2nd Trimster Pregnancy Guide | Pregnancy Guide

Pregnancy Guide - 2nd Trimester (13 to 26 Weeks)

13 Weeks Pregnant

The foetal bones are growing rapidly and the limbs are lengthening. About this time the placenta begins to take over the production of hormones and as a result your sickness should abate. Hurrah!

14 Weeks Pregnant

By now it is becoming easier to tell weather your baby is male or female. You may be noticing a distinct filling out in the tummy area! It’s time to shop around for some maternity wear – any excuse!

Your baby is now covered with fine downy hair called lanugo which disappears in later pregnancy. This helps to protect the very fine skin. His external ears are developing and he may already by sucking his thumb. If you haven’t already told your employer that you’re pregnant, now is a good time.

16 Weeks Pregnant

You may be offered some blood tests (AFP test) around now to asses your baby’s risk of having Down’s syndrome or spina bifida. Your baby is now around 14cm long and weighs 200g (6½ oz).

17 Weeks Pregnant

Everyone’s bump is different – you may be quite big now or hardly showing at all! The most important thing is not too worry, and if something is bothering you, don’t be afraid to ask your midwife. She’ll be able to reassure you. Your baby’s weight has doubled in the last two weeks. He’s roughly the size of your open hand and he’s growing all the time.

18 Weeks Pregnant

The skin will be covered with vernix caseosa, usually called vernix for short. This is thought to be nature’s way of protecting the delicate skin of your unborn baby. You may begin to feel your baby moving about now, although some women don’t feel anything till as late as 22 weeks. You’ll be surprised how quickly movements progress from a tiny flutter to a good hard hoof in the ribs!

19 Weeks Pregnant

You will probably have an ultrasound scan this week, and many hospitals encourage your partner to attend with you. No words can describe how it feels to see your baby on the screen for the first time. For some parents-to-be it’s at this scan that their baby becomes real. Remember to ask for a scan photo to show off to your friends and family.

20 Weeks Pregnant

Congratulations – you’ve reached the halfway mark! You’re probably feeling well, with more energy than you’ve had for a while. By 20 weeks your baby’s hearing will have developed to the extent where he can distinguish different sounds and will eventually learn to recognise your voice. He will also react to loud noises by making jerky movements, possibly showing that whatever he is hearing is too loud and frightening. Your baby weighs about 15 oz and the head to bottom is about 19cm.

21 Weeks Pregnant

By now, it should be quite obvious that you’re pregnant! You may be noticing slight swelling in your lower legs in the evening. Try to rest with your feet up. Your baby can swallow amniotic fluid. Some experts believe this gives the growing baby some essential nutrients.

22 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby’s eyebrows and head hair will be growing. The skin is translucent, pink-red in colour and wrinkled. This is a good period in your pregnancy. Your condition is obvious but doesn’t hamper you too much.

23 Weeks Pregnant

The head and body are much more in proportion, and he can distinguish light from dark, although his eyes are still closed. You’ll feel him moving around more, and you might even be aware of his waking and sleeping patterns.

24 Weeks Pregnant

The 24-week point is an important landmark. This is the time when a foetus becomes legally viable. If your baby were born now, he would stand a reasonable chance of survival with specialist care. Weight at this point is about 1lb 11oz and crown to bottom length about 23cm.

25 Weeks Pregnant

As you baby increases his stores of fat, the skin becomes less wrinkled. The eyes can open and close and even have eyelashes. They are usually blue at this point. You may notice a rapid increase in your own weight gain as your baby has another growth spurt! Now is a good time to check out what antenatal classes are available you.