, develops reflexes, and gains fat. Fingers, toes, and vital organs take on better form and features, such as hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
- What tests are generally conducted during the second trimester?
Doctors usually conduct ultrasounds, genetic tests, and examine your blood pressure, weight, and urine.
