The 3 Trimesters Of Pregnancy: The Second Trimester

The trimesters of pregnancy are divided up into three stages which are marked by specific fetal developments. Last month, we focused on the first trimester, which spans from week one to the end of week 12. This month, we will be highlighting the second trimester of pregnancy, which is from week 14 to week 27. Trimesters of pregnancy help women to understand the changes happening within their bodies and aid in understanding the development of their baby. 

The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we are committed to ensuring you understand your body as a woman and the three trimesters of pregnancy. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect in your second trimester. 

Trimester Two

Weeks 13 to 27 mark the second phase in the trimesters of pregnancy, and this is when your fetus begins to look like a child. During that trimester, your baby will go through a period of rapid growth, which is accompanied by a growing belly.  During this trimester, your fetus’ facial features become more apparent, and have now developed all its organs and systems. The second trimester of pregnancy is often considered the easiest trimester, as many unpleasant symptoms, such as morning sickness, subside. Some women even experience increased energy levels during the second trimester. 

Weeks 13 To 17

Between weeks 13 and 17, your baby begins to grow fine hairs called “lanugo”, which will eventually cover most of your baby’s body until it is shed before birth. Now that your baby has developed all its organs and systems, muscle development continues. Your baby is now beginning to make movements with their head, mouth, arms, hands, feet, legs, and wrists. By week 17, your baby weighs roughly 4.9 ounces and is about 5.1 inches in length.

Weeks 18 To 22

During these weeks of the second trimester, your baby’s soft bones will begin to harden, starting with the legs and clavicles. At 20 weeks, you are officially halfway through your pregnancy! At this point, your baby weighs roughly 11 ounces and is about 6.3 inches in length. Your baby’s taste buds have started to form, and the fetus has established enough nerve endings to feel touch. 

Weeks 23 To 27

In the last weeks of the second trimester of pregnancy, you may begin to experience more forceful movements, as your baby is regularly moving their fingers, toes, arms, and legs. By week 25, your baby’s hearing continues to develop to a point where he or she may now be able to hear your voice. By week 27, your baby looks similar to what they will look like at birth, just smaller, at roughly 2 pounds. 

Trimester Two Symptoms

Luckily, during the second trimester, your pregnancy symptoms tend to be less severe when compared to the first trimester. However, you may still experience a wide range of symptoms, including

• Inability or difficulty eating large meals
• Dull headaches or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Pelvic pain
• Growing belly and breasts
• Spotting or light bleeding

If you experience heavy bleeding, or if your bleeding is accompanied by strong abdominal pain, contact your health care provider right away. 

This guide to the second trimester can help you become knowledgeable regarding the changes to you and your growing baby. Are you a woman who has questions about the trimesters of pregnancy? Kernodle OB/GYN is here to guide you through with full-scope individualized women’s health care, including gynecological care, midwifery services, and low- and high-risk maternity care for women and their families. Check out our website or give us a call for more information.