What to Expect: The Second Trimester

The second trimester takes place from the 14th to the 27th week of a woman’s pregnancy. This is usually the most comfortable and pleasant time. Morning sickness is becoming a distant memory, and you can now start showing off that baby bump in all those maternity tops you’ve carefully selected. Even that sex drive that may have waned somewhat during the nausea, exhaustion and general malaise of your first trimester may return.

What Happens Next?

The egg (zygote) evolved from being the size of a pinhead into a recognizable little human being, first called an embryo and, after 8 weeks of gestation, a full-fledged fetus. New symptoms may occur, but generally, they are more tolerable than the previous three months. These may include:

• Abdominal discomfort: Aches and pains caused by a stretching uterus and ligaments is normal. Excruciating pain, however, is not. Call your doctor if you experience anything other than moderate discomfort.
• Quickening: This is the term given to feeling the fetus stir inside you. At about 16 to 20 weeks, you will feel a slight flutter. As the baby grows and takes up more room, movement is felt more distinctly.
• Blips: An odd bubbling sensation that turns into a stronger methodical twitch as pregnancy continues is simply the fetus experiencing hiccups. Don’t worry. He or she is not having seizures. Your dinner probably just didn’t agree with it.

How Big is My Baby Now?

The fetus is about 14.5 inches long and weighs a little less than 2 pounds. It is about the size of a cantaloupe and is able to blink, sleep and wake up. The brain is very active and developing rapidly. Its maturing taste buds can now taste what you eat. Experts even believe dreaming is possible. Hearing is becoming more acute and sensitive eyes may react to light.

Learn more about your second trimester at the Cherokee Women's Health website.