Second Trimester
The second trimester marks a turning point for you and your baby. All major organs and systems have formed and the following six months will be spent growing. Your baby’s weight will multiply more than seven times by the end of the second trimester. By 28 weeks, your baby will be about 24cm long and weigh about 1.2kg.
Changes in the mother’s body
The second trimester is the most physically enjoyable for most women. Morning sickness usually abates by this time and the extreme fatigue and breast tenderness usually subsides.
Common symptoms during your 2nd trimester:
- Feeling your baby move for the first time commonly from 18-20 weeks
- Your pregnancy becomes more visible as the uterus grows
- Skin on the belly may itch as it grows
- You may feel aches and pains down the sides of your body or your groin as ligaments stretch to support the uterus. Backpain is also common as your belly grows
- Nasal congestion, nose bleeds and bleeding gums can be common. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth
- Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear
- White-colored vaginal discharge is common
- Skin pigmentation may change on the face or abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones
- Heart burn, indigestion, and constipation may continue
Your baby’s development
- Your baby kicks, moves, and turns.
- Hearing, swallowing and sucking reflexes are developing
- Vernix is formed: a creamy white substance on your baby’s skin that helps to protect the thin fetal skin. Vernix is gradually absorbed by the skin, but some may be seen on babies even after birth.
- Your baby goes through cycles of sleep and wakefulness, but there may not be a recognizable pattern of movements yet
- The 20th week marks the halfway point of the pregnancy
Prenatal visits during the second trimester
During the second and third trimester prenatal visits, your doctor will check the following:
- Any current symptoms or discomforts
- Your weight
- Your blood pressure
- Urine test – to detect protein which may indicate preeclampsia, toxemia or bladder infections, and sugar (which may indicate diabetes)
- Growth, size, and development of your baby
- Height of the fundus (top of your uterus)
- Fetal heartbeat
- Any other relevant medical checks as indicated
Our goal at Birthright is to provide you the best obstetric care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where you can talk to us about your needs.
Call us to discuss your care.
0800 247 848