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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Pregnancy Stages Trimester Guide for Pregnant Women – You & Your Unborn Baby Development Stages

Pregnancy stages: Are you pregnant but not sure what to expect in the next nine months up to delivery. Or, are you here to find the best way on how to tell if you’re pregnant, whatever the reason for you coming here, its good news that you’re looking for help and seeking advice. Being in the know is a sure way to help guarantee a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth.

There is a lot of essential information a pregnant girl needs to be aware of, to make sure she and her unborn baby suffer no complications if possible throughout her pregnancy period.

Pregnancy stages

The pregnancy stages are the time from conception up to when you give birth.

Pregnancy usually lasts for 40 weeks from the first day of your last period, that is provided there are no complications such as when a premature birth is unavoidable, or sadly miscarriage happens or other.

The 40 weeks are divided into stages called trimesters.

Pregnant woman in her first trimester - week 1 to week 12

Your first trimester is when all your hormones start to affect your whole body. This is when pregnancy symptoms start to kick in, and the first most likely, or most common should I say pregnancy symptom is, the missed period. Then there’s the matter of lack of energy. Tiredness is usual at this stage as well as tender breasts, but in some unique cases women say the word more fitting, “painful.”

Morning sickness is another pregnancy symptom that affects most, but then you have the fortunate pregnant woman that flies through this without even ever halving a balking episode. Morning sickness is not restricted to this particular time of the day vomiting can happen morning, noon , or night. In the first trimester there maybe the frequent need to wee also. Then there’s the classic early pregnancy symptom “cravings.” Pregnancy brings change like weight gain which is something you can’t prevent, and this goes for the cravings too. The desire to eat something you may have turned your nose up to in the past, you might find yourself eating in great amounts. Depending on the craving, you will have to watch your weight. Avoid piling on the pounds from something not connected to the pregnancy, such as the fat belly issue. It’s not healthy for you and you’re unborn baby to be overweight in pregnancy.

These are just some of the changes that may happen in your first trimester; the changes may feel uncomfortable for a short time but will soon ease off. You will get to a point when you know what to expect as in the way of change and symptoms, and then you somehow naturally just cope with them, of course depending on the particular pregnancy.

Baby in the first trimester

Baby will develop rapidly and will already have many of the organs that is vital in the need to survive, including the heart and nervous system which will be there from around nine weeks pregnant, your baby is no longer an embryo, but, a fetus. From about ten weeks the nutrients are passed to your baby through the placenta.

You in the second trimester – week 13 to week 28

Most women say they find this time easiest to cope with. This specific stage is when the body is settling in nicely with the hormones and getting used to the changes. Sickness and fatigue if any begin to ease off slowly but surely. Towards the end of this period you may suffer back ache, or as some pregnant girls describe it as being more of back pain. Other pregnancy signs at this time are darkening of the nipples, as well as stretch marks. Once again, not all women will see stretch marks, whereas in contrast, some suffer severe scarring. Common location for stretch marks is the belly, bum, legs and breasts.

Various changes will happen to your body at this point because your abdomen is growing bigger, and if you are lucky you might evade the pregnancy mask. The mask is browning of the cheeks and other areas of the body.

Swollen ankles are also common in the second trimester. If your ankles swell it’s something you need to tell the doctor or midwife about, sooner than later, as it can be a disturbing sign of something serious.

Women tend to get excited around about now because it’s a typical time for the unborn baby to kick.

Baby in the second trimester

The developing baby is now able to swallow amniotic fluid which he/she gets rid of through their gut. At this stage the baby’s organs continue to mature with each day. Their sex organs will develop also, their kidneys start to work and baby can now pass a small amount of urine. They can also hear noises made on the outside, while still in the womb.

You in the third trimester – week 29 to week 40

The final trimester is a stage anticipated by a lot of pregnant women because they know they haven’t long to go before they give birth to a son or daughter, or maybe both, or heaven forbid even more. Something that always gets highlighted at this time by first time moms is, do labour pains hurt, or should they fear the actual pain that comes with giving birth. If it’s any consolation, having a baby isn’t that bad because if the pain were unbearable no woman would have more than one in family.

Third trimester: Baby is growing bigger, and your body is adjusting and preparing for the birth. It’s natural at this late stage of your pregnancy to get out of breath. Heartburn is another pregnancy discomfort, and not to mention you could suffer from piles or feel constipated. The breasts will be getting ready for breast feeding the baby, still growing and likely to feel sore and possibly leak watery milk.

Due to size you could find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Your baby will be trying to position themselves into place so they will be head down and ready to enter the world. Have you ever heard of Braxton hicks? Braxton hicks, is simply a condition (false contractions.)

Baby in the third trimester

Baby will now have grown fine hair and developed finger nails. They also can open and close their eyes. The unborn infant will conduct breathing motions even though not taking its first breath until on the outside.

Baby’s teeth normally begin growing under the gum. Although not common, it’s been known for some mothers to have given birth to a baby with teeth.

End of your pregnancy

As your due date gets nearer your cervix prepares for the birth and starts to thin and soften. This is normal and shouldn’t alarm you. Time in the labour ward is an anxious time for both parents. The soon to be daddy needs to hold the soon to be mommy’s hand and comfort her while she grits her teeth while waiting arrival. It’s a waiting game and baby will come out when ready.

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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!

At 12 Weeks Pregnant the First Trimester is Over

It is when you are 12 weeks pregnant that you can tell by an ultrasound if you are going to have a boy or a girl. Although you may have noticed some weight gain, your belly is not yet large enough for others to detect that you are pregnant. If you have been experiencing morning sickness, you may even have lost weight. Morning sickness reaches its peak in this week and the next, so much so that you can get sick just by brushing your teeth. You may notice that your gums are tender or that there are small lumps on your gums. This is a normal part of being pregnant, but there is nothing wrong with visiting your dentist just to check things out.

You will still be feeling tired and want to take naps during the day. It is important that you go to bed early and get a good night rest. Even though your stomach may churn at the thought of food, you should make sure you have healthy meals and snacks. Taking your folic acid and iron supplements is extremely important for the growth and development of the baby.

At 12 weeks, the baby is starting to look less like a little alien and more like a human baby. Its eyes have moved into the proper position on the head and the ears have developed. The baby can now swallow and does in fact swallow some of the amniotic fluid that surrounds it in the uterus. It doesn have lungs at this point and so cannot breathe. The intestines have not yet formed inside the body and are still in the umbilical cord. It is during this week that the baby starts to develop fingernails and toenails.

The baby is now about 2.5 inches long and weighs about .5 of an ounce. Even so you will still be able to see the nose and chin. Since your risk of having a miscarriage is greatly reduced by this time, you can start to relax and enjoy your pregnancy with worrying all the time. If your morning sickness has decreased or started to wane, you may start craving certain foods and be able to cook some meals for yourself. It is important that any meat you eat is cooked thoroughly so that you do not take a chance of getting toxoplasmosis. It is also important that you refrain from emptying the cat litter because you can get this virus from cat feces.

You may feel a lot better when you wear loose clothing even though you aren really much bigger than your normal size. The loose clothing lets you feel more comfortable, especially if the weather is hot and humid. Take a walk when you can so that you get your exercise and start preparing your muscles for the job ahead for the next six months. When sleeping at night, you may also find it more comfortable to curl yourself around a body pillow.

Don be alarmed if your breasts and nipples are tender and if your breasts start to enlarge. This is your body way of preparing food for the new arrival.

Pregnancy Trimester: Stages of Pregnancy for Mother and Fetus

Pregnancy trimesters are the three stages of the normal 40 weeks pregnancy divided into three months each. These stages of pregnancy are crucial both for the mother and for the child. The mother experiences many physical and emotional changes as she nurtures a new life inside her. Similarly the baby develops gradually in its first home-womb of the mother.

First Trimester Pregnancy

First pregnancy trimester is marked from conception to 12 or 14 weeks from the last normal menstrual cycle. During this stage a woman often experiences morning sickness (vomiting and nausea}, tiredness, tender breast and frequent urination. It is recommended to take small frequent meals to prevent nausea. You may have alternate periods of activity and rest. Walking is the best exercise at this stage.

Changes In Baby

The embryo’s eyes, ears, nose and digestive system begin to form in this stage of pregnancy. The heart starts beating. The embryo is about 2.5 cm long and weighs 2g.

Second Trimester Pregnancy

Beginning of the fourth month marks the second pregnancy trimester. At this stage of pregnancy, you may regain your lost energy as morning sickness disappears. You may notice increased vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes in body. Braxton Hicks contractions, which are contractions and relaxation of the uterus, which is often misunderstood as false labor contractions, are experienced. Low back pain and swelling of the feet and ankles may occur. Mild yogic exercises under the supervision of the trainer may help relieve the problem. Kegel exercise i.e. tightening the muscle around the vagina and anus should be done in this stage of pregnancy. This would tone and strengthen the pelvic muscles that take part during the labor contractions. Stretch marks-a great sign of worry for the-to-be moms may be visible. Avoid itching the abdominal area to reduce the chances of pregnancy stretch marks.

Changes In Baby

Moms can feel excited during this pregnancy trimester as the movements of the baby starts with the development of muscles. Fingernails and toenails appear and the heart is completely developed. A small amount of hair appears on the baby’s head, eyebrows and eyelashes emerge. Baby weighs about 300gm and is 10 inches long.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

This is the last of the pregnancy trimesters that extends from 28 –40 weeks. The mothers may have sleepless nights thinking of the arrival of their newborn and of the pain they may undergo during child birth. Braxton Hicks contractions become intense in this stage of pregnancy. You may feel tired and short of breath due to increased growth of the fetus.

Changes In Baby

Baby attains its full size and weight at the end of this trimester, which is 16inches and 2100g for a healthy baby. The organs and systems are fully matured.

In the course of the three pregnancy trimesters, the baby grows from a fetus to a human with all its systems developed in miniature. This is the miracle of birth.