Second Trimester of Pregnancy

It’s hard to believe, but the first three months of your pregnancy will fly by and before you know it you will be starting the second trimester of pregnancy. Learn more about the additional changes you will experience in your second trimester, here.

When Does the Second Trimester Start?

Some women call the second trimester, or the fourth, fifth and sixth months of pregnancy, the easiest time during pregnancy. Many discomforts of the first trimester will fade, and as your child reaches the size of a peach during this trimester, you will start to feel more like yourself.

Physical Changes in the Second Trimester

During what is sometimes known as the “honeymoon period”, your nausea from morning sickness should subside and your emotions should calm down from the rollercoaster of the first few months of pregnancy.

While you will have more energy than before, you might find that you feel breathless even walking up a few stairs. As your uterus grows to accommodate your second trimester pregnancy, it pushes up against the lungs, making it difficult to breath.

And now, in your second trimester, you will most likely need maternity clothes as your waist and hips will expand with the growing baby. As you reach the end of the second trimester, you will most likely have gained 16-22 pounds and possibly acquired stretch marks. Both additional weight and stretch marks have the potential to disappear with time and patience after you deliver.

Important Second Trimester Milestones

During the second trimester you will go to your doctor to receive an ultrasound, where you can see your baby, listen to its heartbeat and determine the sex, if you so choose. The doctor will be able to determine the progress of the baby’s development, including any observable health issues or problems.

At this point you will also experience signs of life such as, the babies movements within the womb, also known as quickening, or you might even feel your baby’s hiccups!

You might also start to think about baby names, and whether you want a traditional, popular or unique name for your child.

Now is also a good time to start planning your maternity leave, if applicable, looking into child care options, organizing a nursery and even pulling together a baby shower.

Development of the Baby

By the end of the second trimester your baby will reach about 6 inches in length and weigh about 4 ounces. Not only will the baby’s fingers and toes be clearly developed, but eyelids, eyelashes, nails and hair will form as well. Your baby will most likely start to suck his or her thumb, yawn, or even make faces.

Now that you have made it past the first trimester, it is time to enjoy the ease of your second trimester.