Second trimester (13- 28 weeks)
Week 13
You are officially in your second trimester. Baby is around 3 inches long now. Your baby is the size of a lemon. Their intestine is mainly growing inside the umbilical cord and this week they are moving to the abdomen.
Their bones, legs, and arm are getting matured. Vocal codes are starting to develop. In this week you can hear the heartbeat of the baby.
Changes in you
In most women, the morning sickness like nausea and vomiting came to an end, and stop feeling exhausted and sleepy, you will feel more energy than in the previous weeks. Most of you will start wearing maternity clothing.
The percentage of miscarriages in this trimester is less than 99%.
You should start doing low-intensity workouts from this month onwards. To make you feel energized and not exhausted.
Week 14
Your baby is 3 and a half inches long and the size of a kiwi fruit. Their body hair starts to grow all over the body called lanugo. They can start to make facial expressions like smiling, sucking thump, and grime. Baby’s thyroid starts to develop hormones, the liver produces bile for digestion.
Their genital area is fully formed and in the next ultrasound baby’s gender can be identified. They start to consume amniotic fluid very little bit, which will be passed to their stomach and kidney after processing pass as urine back to the amniotic fluid.
Changes in you
You will feel more comfortable than in the previous trimester. But there is a chance of heartburn or symptoms of heartburn in most pregnant women. if you are facing it discuss it with your ob-gyn, they can suggest any medications.
Week 15
The fetus is around 4 inches long and the size of a pear now.
The genital area is well formed and you can now know the gender in the ultrasound (if the fetus is in the perfect position to see the gender). They have a see-through skin. The baby’s ears move into their final position.
Changes in you
For most women, your stomach starts to show. In some women nose bleeding happens which is very normal in the pregnancy. If it’s happening very frequently consult your ob-gyn.
Week 16
The fetus is around 4 and a half inches long and the size of an avocado.
Your baby can now understand day and night (perceive light). The fetus’ heart beats around 150/180 beats per minute. And they can move from side to side. Babies can now understand the taste of amniotic fluid, which means they can now taste food through amniotic fluid. Baby’s muscles continue to develop, and the skeleton becomes stiffer.
Changes in you
You won’t see any major changes from the previous week. But the energy level will be higher. From this week onwards you should engage in duties to make you feel less likely to sleep all day.
Week 17
The fetus is around 5 inches long and the size of your palm. Baby fat stores start to develop, providing insulation and energy reserves. The bones are almost matured.
Changes in you
In this stage, you should be familiar with the sleeping position. You may notice some headaches now it’s called second-trimester headaches. You may feel the baby’s movements vary slightly.
Week 18
The fetus is around 5 and a half inches long and the size of a cucumber. They have started developing fringe prints and their nervous system is growing. The baby’s sense of hearing is developing, and the mother may feel gentle flutters as the baby moves more noticeably than in previous weeks.
Changes in you
This week your belly has grown bigger and heavier, so it’s a must to understand and practice the postures while sitting, standing, lying, and walking. In your pregnancy journey, these postures are crucial.
Week 19
The fetus is around 6 inches long and the size of a mango. Your baby is covered with a white creamy naturally occurring biofilm called vernix caseosa. The baby now has a sleep cycle of 18 hours of sleep and 6 hours of movement.
Changes in you
According to your body type, it’s the time when others will recognize you are pregnant. Due to the extra weight you are carrying, your feet are growing. Cramps arise this time, like back pain, leg cramps, and stomach pain. You should discuss it with your OBGYNC.
Weeks 20
You are halfway through your pregnancy. Your fetus is 6 and a half inches long and the size of a banana. The genital area is fully formed, (like if you are having a girl her uterus is fully developed and her vagina is in the process of development).
Changes in you
By the weight of your stomach, you probably feel pains so many of you start using the supporting belt (maternity belt) for your tummy. You can expect an ultrasound this week (an anomaly scan – 19 weeks and 6 days). Your baby’s gender will be confirmed on this scan.
Week 21
Your baby is about 7 inches long and the size of a carrot at 5 months and a week old. Compared to the previous month, the baby body is now more proportionate. They coordinate between body parts. It usually takes no longer than 22 weeks for you to feel the baby’s movement. The eyelids are unsealed and will be ready for work soon. Up to now, the liver produces blood in the baby, but from this week on the bone marrow is ready to develop blood cells.
Changes in you
For you, the sleeping position is very significant from the moment your belly starts showing and getting heavy. Heartburn, and other second-trimester issues like cramps, pains, and night cramps. The craving will be at its peak, and weird food cravings are normal in the pregnancy.
Week 22
Your baby is around 10 and a half inches (measured from the crown of the head to the heel of the foot) and the size of a coconut. Your baby looks like a newborn baby. And their body is becoming more proportionate. They are becoming more active in your belly. So you can feel the movement so clearly this week.
Changes in you
You gain a bit of weight. It is very healthy and normal to gain 1/2 pound this week. Maximum you need to consume 300 calories extra daily.
Week 23
Your baby is around 11 inches long, the size of a 12-inch ruler. You may find your baby gains weight much faster this time. They are developing fat cells. Their skin is less transparent now. Your baby is now practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid and exhaling it. Their vision is improving and they understand sound and light.
Changes in you
For you, your body feels warm because of the extra blood in your body. There will be pressure down the bladder by the growing uterus so there will be fluid leakage while laughing, sneezing, and coughing.
Week 24
Your baby is around 11 and a half inches long and the size of large corn cob. Due to the production of fat cells under the skin, they look even more like babies. They have eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair on the head but without pigment and can now hear noises from outside the uterus. Lungs start to produce surfactant, which is vital for breathing after birth.
Changes in you
You may experience swelling in your legs. You can use, stockings, or walking to reduce the discomfort in the leg and back cramps because of the extra weight you carry in the uterus you can use a maternity belt.
Week 25
The baby weighs around 1.5 pounds and measures about 12 inches from head to heel and the size of a zucchini. Their lungs continue to develop, and the blood vessels in the lungs start to form. The baby’s body fat increases, making the skin less wrinkled. The baby’s kicks and movements become more prominent.
Changes in you
You may experience shortness of breath due to the growing uterus putting pressure on the diaphragm. Some women may notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that prepare the body for labor.
Week 26
At this time, the baby weighs approximately 2 pounds and measures around 12 and a half inches in length. And their eyes start to open, and the eyelashes and eyebrows become more distinct. The baby’s lungs continue to mature, and they can exhibit stronger reflexes.
Changes in you
You may start to experience backaches, as the extra weight can strain the back muscles. Some women may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge, which is normal during pregnancy unless it’s accompanied by itching, burning, or a strong odor.
Week 27
The baby now weighs about 2.5 pounds and measures around 13 inches and half in length. Their brain continues to develop, and the nervous system becomes more sophisticated. The baby’s movements may become more coordinated.
Changes in you
You might experience heartburn, indigestion, or bloating as the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach. Some women may also notice swelling in their feet and ankles due to fluid retention.
Week 28
Your second trimester came to an end. The baby weighs around 2.75 to 3 pounds and measures about 14 inches in length. Their eyes can open and close, and their eyelashes are more defined. The baby’s fat layers continue to develop, making the skin less wrinkled.
Changes in you
You may experience shortness of breath, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the lungs. Some women might also have difficulty sleeping due to increased discomfort or frequent bathroom trips during the night.
To the end of the 2nd trimester, you should consider doing any exercises for faster healing after delivery. (Always check with your obg-gync). Use a supporting belly belt is a very good option. Always stay energized and active.
From finding the pregnancy to the healing from labor your ob-gyn is the one person who knows everything about your health, so he/ she is the only person who can provide you best answers to your doubts and concerns.
The above-mentioned details can vary from person to person. This is just an idea of what you can expect in your 2st trimester.
