Welcome to the second trimester, often called the "golden period" of pregnancy. For many people, nausea fades, energy returns, and you start to actually enjoy being pregnant. The fetus is growing rapidly and developing unique features like fingerprints.
Your Baby This Week
Size: Peach (about 7 cm, or 2.9 inches)
Weight: About 23 grams
- Fingerprints: Unique patterns are forming on the fingertips
- Vocal cords: Continuing to develop
- Intestines: Now fully inside the abdomen and beginning to form villi for nutrient absorption
- Head and body: The body is catching up in size to the proportionally large head
- Kidneys: Producing urine, which is released into the amniotic fluid. This is normal and helps maintain amniotic fluid levels.
- Bones: Rapidly hardening, especially in the skull and long bones
The fetus can squint, frown, and grimace, though these are reflexive movements rather than expressions.
Your Body
- More energy. Many people feel significantly better starting this week.
- Growing bump. Your clothes are getting tighter. Time for stretchy pants.
- Increased appetite. With nausea fading, food may sound appealing again.
- Reduced urination frequency. The uterus has moved up, relieving pressure on the bladder temporarily.
- Visible veins across the chest and abdomen as blood volume continues to increase.
What to Do This Week
- Increase calorie intake slightly. In the second trimester, you need roughly 340 extra calories per day (about a yogurt, a piece of fruit, and a handful of nuts).
- Start doing pelvic floor exercises. Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowels. They help during delivery and recovery.
- Stay active. Walking 30 minutes a day, swimming, or prenatal yoga are all excellent choices.
Common Questions
How much weight should I gain in the second trimester?
The recommended total weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI. For a normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9), the total recommended gain is 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 pounds) across the entire pregnancy, with most of the gain occurring in the second and third trimesters. Your provider will guide you.
Is it safe to travel in the second trimester?
The second trimester (weeks 13 to 27) is generally the most comfortable time to travel. Most airlines allow pregnant passengers to fly until 36 weeks, though policies vary. Carry your prenatal records, stay hydrated, and walk regularly during flights to reduce the risk of blood clots.