Second Trimester Pregnancy Week by Week Facts

Second Trimester Pregnancy Week By Week Facts

Here’s a guide to keep you in pace with the changes taking place in your womb in the second trimester pregnancy week by week.

The second trimester lasts from week 14 to week 26.

The 14th Week

Your baby is 2 ounces. It has tiny arms and legs and a prominent heartbeat. You should have lots of fiber in your diet to combat the problem of constipation, which is common in this pregnancy week.

The 15th Week

Your baby has become hairy! The hair helps her to regulate the temperature during birth. Your belly gets larger due to the increase in the size of uterus. It’s time to go for a prenatal check up to ensure your baby is developing properly.

The 16th Week

Your baby has become active. It starts kicking and twisting. Your abdomen will become heavier, as the baby grows further. As you keep a tab on your second trimester pregnancy week by week, do not forget to visit your doctor for amniocentesis. Here, your amniotic fluid is tested to rule out any birth defects in your baby.

The 17th Week

Your baby is becoming chubbier day by day. You are bound to gain more weight.

The 18th Week

Your baby can open her eyes and its digestive system has started functioning.

The 19th Week

Your baby gets covered by a waxy substance in order to shield it from the wet surrounding. This waxy layer also helps in sliding the baby smoothly out of your vaginal canal during delivery. Be prepared for strong mood swings, dry skin, boils and rashes.

The 20th Week

It’s time for you to attend childbirth classes. You may feel pain in your abdomen, which is normal. There are new developments in your baby during this week. If it’s a girl, her sex organs will begin to develop.

The 21st Week

At this stage, there is not much development. If there are twins, you may face swelling of feet due to edema.

The 22nd Week

Your baby’s brain and sex organs are in the process of development. All other organs are completely developed. You may experience back pain due to the pressure exerted by the growing baby.

The 23rd Week

Your baby is hyperactive at this stage. You should be on the alert for preterm labor. Watch out for bleeding, spotting, and contractions.

The 24th Week

You should go for a prenatal check up to rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes.

The 25th Week

Your baby starts developing arteries and veins, and spinal column. Your backache may get severe.

The 26th Week

Your baby’s respiratory system has developed completely by now. You are about to approach the third stage, which is also known as baby stage of pregnancy.

As compared to the first stage, the second stage is relatively easy. Ignorance is not bliss in pregnancy period. Know about second trimester pregnancy week by week and make your journey more enjoyable than fearful.

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Enjoy your Second Trimester of Pregnancy!

You might be surprised, but the second trimester of pregnancy is the easiest stage! Most of the pregnancy symptoms, including the horrible morning sickness, have vanished and you have also passed the danger of miscarriages that are common in the first stage of pregnancy.

It’s time now for outings and enjoying the feeling of creating a life inside! The best thing about second trimester of pregnancy is that you get back your energy and your sex drive. You feel “normal” once again!

What Happens To Your Body?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, your body increases in size. Your breasts enlarge further and secrete colostrum. Your heart starts pumping harder and undergoes a slight increase in size.

What Happens To Your Baby?

Your baby’s face has a defined nose, chin, and forehead by now. Due to the development of facial muscles, she can even smile! Fine hair starts growing all over your baby’s body. She has a distinct set of fingerprints. Your baby is about 3 inches in length. She now has her own identity and is no longer just a bunch of cells.

Problems

Although the second trimester of pregnancy is relatively easier than the first trimester pregnancy and third trimester pregnancy, there are certain problems that might show their face. They are constipation, gas, and bleeding of gums.

Besides this, you may find it extremely uncomfortable to sleep on your back. This is because the developing fetus exerts pressure on your blood vessels. As there is no question of sleeping on your belly, the best way to sleep is on your side with the support of pillows. A dull backache may nudge you during this time, as your baby puts pressure on your ligaments.

It is advised to go for a regular testing of your urine to rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes, which is common at this different stage of pregnancy. You might also notice certain areas of your skin getting dark. Some of you might also feel dizzy at times while some may observe a slight enlargement in the size of their feet due to the expansion of ligaments.

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention during this stage are vaginal bleeding, hypertension, weak cervix, diabetes, high fever, blurred vision, and swelling of face and hands. Premature labor is yet another issue to watch out for.

Precautions

You should avoid standing on your feet for prolonged period of time. Take fiber rich food in order to stay away from hemorrhoids. Be conscious of how you sit; your back should be straight.

The best thing about this stage is you can eat what you like, as there is no problem of nausea now. Lots of fibers, fresh vegetables and fruits, and low fat milk should be a part of your diet. Papaya works wonders during acidity. The smartest thing to do right now is ask your partner to drop those cigarettes and you can cut down on the number of wine glasses.

The third trimester pregnancy period is the toughest; hence, enjoy your second trimester of pregnancy as much as you can!

What to Expect at 26 Weeks Pregnant

When you are 26 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester of the pregnancy and almost at the third trimester stage. By this time, you are noticeably pregnant and your normal clothes no longer fit properly. Your stomach is starting to protrude and you may even be having slight contractions in your uterus. These contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions, sometimes referred to as false labor, but you are nowhere near going into labor yet. You probably don’t even notice the contractions unless you are sitting or lying down and are feeling relaxed.

 

Some of the other sensations that accompany this stage of the pregnancy include:

* Heartburn when you eat certain foods or you eat late at night

* Weight gain

* Cramps as your muscles start to stretch

You will likely feel an uncomfortable sensation under your ribs or you may have some pain. This is because at this stage the uterus is about 2.5 inches above your belly button.

 

You will be seeing your doctor on a regular basis every month. At this time, you may have to have an anti-tetanus shot or another vaccine. The doctor may also request another ultrasound just to see how the baby is progressing. You will also need to have blood tests to determine whether you have prenatal diabetes or to determine if there are any detectable genetic defects in the baby.

 

You will need to start relaxing more at 26 weeks. You can still engage in light workouts and you should continue to take walks on a regular basis. These activities will help prepare your body for labor and birth.

 

At 26 weeks into the pregnancy, the baby is about 9 or 10 inches long from the top of the head to the rump. It doesn’t include the length of the legs. At this stage the baby weighs about 2 pounds. Although the eyelids have been developed prior to this, it is now that the baby will start to open and shut the eyes. All babies have blue eyes when they are in the womb and will change when the baby is born. The baby may look skinny, but from now on it will start putting on layers of fat.

 

It is at 26 weeks that the fetus starts to look like a baby. The heart is completely developed and is pumping blood throughout the body and the baby starts to make breathing movements. The lungs have not fully developed yet, but they are well along in the process. The umbilical cord starts to thicken as it fills with the nutrients the growing baby needs from now on. Fingernails and toenails are evident by this time and if the baby is a boy, the testicles will start to move down.

 

By this stage of the pregnancy, you may feel bloated on times due to water retention. You may even start to notice stretch marks across your abdomen. There are very good creams on the market that will help with this by making the skin soft and supple as the stomach gradually expands.