Introduction
The 2nd trimester of pregnancy is known as the 'Second trimester’ or the ‘golden period’ as most of the unpleasant symptoms that start in the first trimester begin to subside and most women start feeling more energetic. Usually occurring between the thirteenth and twenty-sixth weeks of pregnancy, changes in the size, shape and form of the baby may be clearly seen during this phase. Knowing what occurs through these weeks is important because it will make you comfortable with the progress of your body and the growing life within you.
Early Changes and Developments (Weeks 13-16)
In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, movement of the baby is mainly observed, however, in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, there is an increase in the growth rates of the baby. About the size of a fig, the foetus is now at week 13, or 7 cm long, and starts to make its first movements, but you cannot feel it yet. At week 14, eyelids have been formed and then separated and the baby might start sucking its thumb.
The process of formation of the voice cords starts and the baby may start exercising baby murmur. At week 16, taste buds are visible and the foetus has big eyebrows and lashes. If first trimester screening is not done or completed then in the second trimester, a maternal serum screening may be provided in order to rule out any developmental problems.
Mid-Trimester Growth (Weeks 18-20)
At week 18, depending on the doctor’s prescription you could have an ultrasound referred to as the anatomy scan. This scan primarily screens for not only twins or more, but also the line of the placenta and if there are any abnormalities with the baby. One thing that one would expect during the scan is that foetal hiccups are expected at this time. At twenty weeks of pregnancy the size of the foetus is about 21 cm and it can hear perfectly well. Finger pattern begins to develop and you may be given the sex of the baby during the scan if you desire.
Later Stages and Preparing for the Final Trimester (Weeks 24-26)
Your baby will also grow and develop even faster as you get closer to the end of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. At week 24, the foetus measures about 33 cm; now the fused eyelid will start to open, thereby enabling it to blink. Another is the presence of vernix on the skin of the baby and the presence of fuzzy hair on the skin known as lanugo. The baby begins to ‘swallow’ amniotic fluid in turning movements, to practise for the extrauterine existence.
The Bottom Line
The 2nd trimester of pregnancy is one of the most dynamic and progressive phases for both, the mother and the child. While the initial weeks are more about the growth, so is the second part of the pregnancy weeks training for the third trimester and birth. When you know about these changes they make you feel more in tune with what’s going on in your body and baby and that this is all part of an amazing trip that is soon to come. Approach this period with confidence because each step that you are taking is one step closer to meeting this little one.
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