Second Trimester: The Next Step of Your Pregnancy Journey

Heading into your second trimester of pregnancy? Here's what to expect.

The second trimester spans from weeks 13 to 28. A full-term pregnancy generally lasts about 40 weeks, which is counted from the first day of your last normal period.

“For many people, the second trimester is easier than the first,” says Nicole Fennimore, MD, Adventist Health Portland OB/GYN. “Morning sickness and fatigue have passed, and generally you'll feel more energetic and more like you did before pregnancy.”

Your changing body

You may experience some (or all) of the following changes during the second trimester.

• Breast changes: Your breasts will continue to develop milk glands and grow but will feel less tender. The skin on and around nipples may darken, and small glands will release an oily substance to keep the nipples from drying out. You may experience leaking of a yellowish fluid (colostrum).
• Skin changes: Stretch marks are caused by your growing belly. If possible, meet your doctor's recommended weight goals to minimize them— but they often fade after pregnancy. Moisturize to relieve itchy skin and wear strong sunscreen because of your skin is more sensitive to the sun now. A dark line can form down the middle of your belly from your navel to your pubic hair, and you may form patches of darkened skin on your face.
• Leg pains and cramping: To help with leg pain, sleep on your side. “Contact your health care provider right away if one leg becomes painful and swollen,” says Dr. Fennimore. “Your provider may check for deep vein thrombosis — also known as a blood clot.”
• Swelling in your ankles, hands and face: Wear loose, slip-on shoes to keep your feet and ankles comfortable.
• Back, pelvis and hip aches: This happens from the stress of your growing belly and hormones that relax ligaments to prepare you for childbirth.
• Loose teeth or bleeding/swelling gums: Loose teeth may occur because of relaxed ligaments in your mouth. They return to normal after pregnancy. If you have bleeding or swelling in your gums, see your dentist to check for periodontal disease. It can be risky for you and your developing baby.
• Mild stomach pain, cramping and heartburn: As your uterus grows, your abdomen becomes tight on space, causing stomach sensitivity and heartburn. To help with heartburn, drink fizzy drinks and try not to lay down immediately after you eat.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These can be caused by hormones and the growing uterus preventing your bladder from emptying completely. Check with your provider; untreated UTIs can cause early labor.
• Irregular contractions (Braxton Hicks) that go away quickly: You may notice a tightening in your abdomen. These Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they are rarely painful. If contractions become regular, painful and persistent, contact your health care provider right away or visit the emergency room.

Changes in your baby

You’re not the only one going through a lot of growth and change. Inside your body, the baby is developing quickly.

• Growth: Baby grows from about 6 inches and 4 ounces to about 14 inches and 2.25 pounds.
• Movement: You'll feel movements more often, and they’ll get stronger as baby grows. And near the end of your second trimester, you may notice the baby's sleep and waking cycles. Many women feel the baby moving when they’re resting, and don’t notice as much movement when they’re up and about. “If you’re concerned about how much you feel baby move, or if you haven’t felt baby move for a while, you can always call your provider’s office,” says Dr. Fennimore. “It’s perfectly normal for baby to rest when you won’t feel them moving as much — but your care team can let you know if you should pop in for a quick check.”
• Development: Around 20 weeks, or halfway through your pregnancy, the baby's sex should be clear from an ultrasound. By the end of the second trimester, the baby has an active digestive system, air sacs forming in the lungs and a rapidly developing brain.

Get ready!

From preparing the nursery to finding the perfect stroller, your to-do list may fill up during the second trimester. And while it’s the perfect time to tick through your tasks (before fatigue sets in again!), don’t hesitate to stop and rest when you need to.

By your third trimester, it’s time to register for birth, baby and breastfeeding classes. Spend some time now deciding which classes you’ll need. We offer both in-person and online classes for parents-to-be. If you’re still looking for a provider, meet our team.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Pregnancy Association; Office on Women's Health