The Second Trimester

Woman in her second trimester setting up baby’s crib in a nursery

Congratulations, you have reached your second trimester!

Many women enter this trimester with a sigh of relief for having survived the first trimester with all of its challenges. Some people choose to wait until entering the second trimester to let people know they are pregnant. This trimester has many exciting aspects in store!

The second trimester comprises weeks 13-27. For some women, their morning sickness starts to lessen and they begin to feel more energetic. Many women state that this is the trimester that they feel the best. As the uterus grows, it moves out of the pelvis, relieving pressure on the bladder. One of the most exciting times of this trimester is feeling the baby move for the first time, often between weeks 14-20.

The baby is developing rapidly. By the end of this trimester, the baby’s sex organs have developed, along with fingernails, toenails, and eyebrows. They start to grow hair and meconium forms in their intestines. They are capable of performing all the movements that they will be doing as a newborn by 18 weeks gestation. They are able to hear and practice breathing in utero. Moreover, the baby’s chance of survival outside of the womb increases after week 23.

What to consider during this stage:

Many people are holding their breath, waiting to get to the second trimester and to what they consider the “safe zone.” While there are still many challenges to come, many feel like they can breathe a sigh of relief as they settle into this new trimester. As the baby starts to move and kick, it can be a big reminder that there is a life growing inside of you. As you progress through the rest of your pregnancy, your baby will learn your voice. Use this trimester to bond with your baby. Talk and sing to them. Caress your growing belly. Get your partner involved with bonding as well by talking to the baby. Some women play classical music or read to their baby.
While many women find relief from nausea and vomiting in this trimester, other symptoms might start. Constipation can be relieved by eating high-fiber foods and drinking lots of water. As your belly grows, this can put a strain on your back. Finding a quality chiropractor often brings relief to back pain. Some women also find that their gums become swollen or bleed during pregnancy. This is caused by hormonal changes that can cause gums to swell.
Your provider might offer various tests and scans throughout your second trimester. The following are a few examples…Maternal blood screening and amniocentesis tests for possible birth defects. Ultrasound to make sure that your baby is growing and developing normally. Glucose screening tests for gestational diabetes. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn details these and other tests that are commonly done during pregnancy (pp. 61-67). It’s important to note that while your provider might recommend some or all of these tests, you ultimately will make the decision. Evidence-Based Birth is an excellent resource when determining what, if any, tests you want to run.