Second trimester guide: when energy returns and your baby grows fast

The second trimester runs from week 14 to the end of week 27. Many people describe it as the most comfortable part of pregnancy: nausea eases and energy returns. Still, everyone's experience is different, and if you do not feel great, that is very common too.

How does your baby develop in these months?

Your baby both lengthens and gains weight, and the organs mature.

• In weeks 14–18, facial expressions form and your baby practises swallowing and sucking.
• Around week 20, the body is covered in fine hair and a whitish coating that protects the skin forms.
• In weeks 22–24, hearing develops; your baby may react to sounds and vibrations.
• In weeks 24–27, the lungs keep maturing and a pattern of sleep and wakefulness appears.

In all of these weeks, length and weight differ a little from baby to baby; your doctor interprets the ultrasound measurements.

What changes in your body?

• Your belly becomes noticeable. As the womb grows, the bump shows from the outside.
• Energy usually rises. Tiredness and nausea ease for most people.
• First baby movements. They are generally felt between weeks 16 and 25. In a first pregnancy they may be noticed a little later, and may feel like gas or gentle fluttering.
• Back and groin aches. The growing womb stretches ligaments; short, sharp twinges known as round ligament pain can occur.
• Skin and hair changes. A dark line on the belly, patches on the face or itching can appear.
• Blocked nose, bleeding gums, leg cramps.

Check-ups and tests

According to the Turkish Ministry of Health guideline, the 2nd antenatal visit takes place between weeks 18 and 24. A detailed ultrasound is usually planned in these weeks, looking at your baby's organs, growth and the position of the placenta. If you wish, the baby's sex may be seen at this scan, depending on the images. Some people are offered additional screening such as the triple or quadruple test or NIPT between weeks 10 and 22. The glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is usually done between weeks 24 and 28 and helps pick up gestational diabetes early. Since the 3rd visit falls in the window starting at week 28, you can plan that appointment toward the end of this trimester.

What can you do?

• Eat a balanced diet and keep drinking water. Ask your doctor about iron and calcium supplements.
• If your doctor agrees, move gently with brisk walks, swimming or pregnancy yoga.
• Instead of lying flat on your back for long periods, try lying on your side; a pillow between the knees can help.
• Moisturising the belly may ease itching; stretch marks are largely down to skin type and family traits, so please do not blame yourself.
• Once you notice movements, get to know your baby's daily pattern. The kick counter in the app can come in handy in the coming weeks.
• For many people this is a suitable window for travel; ask your doctor before a trip.
• You can slowly begin preparations such as a birth class, the nursery and leave plans.

When to contact your doctor

• Vaginal bleeding or a steady watery discharge
• Belly pain or tightening that comes back at regular intervals
• Sudden, marked swelling of the face or hands, a severe headache or blurred vision
• Fever or burning when passing urine
• A clear drop in your baby's movements once you have felt them
• Swelling, pain and redness in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath (if urgent, call 112)

Make time for yourself

After the intensity of the early months, this stage can be a breathing space. You do not have to feel equally well every day, though. Some days you may feel tired, others excited.

This article is for information only; your doctor's or midwife's advice for your own situation comes first.