Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Summary

The second trimester of pregnancy, lasting from week 14 to week 27, marks significant fetal development and maternal changes. During this period, the fetus grows from three inches to about one foot long, with key milestones such as hearing and swallowing around week 20. Physical changes in the mother may include reduced nausea, stretch marks, and noticeable fetal movements. It's a time of growing energy and connection with the baby, prompting expectant mothers to engage with healthcare providers for any concerns about their health or the baby's development.

Takeaways

• 👶 Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, starting from the first day of your last menstrual period.
• 📅 The 40 weeks of pregnancy are divided into three trimesters, with the second trimester spanning from week 14 to week 27.
• 🍼 At the beginning of the second trimester, the fetus is around three inches long, and the sex organs start to form.
• 🌱 By week 16, the baby grows to about five inches and develops fine hair called lanugo on the head.
• 👂 At 20 weeks, the baby can hear and swallow, and movements may be felt as flutters in the lower belly.
• 🖥️ An ultrasound exam in the middle of the second trimester checks the baby's movement, heart rate, and size.
• 🫁 By 24 weeks, the baby's lungs are formed but not ready to function outside the uterus.
• ❤️ The baby's heartbeat can be detected with a stethoscope by the end of the second trimester.
• 🌟 Many women feel better during the second trimester, experiencing less nausea and fatigue compared to the first trimester.
• 💬 If there are any concerns about the baby's development or maternal health, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

Q & A

What is the typical duration of pregnancy?

Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, starting from the first day of the last menstrual period.

What are the three segments of pregnancy called?

The 40 weeks of pregnancy are divided into three segments called trimesters.

What significant developments occur in the fetus during the second trimester?

During the second trimester, the fetus grows from about three inches to approximately a foot long, eyelids close, sex organs begin to form, and the ability to hear and swallow develops.

At what week can a baby start making sucking motions?

By week 16, the baby's mouth begins to make sucking motions.

What physical changes might a mother notice during the second trimester?

Mothers may notice less nausea and fatigue, darker skin around the nipples, a dark line from the belly button to the groin (linea nigra), stretch marks, and swelling in the face, fingers, and ankles.

What is lanugo and when does it begin to develop?

Lanugo is fine hair that begins to develop on the baby's head around week 16 of the second trimester.

Why might an ultrasound be performed during the second trimester?

An ultrasound can check the baby's movement, heart rate, size, and may reveal the baby's sex.

When can a mother typically feel her baby's movements?

A mother may start to feel the baby's movements as fluttering in the lower belly around week 20.

What happens to the lungs of the fetus by 24 weeks?

By 24 weeks, the lungs are formed but are not yet ready to function outside of the uterus.

What should a mother do if she has concerns about her pregnancy?

If a mother has any questions about her baby's development or concerns about her own health, she should talk to her healthcare provider.