2nd Trimester of Pregnancy Week by Week
The second trimester of your pregnancy is from week 13 to week 27. Learn about baby development and other changes.
Dr. Sarita Jain
Apr 7, 2018
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2nd Trimester of Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 13 to Week 27
After completion of 12th week of pregnancy woman enter in to second and midterm of her pregnancy period. Second trimester pregnancy period includes 13th week to 27th week of pregnancy. During this period body structure of a baby formed and developed in last term of pregnancy.
Week 13
Skin is thin and transparent, eyebrow, eye lashes and finger nails start forming arms are longer than legs at this stage, external sex organs is also start developing. Length of Fetus is 10 Cm now; the fetus is surrounded by about 100 ml of amniotic fluid. Amniocentesis can be performed from about 13 to 18 weeks gestation.
Week 14
The muscular development starts here in this week by now; the main organs in the baby’s body are formed.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
This is the start of your second trimester. Nausea, breast sensitivity and other discomforts should be diminished by now. If not, they should soon start abating. Your pregnancy may be somewhat noticeable at this stage, evidence of the little one growing inside.
Week 15
Now it is about the size of cricket ball. Eyelids are completely closed and lungs are developing and starts development of upper respiratory tract like nose and lungs. At this stage a practitioner may be able to determine the sex of your baby.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You may experience nosebleeds or a blocked nose. It is very often and in medical terms it is called "Rhinitis of pregnancy". It is a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.
Week 16
Developing Baby is now around 12 centimeters long and weighs 100 grams. The legs continue to develop and toenails start to grow. The head develops further. Facial features are in place and the ears are positioned to the sides.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You're probably feeling much better physically as you settle into pregnancy, with fewer mood swings and less nausea. The top of your uterus is now about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel. The round ligaments that support the uterus are thickening and stretching.
Week 17
As the umbilical cord becomes thicker and stronger, the skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone. Sweat glands are developing and joint flexibility increases.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your organs starts repositioning to provide space for the uterus which contains the baby. You must avoid anything that may put you at risk of falling, staircase and wearing high heel footwear.
You will feel pain in the legs, called sciatic nerve pain and this nerve is the largest nerve in the body, which could be extremely painful. The sciatic and runs under the uterus, travelling right down the entire length of the leg. The pain is usually caused by pressure on the nerve, caused by the growing baby. The pain may be reduced by changing your posture, not standing in one position for too long or putting pillows under the legs while sleeping to provide support.
Week 18
Now almost 190 grams in weight and 14 centimeters long, your baby is fully flexing his/her arms and legs. Genitals are almost completely developed and in order. Blood vessels and ears start visible and nervous system starts developing here.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You will continue to experience an increase in appetite. Make sure to eat balanced meals rich in nutrients to help your baby develop and grow.
Your blood pressure may be lower than usual due to your cardiovascular system undergoing dramatic changes. Be careful not to get up too fast, feeling dizzy is normal at this stage.
Also make sure to lie on your side or tilted on your side. Lying on your back could cause your uterus to compress a major vein, which may decrease the blood flow to your heart.
Week 19
Arms and legs are proportionate to the body and each other. Hair on the scalp is beginning to grow. Skin is start forming to prevent from acidic fluid. Major developments of the brain: the sensory areas for touch, taste, sight, sound and smell are start developing.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
As you go through your 19th week of pregnancy, you might notice more changes such as dry, flaky skin. Your metabolic rate and blood volume increase. Your need for fluid and your sensitivity to heat will increase, so it’s important that you continue to drink plenty of water.
Skin abnormalities caused by extra estrogen may cause some changes in your skin. This is normal. Skin changes just like red palms, darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms , inner thighs, and vulva etc. are seen. Pimples on face, Darker patches on your face which will probably fade soon after the birth of your baby.
Week 20 & 21
Now weight of baby is approximately 300 grams and is the size of 6 inches.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You have reached the halfway mark of your pregnancy. This is when major weight gain begins to take place.
Your waistline continues to expand, and indigestion, heartburn and constipation probably occur more frequently. You may experience itching. You’re also making more trips to empty your bladder.
Week 22
The lower limbs are fully formed. Head and body hair called lanugo thickly covers the fetus. The fetus is about 9 inches long and weighs about 1 pound.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your nipples are becoming darker than they usually are to help your baby find the nipple in order to suck. Their darker contrast against the surrounding breast tissue is a marker for where to aim their mouth. Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, your body will experience changes in preparation for it.
You will also feel Indigestion and heartburn and your feet and ankles getting swollen by the end of the day. You could be retaining more fluid than usual and it’s showing if you are standing up for long periods. Watch those shoes. Go for comfort rather than style and think about getting shoes which you can just slide onto your feet rather than bend over to do up. You’ll be very glad you did in just a few weeks' time.
Week 23
The fetus is around 33 centimeters in length and weight is approximately 500 gm. The fused eyelids now separate into upper and lower lids, enabling the baby to open and shut its eyes. The skin is covered in fine hair and protected by a waxy layer. Ears are fully functioning and start movements in arms and legs including all major muscles.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your tummy is creeping upwards and is now above your navel. You may experience headaches, contractions, vaginal discharge, and pins in your hands. This is commonly due to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the thumbs and forefingers. Compression from water retention on the carpal nerve pathway is the most frequent cause. Physiotherapy and splints are sometimes necessary to alleviate pain and numbness.
Week 24 & 25
Weight of baby is around 680 grams and length is 23 centimetres. By end of 25th week weight would be approximately 900 grams and length 26 centimetres. At this stage if it is born it has a chance of survival but have increased risks of disability. At this stage baby start controlling over major sense organs.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You will experiencing dry and irritated eyes this week. Stretch marks could start forming on your tummy, thighs, breasts or hips around this time. It is due to collagen fibres in the dermis stretch and tears to accommodate an enlarging shape and body size.
Small pimple on breasts which is called Montgomery’s Tubercles in medical terms and they will secrete an oily lubricant which will help to nourish your nipples and keep them supple.
At the completion of 25th week of pregnancy gums are prone to swelling and you may experience blooding while brushing your teeth. Pregnancy hormones like Relaxin Progesterone are start working by loosening and relaxing the taut fibres to prepare your body to give child birth.
Week 26 & 27
Your baby weight is approximately 900 grams at 26th week and 1050 grams by end of 27th week. Length of baby is 34 centimeters now. Eyelids open for the first time. Colour of eyes are almost always blue or dark blue, although some babies do have brown. It is not until some weeks after they are born that your baby’s eyes will become the colour that they will stay after birth also, baby starts blinking of eyes and start focusing.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your tummy is expanding as progressive weeks ahead and it would be itchy. Probably your blood volume is increased with around 25% in compare to first week of pregnancy and sometimes you feel tired, breathless too and due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome this week your wrists, fingers and ankles start swelling and you can have Constipation.
You will not feel comfortable while bending over, standing up, after having sex and any smart moves.
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