Second Trimester - Week by Week
Your Second Trimester (Weeks 14 – 27)
You’re already one-third of the way through your pregnancy and hopefully leaving behind most of your unwanted pregnancy symptoms. Your second trimester is weeks 14 through 27 of pregnancy. Below is a weekly overview of your second trimester and baby’s development.
Week 14
Welcome to the first week of your second trimester. While you still may experience some earlier symptoms, such as nausea and round ligament pain, you’re now going to get to experience some more beneficial symptoms of pregnancy, like thicker, healthier hair!
You’ll also see an increase in energy and appetite in your second trimester. While an increased appetite is normal and good, make sure not to overdo it and gain weight moderately. One to two pounds per week is what most providers recommend for healthy weight gain.
Week 15
Noticing you may be feeling a little more frisky? That’s normal and completely okay if you want to engage in intercourse if you and your significant other are up for it.
You may also be noticing certain foods start to give you gas or heartburn. Watch for what foods these are and limit them or avoid them for your comfort. Stock up on some antacids in case it strikes.
Shortness of breath may come and go along with nosebleeds. Less room in your body means more pressure on other organs and the increased blood flow that caused congestion early on can cause nosebleeds.
At this stage, your baby is able to move their limbs and joints and is probably wiggling a lot. Because they are still pretty small, you may not feel it or if may feel like a small flutter.
Baby is about the size of an apple.
Week 16
As you and your baby grow, you may begin to experience more back pain for the additional weight. Make sure to get rest and have good support if you’re on your feet a lot during the day.
Have you noticed your skin getting clearer? Do you finally have that pregnancy glow? Another bonus of pregnancy hormones along with your thicker hair.
Talking about hair, your baby is growing hair, and lashes, and eyebrows now. Make sure to talk to your baby as they are also developing the small bones in their ears to listen to you with.
Wondering what gender your baby is? Make sure to schedule your prenatal visits and ultrasound. An ultrasound to determine gender is usually between 18 -22 weeks.
Baby is about the size of an avocado.
Week 17
Time to get some good lotion as your uterus continues to grow and stretch your skin. Moisturize every day to try to avoid stretch marks and itchy skin to keep your skin healthy as it stretches.
Increase blood flow means increased bodily fluids, including mucus, vaginal discharge, and sweat.
Baby is now turning cartilage into bone and starting to build fat as well.
Baby is about the size of a pomegranate.
Week 18
If you’re not already, it’s time to switch to sleeping on your side. If you typically sleep on your back, turn over so you don’t put pressure on the large veins that help with blood flow to your heart, which may cause dizziness or lower your blood pressure too much. Consider a pregnancy pillow for additional support and comfort.
Make sure to get plenty of water to avoid cramps and try to relax to avoid backaches and anxiety. There’s a lot going on in your life right now. Consider scheduling a prenatal massage.
You may be starting to feel baby now as they are doing somersaults and kicking and punching. They are also beginning to swallow, hiccup, and yawn.
If you have your mid-pregnancy ultrasound scheduled you may be able to find out the gender of your baby (if you want to and if they cooperate). During this ultrasound the technician will take measurements of the baby’s entire body and your amniotic fluid to make sure they are on target developmentally.
Baby is about the size of a bell pepper.
Week 19
Your baby is now measuring around 6 inches long and over half a pound. While that doesn’t seem big, the uterus is making lots of room for baby to continue growing, so you’re probably experiencing some aches and pains. If these become severe, talk with your provider to find relief.
If you haven’t started looking into baby classes, now’s a good time to find some to prepare you for labor, delivery and brining baby home. These classes are great at answering questions and providing helpful tips and insights so you know what to expect.
Baby is about the size of a mango.
Week 20
Woo hoo; you’re halfway through your pregnancy! Beginning at this stage, your provider will start to measure your fundal height (the distance between your uterus and your pelvic bone).
Are you experiencing swelling? Hands and feet tend to swell the most and it’s a common symptom, but if it becomes painful, contact your provider.
Your baby now has functioning taste buds.
Baby is about the size of a banana.
Week 21
You may still be experiencing the same symptoms as previous weeks, such as leg cramps, indigestion, and stretch marks, but you may also begin to experience a new sensation – Braxton Hicks contractions. These are intermittent contractions of the uterus and it’s your body’s way of practicing for the big day! These typically go away if you move positions, but if they don’t go away or become painful, contact your provider.
You may be feeling super sexy, or you may be having some body image issues as you continue to gain weight and curves. Remember that all the weight gain has a purpose, from the amniotic fluid, to your uterus, to your baby and increased blood flow; all of these are vital pounds for the health and development of your baby. Nothing is sexier than that!
Baby is about the size of a carrot.
Week 22
Has your belly button popped out yet? If not, it might soon from the increased pressure of your uterus. Don’t worry; it won’t stay like that after delivery. Continue moisturizing itchy skin and to avoid stretch marks.
Breathing may become a little more difficult as baby starts to encroach on your lungs territory, but just remember to take it easy and rest if you’re feeling short of breath.
Consider scheduling a maternity shoot to capture this exciting time in your life. Aim for the beginning of your third trimester so you don’t push too late to due date and when you’re still feeling energized.
Baby is about the size of a coconut.
Week 23
Your baby is now over one pound and they are sleepy, often sleeping 12-14 hours per day. So don’t fret if you’re not feeling them constantly as they are sleeping and growing.
You may notice your gums are more sensitive and may bleed. This is normal, but if it becomes bothersome, schedule a dental appointment to have it checked out.
Now’s a good time to sit down and review financials as babies come with some additional expenses, from childcare needs, to baby room, to clothes and lots of diapers and wipes! It’s also a good time to confirm your insurance coverage and discuss maternity leave with your place of employment.
Baby is about the size of a grapefruit.
Week 24
Gear up for drinking some sugary juice as your provider will be scheduling a glucose screening test to see if you’re at risk for gestational diabetes.
You’re probably feeling baby kick a little harder now. Your significant other may also be able to start feeling their kicks so include them on this magical experience.
Are your feet swelling? Make sure to get plenty of rest and elevate your feet to reduce swelling. If you’re swelling is only in one leg, if it occurs in your face and hands severely, or if it happens suddenly, contact our provider, as it could be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication from high blood pressure.
Baby is about the size of an ear of corn.
Week 25
Each week you’re getting closer to meeting your little bundle of joy. Now is a good time to write out your birth plan and discuss with your provider.
Increased pressure on your bladder may make you feel the need to urinate frequently. Constipation is also common, which can also come with hemorrhoids. Talk to you provider about some creams and treatments if you’re getting hemorrhoids.
Do you feel your uterus get hard? That’s a contraction, in this case, most likely a Braxton Hicks contraction. Unless they don’t go away with movement or time, these are normal and nothing to worry about.
Your baby is probably pretty active now. You’ll start to notice some patterns of when he or she is awake or sleeping. If you haven’t felt baby move in a while and are worried, drink some juice or ice water, talk or play music to them, or move to wake them up.
Baby is about the size of a rutabaga.
Week 26
Restless sleep is common at this point, along with pregnancy brain and anxiety. Boost your mood and wakefulness with some light to moderate exercise. Caffeine is okay in a small amount if you need an extra boost of energy to get through the day.
Your provider will watch your blood pressure, as it tends to jump around this week. If it’s high, they may monitor you for preeclampsia.
Baby is building his or her immune system and even taking breaths of amniotic fluid.
Baby is about the size of kale.
Week 27
The final week of your second trimester! You’re almost two-thirds through your pregnancy, and that much closer to meeting your little guy or gal.
Leg cramps, hemorrhoids, frequent urination, Braxton Hicks contractions, and constipation are all common symptoms at this point in pregnancy. Take frequent pit stops to empty your bladder, eat a healthy diet with fiber, and get your legs up to rest to help relieve some of these concerns.
Now’s a good time to start researching and visiting with possible pediatricians as well as childcare providers to get everything set up for when baby arrives.
Baby is about the size of a head of cauliflower.