Trimesters are a very usefull way to think about pregnancy. The changes that occur to you and your baby are classified as early, middle, and late pregnancy, sometimes known as the first, second, and third trimesters.
The second trimester is the intermediate stage of your pregnancy, lasting from weeks 13 to 26. During this trimester, your nausea may subside and you may notice that you have more energy.
During the second trimester, your body faces some major changes. Your uterus may increase, and you feel some discomfort or aches as uterine ligaments stretch. The skin over your belly and breasts will stretch, which can cause mild itching. You may also notice stretch marks on your breast and belly .which tend to fade over time.
Even if your baby still weighs less than 1 pound, your blood volume will increase dramatically to keep up with your baby’s growing demands. This results in a slight weight gain.
Pregnancy can be a beautiful and exciting time, but it’s natural to feel anxious or depressed at times.
During pregnancy, one or both parents may experience strong emotions such as anxiety about the birth or coping as a parent.
Anxiety is normal, but if it persists or begins to interfere with your well-being, it could be a sign of prenatal depression or anxiety.
If you worry about anxiety, low mood, or depression, you should:
During the second trimester your baby will grow from about 7.5cm and 30 grams at 13 weeks to about 23cm and 820 grams at 26 weeks These measurements are not the same for everyone, and your baby’s growth may vary
Your baby will be able to move freely within your uterine amniotic sac. You may notice this movement around week 19 (or sooner if this is not your first pregnancy). It is frequently described as a fluttering or tickling sensation.
With time, your partner can also be able to feel your baby Movements like kicking and moving about by touching your tummy. By this way your partner may also experience pregnancy with you.
Your baby's bodily organs will continue to develop during these 3 months, Their liver, pancreas and kidneys all begin to work. At this time when kids might start to suck their thumb.
By week 20, your baby can hear sounds, including the sound of your heartbeat, and is starting to recognize your voice
Your healthcare provider may suggest doing second trimester genetic screening blood tests.
This test is known as a triple test or maternal serum screen (MSS) and in ths test the doctor will check the amount of 3 different hormones in your blood oesteriol, free beta HCG and alpha fetoprotein.
It screens for conditions such as Down Syndrome and neural tube defects. You may do this test from 14 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.
Another genetic screening test your doctor will offer in the second trimester is NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing). This blood test may be done in either your first or second trimester.
During pregnancy, some of the placenta's DNA (genetic material) enters your bloodstream. This DNA contains your child's genetic information. NIPT examines this DNA to determine if your kid is predisposed to a genetic problem.
Are any ultrasound scans routinely recommended during the second trimester?
Your health care provider will recommend ultrasound during 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This test is called morphology or anatomy scan.
This ultrasound checks for:
During pregnancy, eating healthily and being active is more vital than before. It benefits both your physical and emotional wellness, as well as the health of your kid.
Light to moderate activity is usually safe during pregnancy. Walking, swimming, yoga, and stationary cycling are all excellent exercises to incorporate into your second trimester routine.
High impact exercise and activities are not recommended.
Your food choices during pregnancy are extremely crucial, but this does not mean eating for two. What you consume during your pregnancy has been found to influence your baby's growth and health later in life.
The length of the fetus changes in the 13th week. It is now more than 7cm and is considered that it can swim quite vigorously.
Week 14th of the second trimester is known as sucking and swallowing because now your fetus is around 9 cm long and weighs about 45 grams which can suck its thumb. In terms of body development, the eyelids are fused, fingers and toes are growing nails and fine hairs are grown on the face.
In the 15th week, the skin of the baby is developing, the skeletal system is developing along with hair growth. During this time the baby starts to make a lot of movements with its head, arms, hand, and legs.
Week 16
The fetus is now 12-14 cm long in length and clear eyelashes and eyebrows have appeared, the tongue gets its tastebuds.
Week 17
From being about like a crown to a rump your baby is growing and weighs around 140 grams but is still very tiny. The facial muscles are strengthening along with practicing sucking and swallowing.
Week 18
In week 18th of the second trimester the ears of your baby move to the final position, eyes are still being developed, along with little fingertips and toes are officially formed.
Week 19
The baby is covered in vernix caseosa a waxy substance preventing the skin from being scratched or torn.
Week 20
The length of the fetus is around 21 cm in length where the ears are fully developed. fingertips have prints developed and the genitals can now be identified.
Week 21
Week 21 of pregnancy offers control over the movements and the legs and arms are now in proportion.
Week 22
Now the baby is about the size of a coconut and weighs just over a pound. Your little one is still growing but can now perceive lightness and darkness.
Week 23
Your baby is now capable of hearing the sound because the ears are now fully developed. They can respond to the sound by rolling or making different movements.
Week 24
The body of the baby now weighs around 0.6kg and are same as the size of the corn. The baby also experiences changes in its body because the lungs are now able to breathe and the face is fully formed.
Week 25
By week 25 the baby gets active and starts to kick and punch your tummy.
Week 26
The tastebuds of your baby are now fully developed and the nostrils are opening and allowing them to start smelling.
Week 27
Similar to the size of broccoli your baby is now learning the patterns of body movement, listening, and identifying day and night with the regular phase of sleep.
Visit New Concept Clinic, a Pregnancy Care Clinic in Dubai for your pregnancy care, or book an appointment with the top specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology in Dubai.
