What To Expect During The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

Hooray — you're in your second trimester, which means you're almost halfway through your pregnancy! For many women, the second trimester is the most exciting. The worst of your morning sickness should have subsided by now, and you may notice you're not as tired as you were during the first trimester of your pregnancy. During these next three months, you'll notice a lot of new changes going on in your body. However, this trimester, you will actually see some of these changes on the outside, like your growing belly.

What exactly is the second trimester? The second trimester of pregnancy is counted from week 14 to the end of week 27, which is approximately 14 weeks long, according to the Cleveland Clinic. During this time, not only will you start to feel pregnant, but you may also observe that the people around you will start to notice that you are pregnant.

A lot will happen during your second trimester, and many of the symptoms you felt during your first trimester (like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness) will begin to subside. However, the second trimester may bring about other pregnancy signs, such as stretch marks, swelling, and itching (via Medical News Today). During these next three months, your body will continue to go through changes as it's busy making your baby. Here's what else you can expect during your second trimester of pregnancy.

Dizziness is a normal symptom to experience during pregnancy, as there are a lot of hormone changes going on (as well as increased blood flow) which can cause your blood sugar to drop (via WebMD). Your uterus is also expanding during this trimester, which can put pressure on your blood vessels. If you lay on your back, you may notice that you tend to get dizzy. This is because your uterus is blocking the blood flow from your legs to your heart. 

Dizziness can also be from gestational diabetes (per Healthline). This is something you'll be checked for as early as 24 weeks into your pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs when your blood sugar gets too low. If you get diagnosed, you'll have to keep your blood sugar in check throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

If you're feeling dizzy, lightheaded, unbalanced, or faint, lay down on your side. It's also recommended to increase your fluid intake, and avoid standing for long periods of time (via the Mayo Clinic).

If you're wondering when your belly bump is going to start to show, it's during this second trimester. According to Flo Health, first-time mothers should expect to see some expansion in their belly as early as 12 weeks. However, it will ultimately depend upon the number of babies that are in your belly, as well as your body composition. If you were overweight before your pregnancy, then it may be harder to notice a bump than if you had a lower starting body weight.

If you're waiting to see a noticeable bump, this should happen around midway through your second trimester. Dr. Marquita Anderson, an ob-gyn in Texas, told The Bump that right around 20 weeks, many women will start to "pop." For some women, it can feel like it happened overnight. You may also notice a belly line (a dark vertical line that goes down your abdomen) during your second trimester. This is common, and will disappear gradually after you give birth.

Your body will be going through a lot of changes during the second trimester, and the result of that may be swelling. Don't worry, though, as this is completely normal. 

"About two-thirds of all women will have some form of swelling during pregnancy," says Michael Cackovic, a medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (via The Bump). Your body may swell because your body is producing about 50% more blood and fluid to sustain the baby that is growing inside of you, says the American Pregnancy Association. This extra fluid is helping to prepare your body to deliver the baby.

If you're experiencing swelling, especially in the feet, there are a few things you can do to get relief at home, says Healthline. First, reduce your sodium intake, as this will help reduce water retention. Next, eat more foods that are high in potassium (like bananas and spinach), as this will help to balance the amount of fluid your body holds on to. Lastly, sit with your feet elevated to help drain fluid.

During the second trimester, each week will bring something new in terms of your baby's development. 

At around 14 weeks, your baby will start sucking and swallowing — and if you're able to get a sonogram during this time, you may even be able to see it suck its thumb (via Pampers). Around 16 weeks into the pregnancy, you may start to feel movement. At 17 weeks, your baby will get a waterproof barrier that protects the skin. At 22 weeks, your baby's eyebrows will be visible — and a week later, you can start to sing or play music for your belly, because your baby will be able to hear and respond to sound. At 27 weeks, your baby will begin to smile, so if you're able to capture this on a 3D or 4D sonogram, now is the time to schedule that session. 

By the end of your second trimester, your baby will weigh about 2-3 pounds and be approximately 13 to 16 inches long (via Johns Hopkins Medicine).

During the second trimester, your prenatal doctor visits will include several routine tests. Between weeks 15 and 20, you will undergo a multiple marker test, which is a blood test to see if the baby has any risk of specific genetic conditions or birth defects (via Kids Health). These results can be combined with the blood tests you took during your first trimester to give you a more accurate result. 

Between weeks 24 and 28, you will get a glucose screening, which checks for gestational diabetes. This is a condition that can develop during pregnancy, but don't worry, because it's a short-term form of diabetes that can be treated when caught early. For this test, you will have to drink a sugary liquid, wait an hour, then get a blood test to check your glucose levels.

During your mid-trimester, you will get an 18-20 week ultrasound (per Johns Hopkins Medicine). This ultrasound will confirm your due date, as well as the number of fetuses you have in your belly. It'll also check for any fetal abnormalities and the amount of amniotic fluid you have. In addition to that, it will monitor fetal growth, behavior, and activity, and help determine how long your cervix is.

Do you feel like your emotions are all over the place, or that you can cry at the sight of spilled milk? If you're experiencing crying spells, you're not alone (via Healthline). Many women go through this, and it's completely normal. During your second trimester, your hormones continue to shift as your body continues to change. These changes can increase your anxiety, and little things like dropping a glass of milk can trigger your emotions.

While it's nearly impossible to try and control your hormonal shifts during pregnancy, you can learn how to deal with these emotions and make them more manageable. Taking time for self-care as well as eating and sleeping well can significantly contribute to your emotional stability, says the American Pregnancy Association. Try to get the recommended eight hours of sleep at night, and go for healthier food options instead of processed products. If you're still having a hard time managing your emotions, consider speaking with a professional therapist who can give you the extra support and care you need.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is yet another physical and hormonal change that can occur during pregnancy. A UTI happens when bacteria enter your urinary tract, resulting in painful urination, among other symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of pregnant women are diagnosed with a UTI during their second trimester compared to their first trimester.

But how do women get a UTI during pregnancy? Your growing uterus, along with your changing hormone levels, can be held responsible for that (via Everyday Health). Emptying your bladder can become difficult when your uterus is compressing against it. Also, when your progesterone and estrogen levels are on the rise, it can weaken your bladder. If you feel a frequent urge to use the bathroom, pass only a small amount of urine at a time, feel a burning sensation, have pelvic pain, or notice your urine smells weird or looks cloudy or pink, contact your doctor immediately so you can get medication to treat your symptoms.