Congratulations! You've finished the first trimester of your pregnancy. Between the fatigue, nausea and everything adjusting emotionally, there's no doubt that making it through those first 13 weeks is no small feat.
In part two of our four-part series, From Bump to Beyond, we're now moving into the second trimester. This is often considered the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. Your energy returns, symptoms tend to ease and your pregnancy becomes visible to the world in a way it wasn't before.
No two pregnancies look the same and during the second trimester, yours may look different. Let's walk through weeks 14 through 27 and the remarkable changes happening to both you and your baby.
When does the second trimester start and how long is it?
The second trimester begins at week 14 and runs through the end of week 27, spanning roughly the fourth, fifth and sixth months of your pregnancy.
This transition from the first trimester brings a noticeable shift. The hormonal surges that drove your first trimester symptoms begin to level off, and your body begins to settle into a more steady rhythm of supporting a pregnancy that is now well established.
The placenta has taken over hormone production, which means the nausea and exhaustion that defined the early weeks of your pregnancy begin to ease. It doesn't happen all at once, but enough changes occur that the second trimester is often thought of as the point when pregnancy starts to feel more real.
This is also the trimester when your belly begins to show, when you may feel your baby move for the first time and when many memorable prenatal milestones tend to occur.
Second trimester weeks 14 – 27: Noticeable growth and new milestones
The second trimester is where your pregnancy often begins to feel less like something happening to you and more like something you're part of. Symptoms that dominated the early weeks begin to quiet down and the physical evidence of your pregnancy becomes harder to ignore.
Here's a look at what's unfolding week-by-week during the second trimester:
- Weeks 14 – 16: Many early symptoms begin to ease as hormone levels stabilize and your energy often improves. Your uterus is rising out of the pelvis, and a visible bump may start to emerge.
- Weeks 17 – 18: This is when you may begin to notice the earliest baby movements, typically described as flutters or a gentle bubbling sensation. They can be easy to mistake for digestive sensations.
- Weeks 19 – 20: The mid-pregnancy anatomy scan is typically scheduled around this time, which is one of the most anticipated appointments of your pregnancy. This detailed ultrasound checks your baby's development and, if you'd like to know, can reveal the sex of your baby.
- Weeks 21 – 22: Your baby's movements become more distinct and regular as muscles strengthen and coordination develops. Your partner may begin to feel kicks from the outside around this time.
- Weeks 23 – 24: Growth continues rapidly. Your baby can now hear sounds from outside the womb and may start reacting to noise and voices.
- Weeks 25 – 27: Kicks, stretches and rolls become a regular part of your day. Your baby is filling out, and the movements you feel are becoming intentional.
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Second trimester symptoms and changes to your body (and what can help)
The second trimester of your pregnancy brings a different kind of physical experience than the first. The symptoms that made early pregnancy so demanding begin to soften. What takes their place is a new set of changes, most of them tied to a body that is visibly and rapidly adapting to a growing baby.
Some of what you notice will feel welcome. Other things may catch you off guard, like body pains, appetite, weight and skin changes, and digestive challenges.
And just as with the first trimester, your experience may not match what your friend, your sister or the internet describes. The range of what's considered typical during these weeks can vary from person to person.
Growing belly and round ligament pain
Round ligament pain is one of the most common second trimester symptoms and, while startling at times, is a normal part of your body making room for your baby.
As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, the ligaments supporting it stretch and shift. This can produce a sharp, shooting or pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or groin. Round ligament pain is most commonly felt when you change positions quickly, stand up or sneeze. It tends to come on fast and resolve just as quickly.
Slowing down your movements, changing positions slowly and gentle stretching can help take the edge off. A warm compress or supportive belly band may also provide some relief during times when it's more persistent.
Increased appetite and weight changes
As nausea fades, your appetite returns with real enthusiasm. Your baby's rapid growth during the second trimester demands more nutrients, and healthy eating for pregnancy matters.
| Foods to prioritize | Foods to limit |
|---|---|
| Lean proteins: chicken, turkey, eggs, beans, lentils | Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood and eggs |
| Iron-rich foods: spinach, red meat (in moderation), tofu | Unpasteurized dairy and soft cheeses: brie, camembert |
| Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread | Deli meats and hot dogs |
| Fiber-rich foods: pears, berries, lentils, chia seeds | Alcohol |
| Calcium-rich foods: dairy products, broccoli, almonds, plant milks | Excess caffeine: keep intake under 200 mg per day |
| Folate-rich foods: leafy greens, citrus | Highly processed and sugary foods: fast food, sodas, candy |
| Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, olive oil, salmon | High mercury fish: shark, swordfish |
Eating for two doesn't mean doubling portions; most people need only about 300 to 350 additional calories per day during this trimester. Weight gain is expected and healthy during the second trimester, typically around one pound per week for those at a normal pre-pregnancy weight.
This is also the trimester when gestational diabetes screening takes place, usually between weeks 24 and 28. Gestational diabetes develops when pregnancy hormones affect how the body processes blood sugar. It’s manageable with the right support, and maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding excessive weight gain can reduce your risk.
Related article: How to prevent gestational diabetes
Skin, hair and body changes
The second trimester can also make itself visible in some unexpected ways. Increased blood flow can give your skin a flushed or luminous appearance, but it can also bring heightened sensitivity and itchiness as your skin stretches.
Stretch marks may begin appearing on the abdomen, hips or breasts. Keeping your skin well moisturized can help with itchiness and may reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E oils are common choices for pregnancy-safe skincare. Staying hydrated also supports your skin elasticity from the inside.
You may notice a dark vertical line forming down the center of the belly, known as the linea nigra. This is caused by hormonal changes in pigmentation and typically fades on its own in the months following delivery.
Back pain, leg cramps and physical discomforts
While the second trimester brings a lot of welcome changes, physical discomfort also tends to become more prevalent. Most of what you feel is a normal response to the rapid physical change taking place.
Common physical discomforts you may feel during the second trimester include:
- Back, hip and pelvic pain: As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, putting added strain on your lower back, hips and pelvis. Supportive footwear, mindful posture, prenatal-safe stretching and prenatal massage can help manage this discomfort. Some people experience a sharper, more radiating pain that travels from the lower back down through the hip and leg. This may be sciatic nerve pain, which occurs when your growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Leg cramps: Often occurring at night, leg cramps are common in the second trimester and may be linked to changes in circulation or mineral levels. Stretching before bed and staying well hydrated throughout the day can reduce their frequency.
- Mild swelling: Increased blood volume and fluid retention can cause puffiness in the feet, ankles and hands. Elevating your feet when possible and avoiding long periods of standing helps. Sudden or significant swelling, particularly in the face or hands, should be reported to your OBGYN or primary care provider.
Exercise and movement in the second trimester
Staying active during the second trimester can help ease many of the physical changes and discomfort you're feeling. For most pregnancies, moderate exercise is safe and encouraged. Incorporating low-impact activities like walking, swimming and light strength training are good options. Prenatal yoga can support your flexibility, posture and breathing as your body continues to change.
Listen to your body and avoid anything that causes pain, dizziness or shortness of breath. Steer clear of activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal impact.
Pregnancy sleep positions and your comfort
As your pregnancy progresses, finding a comfortable sleep position can become more challenging. During the second trimester, try to sleep on your side rather than flat on your back for long amounts of time. Side sleeping supports healthy blood flow to your baby and reduces excess pressure on your organs.
Using pillows can help. Place one between your knees, one under your belly or behind your back. This reduces strain on your hips and lower back. Better sleep can also help ease some of the daytime discomforts that show up during this trimester.
Digestive changes and heartburn
The hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, and your digestive tract feels that effect directly. Food moves more slowly and your stomach acid has more opportunity to creep upward. The result is a second trimester often marked by heartburn, constipation and bloating.
To keep digestion moving and discomfort manageable:
- Eat smaller meals
- Stay upright after eating
- Keep your fiber and fluid intake consistent
Mood and emotional changes
The emotional instability from the first trimester begins to settle as your hormone levels stabilize in the second trimester. That said, pregnancy is still a significant life transition, and good days and not-so-good ones will continue.
- Stay connected to your support system
- Move your body regularly
- Get adequate sleep
- Be honest with your loved ones and your provider about how you're feeling emotionally
If anxiety or a low mood feels persistent rather than temporary, bring it up. You don’t have to manage these feelings alone.
When will I feel my baby move?
Feeling your baby move for the first time is one of the most anticipated moments of pregnancy. It typically happens somewhere between weeks 16 and 25. Those first movements can be easy to miss. They may feel like flutters, bubbles or a faint rolling sensation.
By around weeks 26 to 28, your provider may begin encouraging you to pay more attention to your baby’s movement patterns. Kick counts, a simple practice of tracking how long it takes to feel ten distinct movements, can help you get familiar with what’s normal for your baby. A consistent pattern matters more than hitting a specific number. Your provider can walk you through what to watch for.
If you notice a significant decrease in movement or something that feels off, trust that instinct and reach out to your care team. You know your body, and you’re already getting to know your baby.
Your mid-pregnancy checkups: What to expect
Prenatal visits continue through the second trimester, typically every four weeks unless your provider recommends otherwise. These appointments are a continuation of the partnership with your OBGYN and your care team as they keep a consistent eye on both you and your baby through a stretch of rapid change.
During your second trimester visits, your OBGYN will:
- Measure your baby’s growth and monitor their position and heartbeat
- Perform the anatomy ultrasound around weeks 18 to 22, a detailed scan that evaluates your baby’s development and organ formation
- Check your blood pressure and monitor for any early signs of complications
- Screen for gestational diabetes, typically between weeks 24 and 28
- Order bloodwork to check for anemia and other markers of your overall health
- Take a urine sample to test for protein, which can be a warning sign of preeclampsia
If something has been bothering you physically or emotionally since your last visit, this is the right place to talk about it. This is also a good time to start discussing your delivery questions and birth preferences with your provider and what you envision as you get closer to your due date.
Making the most of your second trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is a time that you may look back on most fondly. The worst of the early symptoms have passed, the finish line isn’t quite in sight yet and there’s a feeling of excitement to this middle chapter when the flutters become kicks, the bump becomes obvious and your pregnancy feels real.
As you move into the third trimester, the focus will shift again. Your body will prepare in even more new ways, your baby continues to grow rapidly toward delivery size and the practicalities of birth and new parenthood move closer to the front of your mind.
Staying organized through the second trimester is easier with a little guidance. Our pregnancy planning checklist covers trimester-by-trimester to-dos, key milestones and important reminders to help you stay one step ahead.
From Bump to Beyond: A trimester-by-trimester guide
Continue learning about your pregnancy journey with “From Bump to Beyond.”
Sobre el Autor
Kristen Richeson Carmichael, MD, FACOG, is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco at PGA Parkway.
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