Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Second trimester of pregnancy – how does a woman’s body change?
The second trimester of pregnancy, which lasts from the 13th to the 27th week, is a period in which many women experience visible changes in their bodies. It is worth learning about these changes to better understand what is happening in the future mother’s body.
One of the first and most noticeable symptoms of the second trimester is abdominal growth. As the baby grows, the uterus becomes larger and moves higher towards the chest. This makes the future mother’s belly more visible, which is often a reason for joy and pride. However, this can also cause some discomfort, such as back pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
In the second trimester, the so-called “pregnancy blue” – delicate, bluish veins on the belly, caused by an increased amount of blood in the woman’s body. This phenomenon is completely normal and is not a cause for concern.
In addition, many women notice that their skin becomes firmer and brighter, and their hair and nails may be healthier and stronger. However, some future mothers also experience problems with acne or skin discoloration, which is the result of hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy.
It is worth remembering that each woman may experience the second trimester of pregnancy differently, so it is important to take care of yourself and regularly contact your pregnancy doctor to monitor the development and health of both mother and baby.
Fetal development in the second trimester
The second three months of pregnancy are also a period of intensive development of the baby in the mother’s womb. During this trimester, the baby transforms from a tiny embryonic being into a being with clearly defined characteristics and abilities.
One of the key moments of the second trimester is the development of the baby’s internal organs. The baby’s heart begins to beat stronger and more regularly, and its digestive system begins to produce the first digestive enzymes. The baby also begins to breathe, although this is still more of a practice than a real need, as true breathing will not begin until after birth.
In the second trimester, the baby grows quickly and takes shape. Its sensory organs are developing, and in the 18th week of pregnancy it is already possible to recognize the baby’s gender during an ultrasound examination.
Starting from the second trimester, the baby becomes more active and begins to make its first movements. The expectant mother may feel these movements as gentle kicks that become stronger and more pronounced over time.
Ultrasound in the second trimester of pregnancy – “half” ultrasound
Ultrasound examination (Ultrasonography) is one of the most important diagnostic tools during pregnancy. In the second trimester, around the 20th week, the so-called “Half ultrasound”. This test allows for a more accurate assessment of fetal development and confirmation of whether all organs are developing properly.
During a mid-term ultrasound, you can also find out the baby’s gender if the parents want it. For many future parents, this is an exciting moment that allows for more concrete planning for the future.
This examination is also a chance to see the baby on the screen and observe its movements. This is a special moment that many parents will remember forever.
Your suggestions
During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is important to take care of your health and well-being. Here are some suggestions that may help the future mother:
- Take care of a proper diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
- Exercise regularly to stay fit and relieve back pain.
- Try to avoid stress and ensure healthy sleep.
- Consult your pregnancy doctor regularly and follow his recommendations.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about the second trimester of pregnancy and how to take care of yourself and your baby during this period, we also recommend reading the following articles:
- “First trimester of pregnancy: What is worth knowing and how to prepare?”
- “Third trimester of pregnancy: Preparation for childbirth and care of the newborn”
- “A healthy diet during pregnancy: What is worth eating and what to avoid?”
- “Exercises during pregnancy: How to take care of your physical condition while waiting for a baby”
It is worth being a well-prepared future mother and monitoring your child’s development closely to make the pregnancy as comfortable and safe as possible for both mother and child.
The second trimester of pregnancy is a period of intense changes both in the woman’s body and in the development of her baby. By taking care of yourself and consulting your doctor regularly, an expectant mother can get through this time in the best possible health.