Pregnancy Progression at Midpoint: Detailed Overview and Anticipated Milestones
Second Trimester of Pregnancy: A Time of Rapid Growth and Development
The second trimester of pregnancy, spanning from weeks 13 to 28, is a significant period marked by rapid fetal growth and development, while the pregnant person often experiences relief from early pregnancy symptoms and new physical changes.
Fetal Development
During this phase, the fetus undergoes remarkable transformation. By around week 22, the fetus has developed more human-like features such as fully formed eyes, lips, and facial expressions. Significant organ maturation occurs, with lung and brain development accelerating especially between weeks 21 to 24. The nervous system develops, enabling stronger and more coordinated movements such as kicks, flips, and the ability to touch its own ears or umbilical cord.
The baby's bone marrow starts producing red blood cells around week 21, taking over from the liver and spleen. A fine, soft hair called lanugo covers the fetus’s body, helping with temperature regulation and possibly aiding growth. The fetus begins to hear sounds, sleep in cycles (about 12–14 hours/day), and gains weight steadily.
Changes for the Pregnant Person
Morning sickness typically fades, energy levels rise, often making this the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy. A visible baby bump usually appears by late second trimester, though this varies. New symptoms may include backaches, mild round ligament pain, heartburn, skin changes such as stretch marks, and changes in vaginal discharge. Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions may start, and slight discomfort from growing uterus and crowding organs is common. Some experience mood improvements and increased appetite.
Health Tips
Maintaining balanced nutrition is crucial, focusing on iron-rich foods to support fetal red blood cell production and maternal health. Continuing to take prenatal vitamins, including folic acid and iron, is essential. Monitoring fetal movements and any symptoms, and regular prenatal visits help track fetal growth and maternal wellbeing. Engaging in gentle exercise such as walking, stretching, or prenatal yoga can relieve discomfort and promote circulation. Staying hydrated and eating small, frequent meals can help manage heartburn. Using skin-safe moisturizers can help minimize itching and stretch marks.
When to Contact Healthcare Provider
Report any heavy bleeding, severe cramps, vision changes, or absence of fetal movement. Early signs of labor or rupture of membranes require immediate medical attention.
During the second trimester, pregnant people may experience changes such as stretch marks and lower back pain. It is best to consume around 340 additional calories each day. During weeks 17-20, the area of the brain that manages motor movements fully develops, the digestive system is now working, the vagina and uterus begin to develop in females, lanugo starts to cover the body, people will be able to see the fetus's eyes, nose, and lips on an ultrasound.
During weeks 25-28, eyelids can open and close, the development of the nervous system occurs, more fat develops, making the skin appear smoother, the fetus may respond to loud sounds with sudden movements, pulling in the arms and legs. The lungs are fully developed and produce surfactant, but the lungs cannot yet work outside of the uterus. During the second trimester, most people may start to feel less tired and nausea may ease.
During weeks 13-16, the fetus's lower limbs develop, bones harden, lungs start to develop tissue, toenails form, neck definition develops, hearing begins to develop, the skin is still thin, and the digestive system starts to work. A line may form on the skin from the belly button to the pubic hairline.
Preparing for the Future
People may want to consider the type of birth they ideally want, whether they want to know the sex of the fetus, telling an employer about the pregnancy and deciding on parental leave, attending antenatal appointments and taking antenatal classes, and who they would want to have as a birthing partner.
[1] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Second Trimester of Pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/second-trimester-of-pregnancy/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Second trimester of pregnancy: Your baby's development. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/second-trimester/art-20047822
[3] NHS. (2021). Your baby's development: 13 to 16 weeks. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/your-pregnancy-13-16-weeks/
[4] NHS. (2021). Your baby's development: 21 to 24 weeks. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/your-pregnancy-21-24-weeks/
[5] NHS. (2021). Your baby's development: 25 to 28 weeks. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/your-pregnancy-25-28-weeks/
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