End of second trimester symptoms

Second Trimester: Symptoms and Baby Development

For many moms-to-be, the second trimester is the most enjoyable and comfortable phase of pregnancy. You’re now in that sweet spot where your morning sickness has most likely subsided, and your baby bump isn’t so big that it gets in the way or causes any aches. You may even experience a burst of energy! Read on to learn about fetal development in the second trimester, and what’s in store for you during the coming weeks.

When Does the Second Trimester Start and When Does it End?

Wondering how many weeks are in the second trimester? The second trimester runs from 14 to 27 weeks of pregnancy, lasting 14 weeks or approximately 3 and a half months.

Your Baby’s Development in the Second Trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy, your baby’s development continues upon the foundation set in the first trimester. Your little one goes from being about the size of a nectarine to that of a head of cauliflower, and this growth spurt will become more visible to the outside world as your belly becomes more prominent. Each week of pregnancy brings something new; here are some of the highlights of fetal development in the second trimester:

14 Weeks: Sucking and Swallowing

Around the time you’re 14 weeks pregnant, your little one may start practicing sucking and swallowing motions, possibly sucking that thumb in the coming weeks!

16 Weeks: Baby on the Go

Around the time you’re 16 to 18 weeks pregnant, or soon after, you may feel a tiny flutter in your belly as your little one rolls around or does flips in the amniotic sac. This feeling is called quickening. If this is your first pregnancy, it may take longer for you to detect the sensations of movement. Conversely, if this is your second pregnancy, you may recognize the signs of movement sooner. This is just one of the many ways a second pregnancy can be different from a first. You’ll probably notice your baby’s kicks and movements are getting stronger from around 19 weeks onward. Your baby is growing but still has plenty of room to move now, which is a good thing because it gets a little more cramped during the third trimester.

17 Weeks: Your Baby Gets a Waxy Coating

The glands in your baby’s skin may already be producing a greasy substance called vernix. This will cover your little one’s body and acts as a waterproof barrier protecting the skin.

22 Weeks: Your Baby Has Eyebrows

Those little brows are visible now: tiny tufts of fine hair, with no pigment yet. Though your baby's eyelids are still fused shut for a few more weeks, his eyes can move now behind the lids.

23 Weeks: Your Baby Responds to Sounds

With his ears fully developed, your baby may respond by moving if he hears the sound of your voice or a loud noise. This is an excellent time to start singing to your baby and playing music — and don't forget to talk to him and tell him what you’re up to.

27 Weeks: Your Baby May Smile

Your baby’s first smile could be happening any day now, as babies often start practicing inside the womb from around 27 weeks. Smiling typically occurs when your baby is asleep, often during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.

Illustration of Fetal Development Week by Week

Click through the illustrations below for a visual representation of how your little one develops week to week during the second trimester:

What’s in Store for You This Trimester

These are just some of the highlights and things to expect in the second trimester:

Meeting your baby bump. Although it’s different for every mom-to-be, and can even be different from one pregnancy to the next, you might start showing early in this trimester. Around this time you might like to read more on when you may start to show.
Announcing your pregnancy. Although some people may have guessed already, some of your friends, family, and colleagues will be none the wiser about the news that you're expecting. Check out these fun and creatives ways to announce your pregnancy and share your news when you feel ready.
Finding out your baby’s gender (if you want to). At approximately 18 to 20 weeks pregnant you'll likely have an ultrasound scan to check on the health of your baby. During this scan your healthcare provider will also be able to diagnose certain placental problems like placenta previa. Spoiler alert: if you want to, you can find out your baby’s gender during this scan.
Throwing a gender reveal party. If you’d like to reveal your baby’s gender to family and friends at a special party, check out our guide to organizing a great gender reveal. These parties are a great reason to get your loved ones together, and no one will ever forget that special gender reveal moment. If you’re stuck on how to actually make the big reveal, check out these 50 gender reveal ideas.
Having tests and checkups. During the second trimester you’ll continue with your regular prenatal care. At your checkups, your provider may check your fundal height, which is the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus. This measurement helps your provider assess your baby’s size and growth rate. If you are at risk for certain conditions, such as gestational diabetes, your provider may recommend additional tests. In the case of gestational diabetes, a glucose test is performed to help your provider make a diagnosis.
Getting a maternity bra fitting. This trimester your belly and breasts will grow noticeably. You may need to shift to maternity wear or extra-comfortable pants and tops soon; don’t be surprised if you also need to go up a cup size. It could be a good idea to get professionally fitted to ensure you wear a supportive, comfortable bra. If your breasts are painful, read more on how to ease breast discomfort and consult your healthcare provider.
Experiencing an energy boost. During the second trimester, you may experience an extra burst of energy, which you can use in many ways! Begin or continue your exercise routine (though you'll want to check with your healthcare provider first) with some walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Start getting the nursery prepared and make a list of all the baby essentials you’ll need. Go on a babymoon! However you decide to use your extra energy, try not to overdo it and schedule time for rest as well.
Creating your registry. Although you still have plenty of time, now is a great time to start collating items for your baby shower registry. Thousands of Pampers Parents have voted on all the best baby gear to help you get started, but don’t finalize your registry without checking our list of registry must-haves first.
Upping your calories. Despite the famous saying, you don’t actually need to “eat for two.” Moms-to-be typically only need around 300 extra calories per day — that’s about a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich — as part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Read more about weight gain during pregnancy here and ask your provider for personalized advice. You can also use our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator for general information based on your pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index).

Second Trimester Symptoms

Here are just some of the symptoms you may experience during the second trimester:

Dizziness. Your body is experiencing changes in circulation, including less blood flow to your upper body and head. This can leave you feeling a little light-headed or dizzy. If you do feel light-headed, lie down on your side, if you can. Also, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. You might be able to help prevent dizziness by moving more slowly when you change positions or stand up. Above all, if you’re concerned about how you’re feeling, ask your healthcare provider for advice.
Round ligament pain. If you experience pain or cramping in your groin area, chances are it's due to round ligament pain. As the uterus grows, the ligaments that hold it in place in your abdomen stretch, and this can cause pain. Typically, round ligament pain is nothing to worry about, but if it becomes intense or doesn’t go away, contact your healthcare provider. Groin or abdominal pain during pregnancy can also be a sign of a possible complication, so your provider will need to rule out anything more serious. Other symptoms that could crop up are hip and pelvic pain.
Skin pigment changes. During pregnancy, your body produces more melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color — so your nipples may become darker, and brown patches may appear on your face (called chloasma or “mask of pregnancy”). You might also notice a dark line that runs from your pubic region to your belly button — this is called the linea nigra. These darker skin patches tend to slowly fade after your baby is born.
Itchy skin and stretch marks. As your baby grows and you gain pregnancy weight you may experience dry, itchy skin or develop stretch marks. There are no proven solutions for stretch marks, but a moisturizing lotion may help soothe itchy skin.
Sinus congestion. If your nose feels stuffed-up, making it difficult to breathe, it could be due to the hormone progesterone, which increases circulation to the mucous membranes of the nose, causing them to swell. This condition is called pregnancy rhinitis, and unfortunately there's not much you can do to make it go away. Staying hydrated can help you feel a bit better, and you can also try using a humidifier or dabbing a little petroleum jelly around each nostril to make your nose less dry. Saline drops or a saline rinse may also help.
Leg cramps. Some moms-to-be experience lower leg cramps that often strike at night. You can help keep these cramps at bay by stretching before bed and staying hydrated. If you do feel sharp pains in your calves, try massaging the muscle or taking a warm shower or bath.
Lower back pain. As you gain weight and your uterus expands, your center of gravity and posture can change, putting more pressure on your back. Exercise and stretching may help relieve some of the discomfort. Applying a heating pad or a cold compress may also offer some relief. If you can, try to avoid standing for long periods.
Constipation. Hormonal activity and your growing baby pushing against your intestines can lead to constipation. Although this condition can be uncomfortable, drinking more water and eating more fiber can help get things moving.
“Pregnancy brain.” Feeling a little spaced out lately? This could be due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or even stress. Experts don’t yet know whether pregnancy has a real impact on your memory and mental sharpness, but if you feel more scatterbrained than usual, just know that many other moms-to-be feel the same way. Try using your tablet or smartphone to stay organized with lists and reminders. Read more about whether pregnancy brain is fact or fiction and what you can do to keep yourself organized.
Thicker hair. During pregnancy, many moms-to-be find that their hair gets thicker and might grow faster than usual. It’s one of the physical changes you may really enjoy this trimester!

FAQs at a Glance

Checklist for the Second Trimester

Take a deep dive into the second trimester by reading our week-by-week pregnancy articles.
Consider getting some stretchy clothes to accommodate your growing bump.
Sign up for childbirth classes to ensure you get a spot. Read up on how to choose a childbirth class here.
Make an appointment for your second trimester ultrasound scan, which usually takes place between 18 and 20 weeks.
Ask your provider, what, if any, genetic testing may be recommend for you. Consider whether genetic tests like amniocentesis and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) testing are right for you. Ask your provider if you will need an Rh immune globulin shot. (This may be recommended if an earlier blood test showed you are Rh negative.)
Make a list of any questions you have about your pregnancy and childbirth so that you can get answers at your next prenatal checkup.
Ask your healthcare provider what options you have for labor and childbirth, and think about where you would like to give birth.
Think about whether you would like to write a birth plan.
Start doing pelvic floor exercises. Consult our guide to learn more about Kegel exercises.
Think about whether a labor support person called a doula may be for you, and start researching your options if yes.
Talk to your employer about your maternity leave if you haven’t already.
Connect with other moms-to-be in your area or online so that you have a support network of others who are going through similar things as you.
Start researching your childcare options for after your baby is born.
Still looking for the perfect baby name? Play around with our Baby Name Generator for inspiration.
If you’ve decided not to find out your baby’s gender during an ultrasound, have some fun playing with our Chinese Gender Predictor.
If you are given a printout of the ultrasound image, start your baby’s first photo album with it.
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What To Expect, Development & Tests

What is the second trimester of pregnancy?

The typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. It’s divided into three periods of time — the first, second and third trimester. Each trimester is roughly 14 weeks long. When you enter your second trimester, you are around 14 weeks pregnant. This middle trimester will last from week 14 to the end of week 27.

During your second trimester of pregnancy, you’ll start looking and feeling more pregnant. For many people, this is the best part of pregnancy because the morning sickness and fatigue of their first trimester fade into the past. Often, any anxiety that went with your first trimester also starts to diminish at this point. You’ll start to feel your fetus move by the end of this trimester, and you might begin to settle into your pregnancy and enjoy it more. Of course, it’s important to remember that pregnancy is different for everyone. Some people never experience negative symptoms like morning sickness in their first trimester. Others might continue to feel sick well into their second trimester of pregnancy.

How does my baby develop during the second trimester of pregnancy?

Your fetus will go through many changes during your second trimester of pregnancy. During this trimester, the fetus starts to look more like a child — with its facial features aligning, and its fingers and toes becoming well-defined. By month four, the fetus will actually have eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails and hair. The fetus will also be able to stretch, make faces and even suck on its thumb. You’ll soon be able to determine the sex of the fetus on an ultrasound — often around 20 weeks.

At this point, you might also start feeling the fetus move. The movement is often described as a flutter or similar to the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach. The fetus will be doing flips and movements throughout your second trimester. This first movement is called the quickening. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you might feel the fetus move sooner.

In the last few weeks of the second trimester, the fetus can also hear you. If you talk to your growing belly, you might notice movement in response.

If your baby was born at the end of your second trimester (premature birth), they would be likely to survive with intensive care.

What happens to my body during the second trimester of pregnancy?

The fetus isn’t the only one growing and changing during your second trimester. You'll notice several changes in your own body during this time. Your uterus — the place where the fetus grows during pregnancy — continues to stretch. This organ will expand throughout your pregnancy as the fetus gets larger. After pregnancy, your uterus will return to its pre-pregnancy size (picture an upside-down pear).

However, your uterus isn’t the only thing growing during the second trimester either. You’ll start gaining weight and might start developing the tell-tale enlarged belly of a pregnant person. Don’t worry if this takes time to develop. Everyone is different, and no two bodies will look exactly the same during pregnancy.

You might also feel or develop a few new symptoms of pregnancy during your second trimester, including:

An increased appetite.
An achy body.
Some swelling in your hands, feet and ankles.
Some stretch marks.

If you experienced morning sickness during your first trimester, it’s likely fading away now. The uncomfortable symptoms of early pregnancy (nausea and extreme fatigue, for example) don’t typically continue into your second trimester. This is one reason why many people consider their second trimester of pregnancy to be the best part of pregnancy.

What tests will I have during the second trimester of pregnancy?

Throughout your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will order various tests to check on your health and the health of your developing fetus. During your second trimester, you’ll typically be screened for a few different things, including the Rh factor of your blood and the condition gestational diabetes. You'll also have an ultrasound during your second trimester. This ultrasound is probably best known for telling new parents the sex of the fetus, but it’s mainly used to look at their anatomy.

One thing your provider will test for during your second trimester is your Rh factor. Rh factor is an antigen protein found on most people’s red blood cells. If you don’t have the protein, then you are Rh- (negative). You’ll be given an injection of Rh immune globulin (called Rhogam®) during the 28th week of your pregnancy to prevent the development of antibodies that could be harmful to the fetus. You’ll also be given an injection of Rhogam® after delivery if your fetus has Rh+ (positive) blood.

If you are Rh-, you may also receive this injection if you:

Are having an invasive procedure (such as amniocentesis).
Had an abdominal trauma.
Had any significant bleeding during pregnancy.
Need to have the fetus turned in your uterus (due to breech presentation).

Your provider will also order a test called the oral glucose screening test. This is usually done at the end of your second trimester — often between weeks 24 and 28. The purpose of the glucose screening test is to see if you are developing gestational diabetes. During the test, you’ll be given a syrup-like drink. The healthcare provider administering this test will give you a set amount of time to drink the entire bottle, then you'll be asked to wait nearby for one hour. After the hour is over, you’ll have your blood drawn. Your healthcare provider will then go over your test results with you.

What do I need to prepare or plan for during the second trimester of pregnancy?

There are many things you can start thinking about during your second trimester of pregnancy to prepare for your new family member. Many of these things will center around conversations that you should start having at this point in your pregnancy. It’s good to discuss the type of birth you hope to have and learn about the different ways your child might be born.

A few ways your baby could be born can include:

Vaginal birth (this could be medicated so that your pain is decreased, or unmedicated).
Assisted birth (you might need tools like forceps or a vacuum to help with your delivery).
Cesarean section (C-section).

You can learn more about these types of birth through your own research or in a birth class. This is the time for you to look into educational classes about birth, breastfeeding and parenting of your newborn. These classes can help prepare you for your new role as a parent. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on classes and groups you can join at this point in your pregnancy.

This might also be a good time to take a tour of the hospital where you’ll give birth. A hospital tour is a great way to get familiar with the place where your baby will be born. During the tour, you’ll learn where you should go when you first get to the hospital during labor and what will happen afterward. You’ll typically get to see hospital rooms and learn more about the hospital staff, as well.

What should I be doing during the second trimester of pregnancy to stay healthy?

Throughout your second trimester, you should continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Try to exercise for about 20 minutes a day. Regular exercise is good for you and your developing fetus. Some of the safest types of exercise include walking and swimming; though, there are many other options you can try. Talk to your healthcare provider about the type of exercise you'd like to do beforehand just to be safe. You’ll want to avoid contact sports and activities where you could fall, as these could endanger your pregnancy.

It’s also a good idea to do kegel exercises throughout your entire pregnancy. These exercises will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Apart from exercise, you should continue eating a healthy diet, taking your prenatal vitamins and attending each of your appointments.

When should I call my doctor during the second trimester of pregnancy?

You’re the person who knows your body the best. If you ever feel like something is wrong, it’s completely OK to reach out to your healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

Unusual or severe cramping or abdominal pain.
Noticeable changes in how much the fetus moves (after 28 weeks of gestation). If you don’t count six to 10 movements in one hour or less, call your provider.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that seems to be getting worse over time.

You should also reach out to your provider right away if you start having any signs of premature labor. Talk with your provider if you have any of the following signs of premature labor:

Regular tightening or pain in your lower abdomen or back that occurs more than four times in an hour.
Any bleeding in your second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Any fluid leakage. Vaginal discharge often increases as part of the hormonal changes in pregnancy.
Pressure in your pelvis or vagina.

Second trimester of pregnancy (from 13 to 28 weeks)

The beginning of the second trimester is traditionally considered one of the calmest. Walk more. Walking is very helpful. Sit down to rest only when you are tired. Movement in the fresh air improves the supply of oxygen to the fetus, which is very necessary for its normal development.

Nausea disappears, appetite improves. Do not eat a lot of salty, refuse marinades, smoked meats, if you have not done this before. The increased need of the child's body for proteins and vitamins begins. The daily diet should include meat or fish (boiled or stewed), dairy products, especially cottage cheese, eggs. Do not forget about vegetables, fruits, greens. An excellent source of vitamin C is sauerkraut (rather than salted) cabbage. Salads from carrots, cabbage, beets, apples, green radish should be on your table every day.

At 17-20 weeks you will feel your baby's first kicks. From them you can determine how comfortable the baby feels. Intense tremors are a signal of lack of oxygen. Maybe you haven’t walked for a long time or, on the contrary, you are engaged in hard physical labor. Get out into the fresh air or lie down to rest and you will immediately feel how the child has calmed down.

But the lack of movement is an alarm. See a doctor immediately!

The fetal need for calcium sharply increases - intensive growth of the skeleton has begun. If you don't have enough free calcium in your body right now, you could lose your teeth. To prevent this from happening, start taking calcium supplements in consultation with your doctor.

At this time, toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy may occur, the child suffers greatly from it. Therefore, if the doctor suggests hospitalization, do not refuse. Toxicosis can, if not be avoided, then at least reduce its manifestations. Be sure to follow your diet. Completely exclude salty, smoked, fried, spicy, canned food, chocolate. Do not eat a lot of grapes and drink fresh milk. Limit flour and rich products. As before, your diet should include boiled meat and fish, oatmeal and buckwheat porridge, vegetables and fruits

Periodically, once a week, check for fluid retention in the body. It is allowed to release liquid 200-300 ml less than what was drunk. If little urine is released, this is a signal of latent edema and the onset of toxicosis.

It is very good if you can measure your blood pressure at home. Show the results of measurements at the next visit to the doctor. Both high and too low pressure should alert. With low pressure, blood sluggishly crosses the placenta, and the baby does not receive enough nutrients.

Do not neglect blood tests - it is important not to miss the development of anemia. In this case, you will be prescribed iron supplements and multivitamins. The diet should include beef liver, tomato juice, buckwheat porridge, apples, preferably Antonovskie (they contain more iron than other varieties).

Women who are at risk of giving birth to a child with a genetic pathology (those who have severe hereditary ailments in their families), as well as women over 35 years old (they have an increased likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome) are referred for a consultation by a geneticist.

In case of a normal pregnancy at 20-22 weeks of pregnancy, a second scheduled ultrasound examination is prescribed.

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Tips to help you prepare for the second trimester of pregnancy

When does the second trimester of pregnancy begin?

The second trimester occurs from the 4th to the 6th month of pregnancy, namely from the 14th to the 27th week.

The most common physiological changes in the body and typical complaints

For a future mother, the second trimester is usually the calmest stage of pregnancy, when the manifestations of toxicosis disappear. During this period, a woman's pregnancy becomes noticeable, and her body continues to change. What changes occur in the body in the second trimester and what sensations can they be accompanied by?

Abdominal and breast enlargement : The abdomen grows as the uterus enlarges. The chest is also slowly but surely increasing.
Skin changes : skin may darken due to increased production of melatonin; this is most noticeable in the areolas of the nipples, and a dark vertical line (linea nigra) may appear on the abdomen. All these changes are temporary and after childbirth, as a rule, disappear.
Leg cramps and pain : in this case, it may be advised to stretch the calf muscles before going to bed, drink more water and do not forget about physical activity; exists special exercises that can be done during pregnancy . It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes and avoid tight, squeezing socks.
Back pain : back pain during pregnancy due to poor posture due to weight gain and belly growth.

Weight in the second trimester

Weight gain becomes more noticeable from the 4th month: in the second trimester, the rate of weight gain increases, and then decreases in the third trimester, when weight gain is mainly due to active growth of the fetus . As a rule, at this stage, weight gain is 300-500 g per week, but this is a very individual indicator and may vary.

Diet of a pregnant woman in the second trimester

The general recommendation is to adhere to the principles of a healthy and balanced diet: eat small portions, but often, prefer light meals, consume as much dietary fiber as possible and drink plenty of water to maintain optimal water balance.