Heights OBGYN

Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy comes with new changes for expectant mothers

Each stage of pregnancy (trimester) is unique. As your baby grows and develops, your body also experiences different changes. Learning a bit about the second trimester, or second stage of pregnancy, can help you feel better prepared as you move into this trimester.

Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology is home to San Antonio OBGYNs who provide compassionate support and comprehensive care for expectant mothers. Our specialists are also here to offer the information you need as your pregnancy progresses.

What is the second trimester of pregnancy?

A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, and weeks 13 to 27 are the second stage of pregnancy. Our San Antonio OGYNs often tell patients that this trimester marks the halfway point.

The second trimester is an important one. During this time, your baby goes through many changes in its appearance and development. Babies experience the following milestones during this stage of pregnancy.

  • Facial features become more recognizable.
  • Fingers and toes become well-defined.
  • Hair and nails appear by month four.
  • The baby starts to move, stretch and even suck its thumb.
  • Your baby can hear you towards the end of this trimester.

Around the 20-week mark, you’ll have an ultrasound that can let you know the sex of your baby. If you would prefer to be surprised, our team can perform this scan without sharing details about the baby’s sex.

What do mothers experience during the second stage of pregnancy?

The first trimester often comes with symptoms like fatigue and nausea from morning sickness. However, the second trimester is when many mothers feel their best. Fatigue, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms tend to disappear, and some even experience a burst of energy.

Keep in mind that every patient is unique, and so is every pregnancy. As a result, you may notice some symptoms carry over from the first trimester. You may also develop new ones.

  • Increased appetite
  • Hormonal changes that cause nosebleeds and bleeding gums
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Varicose veins
  • Stretch marks
  • Darkening of the areolas (the skin around the nipple)
  • Appearance of a line (linea nigra) down the belly

This trimester is exciting for many patients because it’s when a “baby bump” often starts to appear. As your baby grows, your uterus stretches. Try not to compare yourself to other mothers during this time. Each person’s pregnancy and baby bump will look a little different.

What care do you need during this pregnancy stage?

Prenatal care is essential during the second trimester. In addition to having an ultrasound to determine the baby’s sex and assess fetal anatomy, you’ll also need to visit your obstetrician about every four weeks. Our physician will typically recommend the following tests.

  • Screening for gestational diabetes
  • Rh factor testing
  • Complete blood count (CBC) to diagnose anemia
  • Syphilis screening

Our San Antonio OBGYNs also recommend that you start making plans for labor and delivery. Additionally, it can be helpful to attend breastfeeding and newborn care classes during the second trimester.

From prenatal care to postpartum support, our team is here to care for you through every step of your pregnancy. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to ensure you receive the prenatal care you and your baby need and deserve.