Second Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect

The second trimester begins with the 13th week of pregnancy and ends at the 27th week. During the 2nd trimester, the baby grows in the abdomen and gains a lot of weight. The second trimester is the best for many expectant mothers: They have left pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or circulation problems, behind.

At the same time, the belly is still so small that it hardly affects mobility.

The baby is also developing splendidly: at the end of the second trimester, the fetus opens its eyes, reacts to sounds from outside and its skin slowly becomes smoother due to the storage of fat.

Most mothers agree: the second trimester is the most pleasant third of pregnancy. Complicated pregnancy signs, such as nausea, circulation problems, or leaden fatigue, have faded away.

The belly grows but is not yet so big that it would hinder you in everyday life.

For nest-building, the last vacation or simply devotedly enjoying pregnancy, the second trimester is perfect.

The few complaints that plague women in the second trimester are:

• Calf cramps due to increased magnesium requirements.
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Growing pains due to stretching of the maternal ligaments
• Forgetfulness
• Headaches

The mother’s body has now fully adjusted to the pregnancy. The organism has to transport about 1.5 liters of blood more through the vessels. This is why the pulse rate of pregnant women increases by about five to ten beats per minute in the second trimester.

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Mother and child are now connected by the umbilical cord. This is also noticeable in the mother’s nutrient balance: Nighttime calf cramps, for example, can be an indication of increased magnesium requirements. In such cases, midwives and gynecologists advise the use of dietary supplements to ensure magnesium intake.

From the 13th week of gestation, the baby’s belly grows steadily. Since the belly and the baby do not grow in sync, some women feel severe growing pains when the uterus expands. From now on, many pregnant women notice the first stretch marks or stretch marks because the connective tissue can no longer cope with the tension. Around the 18th and 19th week of pregnancy, the uterus reaches about the size of a melon. It almost reaches the belly button – the beautiful baby bump can no longer be denied.

While the fetus has already developed almost completely in the first trimester, it gains weight from the 2nd trimester onwards. The organs, which have already been laid out and are already partially functional, are refining, and the correct proportions are emerging. Slowly, the facial features become clear and a delicate fuzz of hair grows on the head. A slight fringe of eyelashes appears around the eyes. Towards the end of the second trimester, the fetus finally opens its eyes and reacts to light impressions.

The fine auditory bones form completely. The fetus can perceive voices and can already distinguish between them. In relaxed moments, parents can listen to soft, gentle sounds through headphones.
sounds to their baby through headphones placed on the abdomen. Of course, you can also sing to him. Since the fetus is already moving in the 2nd trimester, it might even talk back to you with small movements. But don’t worry if nothing moves yet: In the first pregnancy, it usually takes a little longer for the mother to feel the first fetal movements and distinguish them from normal bowel activity.

But the baby doesn’t just grow: it also trains its breathing, learns to use its muscles, and begins to see and hear. The second trimester is the perfect time to get the baby in tune with your own musical tastes.

• 14th W. – 18th W. The fetus begins to suck its thumb and swallow amniotic fluid. The baby also begins to grasp and do gymnastics in the womb. The skeleton hardens, the genitals can be distinguished, and facial expressions also become visible.
• 19th W.- 22nd W. Ultrasound often clearly shows the sex. The heartbeat of the fetus can be heard via a stethoscope. A light fuzz of hair covers the baby’s body. Hearing is developing.
• 23rd W. – 27th W. The child develops sleeping & waking phases. At the end of the second trimester, the fetus opens its eyes.

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet is best maintained throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. Depending on the development of the fetus, the need for “building blocks” for healthy growth also changes. During the 2nd trimester, the mother’s and baby’s bodies need the following nutrients in particular:

• Folic acid for the healthy development of the mother’s and baby’s tissues.
• Calcium for bone structure from the 15th to about the 18th week
• Omega-3 fatty acids for eye and brain development
• Iodine and selenium for the mother’s thyroid and nervous system
• Iron, vitamin B6, and B12 for the prevention of tiredness and fatigue in pregnant women
• Vitamin C for the mother’s immune system