Second trimester checklist: what to do in weeks 14–27

Many people feel better after week 14: nausea eases and energy returns. That makes it a good time to plan. The list below puts tasks in order rather than explaining facts; the second trimester article in the guide covers development.

Health: visits and tests

• The 2nd antenatal visit falls between weeks 18 and 24 in the Turkish Ministry of Health guideline. Your baby’s growth, heartbeat and your general health are checked.
• Triple or quadruple screening can be done between weeks 15 and 22; NIPT is an optional choice. Talk to your doctor about which one to pick.
• The detailed anomaly scan is usually planned between weeks 18 and 22. Write down questions in your phone before you go.
• The glucose tolerance test is usually done between weeks 24 and 28; knowing the appointment now makes it easier.
• Vaccination schedule: ask your doctor which vaccines are given when, and confirm the weeks against the current Ministry schedule.
• With your doctor’s approval, a dental check-up is a good idea now.

Food and movement

• As appetite grows, choose nourishing snacks such as yoghurt, fruit, nuts and wholegrain bread.
• Try to include iron and calcium-rich foods; depending on your blood values your doctor may suggest supplements.
• Walking, swimming or pregnancy yoga a few days a week can work well. If you can talk without losing your breath, the pace is usually fine.
• Many people feel better avoiding long periods lying flat on their back.

Work and rights

• To find out how long maternity leave is and when it starts, see the rights article in the guide. For current figures, e-Devlet and your HR department are the reference.
• Talking early about working hours, standing for long periods or travel will make things easier later.

Preparation and shopping

• Draft a baby item list, but you do not have to buy everything now. Decide on the big items first (cot, car seat, pram).
• Registration for antenatal classes often falls in this period.
• Get maternity clothes, a comfortable bra and supportive shoes.
• To start on your birth plan, open the birth plan section of the app and jot down first notes.

Emotional care

• When you notice your baby’s first movements, note the moment; some people feel them between weeks 16 and 22, others later.
• Mixed feelings about the changes in your body are common.
• Set aside an hour for yourself: a book, a walk, a friend.

For your partner

• Go to the detailed scan together.
• Sit down for an hour one evening to talk about the nursery, budget and leave plans.
• Take short walks together.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to have all the screening tests? No. Which tests are done is decided with your doctor according to your preferences and situation. You can ask in advance what each test means and how results will be used.

When will I feel my baby move? Many people start to notice movements in the second trimester; the timing varies from person to person. Feeling movements later is not a cause for worry by itself, but if you are anxious, ask at your appointment.

Is it a good time to travel? For many people the second trimester is a more comfortable time to travel. Still, share long-trip plans with your doctor and take breaks.

When to contact your doctor

• Regular, increasingly frequent abdominal tightening or back pain
• Vaginal bleeding or a sudden gush of fluid
• Severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling of face and hands
• A clear decrease in baby’s movements once you feel them

In an emergency call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number. This post is for information; your doctor sets the right plan for you.