Discover what you need to know about your baby’s growth in the second trimester

The second trimester is an exciting time for many expectant parents. Not only is this when your baby starts to look more like a child, but it is also when you can learn the sex of your baby.

As part of your prenatal care, Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology explains what you can expect from each trimester of pregnancy. Here, we highlight what you need to know about your baby’s growth in the second trimester. Our San Antonio OBGYN practice is also here with tips for how to support a pregnant mother’s comfort as the baby grows.

What can you expect from your baby’s growth in the second trimester?

Many expectant mothers find that their pregnancy starts to feel “more real” during the second trimester. From the baby’s first movements to the development of a baby bump, many changes occur between weeks 13 and 27.

Below are examples of what you can expect from your baby’s growth in the second trimester.

• Week 13: Your baby’s bones start to harden, especially in the skull, arms and legs.
• Week 14: Red blood cells form, and your baby’s neck becomes more defined.
• Week 15: Your baby’s scalp hair is forming, and the bones continue to grow.
• Week 16: The eyes begin to move, and limb movements become more coordinated.
• Week 17: Your baby’s toenails start developing, and you might feel your baby hiccup.
• Week 18: Hearing starts to develop, and the digestive system is working.
• Week 19: Your baby becomes coated in a protective substance called vernix caseosa.
• Week 20: You can feel your baby’s movements (quickening).
• Week 21: Your baby can suck its thumb.
• Week 22: The eyebrows and hair are visible, and reproductive organs are formed.
• Week 23: Fingerprints appear, and rapid eye movements start.
• Week 24: Your baby continues to grow, and their skin is wrinkly.
• Week 25: You might notice your baby start using movement to respond to your voice.
• Week 26: The eyes are developed, but might not open for another two weeks.
• Week 27: This marks the end of the second trimester. It’s also when the baby gains more fat, which makes their skin look smoother.

By week 23, some preterm babies can survive outside of the uterus with help from the NICU. However, the goal is to safely deliver your baby as close to 40 weeks of gestation as possible.

What are ways to support a pregnant mother’s comfort during the second trimester?

Our San Antonio OBGYN practice finds that many expectant mothers feel their best during the second trimester. However, some discomfort can still occur. To help you feel as good as possible during this stage of pregnancy, our physicians offer these tips.

• Sleep comfortably. Sleep on your side, and place a pillow between your knees and ankles to align your hips.
• Relieve heartburn. Use extra pillows to prop up your upper body if you struggle with acid reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help.
• Stay active. If your doctor approves it, stay active with gentle movement, including walks, yoga and stretching.
• Keep hydrating. Drinking water regularly throughout the day can hydrate your body and help prevent leg and foot cramps. Just cut down on water near bedtime to avoid nighttime bathroom trips.

If you have specific concerns or issues, your OBGYN can help offer tips that help promote your comfort as a pregnant mother. You can think of your physician as your resource for everything you and your baby need during and after pregnancy.

If you have more questions about your baby’s growth in the second trimester, we are here with answers. We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.