Second trimester week by week

placeholding invisible text

Average rating:

Weeks 13-16

You: It's time to bask in the excitement of others when you tell them you're expecting (and the fact the sickness should start to ease off). Your heart is working harder to pump extra blood round your body, and you may feel breathless. But most women find the second trimester is the best bit.
Your bump: Your baby will be practising inhaling and exhaling and using her facial muscles. She's covered in a fine hair called lanugo.
Top tip: Studies suggest your baby can react to what she hears by around week 16. Try playing her your favourite songs.

Weeks 17-21

You: Your foetal anomaly scan will check your baby's development
and you may find out what sex it is if you choose to. Your skin may change at this time, so if it's usually dry it becomes oily, and vice versa.
Your bump: Her legs are getting longer and you may well feel those tiny fluttering kicks for the first time - a magical moment that's often mistaken for wind! She can suck, swallow and blink, and as her heart gets stronger her growth starts to slow. She's the size of a large banana.
Top tip: Your appetite might be increasing but remember, you don't need extra calories until the third trimester.

Weeks 22-26

You: Your breasts might start to leak colostrum - your baby's first food. It's quite normal, so don't worry. You might find that your hair is especially thick and glossy - bonus time!
Your bump: By the end of this month, your baby will be roughly 23cm long and perfectly formed (if a little scrawny). The lanugo thickens and darkens, her lungs are developing and her nostrils start to open.
Top tip: Snack on bananas to up potassium intake - leg cramps are common now and may be caused by a lack of potassium.

- Read what happens in the third trimester

Three reasons why you're not having sex
What to eat during your pregnancy
Foods to avoid

Previous page
Next: Third trimester week by week

Rate this!

Average rating:

All pages in this article

Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

SHANTE', 9 months

IM 16 YEARS OLD AND THE LAST TIME I HAD A PERIOD WAS IN SEPTEMBER ..AND WHEN MY BIRTHDAY CAME AROUND IN OCTOBER MY BODY JUS DID A WHOLE NEW CHANGE ..I STARTED TO EAT LESS AND I JUS BEEN SO MAD N ANGERY. THEN JANUARY CAME AND MY STOMACH STARTED TO G3T BIGGER BUT I HAVE HAD NO SIGNS OF MORNING SICKNESS OR BREAST TENDERNESS. NOW THAT IT'S FEBURARY I KEEP A SHARP PAIN IN MY RIBS AND MY STOMACH FEELS HARD AT TIMES AND IM NOT TIRED ALL THE TIME IM MORE WIDE AWAKE THEN ANYTHING ...SO SOMEBODY TELL ME AM I PREGNANT OR IS MY BODY GOING THROUGH A CHANGE

Report this comment

leanne parkinson, 10 months

I am 20 weeks pregnant this friday (30th Jan 09). I have quite strongly felt the baby moving for the last two weeks but now i have not felt anything at all for two days now and am anxious that something has happened. Am i worrying over nothing ?- thanks

Report this comment

Maria-Leigh, about 1 year

i found out that i was pregnent about a week and already a had to go hospital. iv been getting alot of pain in my belly and don't think i should be getting the nurse thinks im about 8 weeks but i wont no untll i do a scain. i'm sceard and don't no what to do. Terry-anne i wouldnt worry yourself for now.the baby wont be bigneath yet to see it and stress wont do your baby any good. i be fine and you will be a great mum. but like i said try not to stress and when it gets to 12 weeks your no.

Report this comment