What to Expect During Pregnancy: Second Trimester

As your body settles into the changes of pregnancy, the symptoms associated with the first trimester begin to fade away and the baby begins to grow rapidly.

The second trimester is often the most pleasant for women. However, changes within the body are still occurring and can cause certain symptoms.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Rapid or too little weight gain (consult your doctor for proper weight ranges)
• Severe dizziness
  

Changes in your body

During the second trimester, a woman’s body can undergo the following changes:

Breast enlargement

Your breasts will continue to grow in the second trimester as your body prepares for the baby, but most of the tenderness from the first trimester should be wearing off. Wearing a supportive bra can help ease any discomfort.

Appearance of your “baby bump”

During the second trimester, your uterus will begin expanding – sometimes rapidly – to make room for the growing baby. You will gain weight and your belly will begin to show and become rounder as the baby grows.

“Quickening”

During the second trimester, the baby will begin stirring — a very delicate movement called “quickening.” This activity can happen early or very late in the second trimester.

Skin changes

Hormone levels during pregnancy can cause a woman’s skin to appear flushed or glow. Increased melanin can also lead to the skin browning, as well as a dark line to appear down the abdomen — all of which should disappear when the baby is born.

Your skin can also increase in sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen when going outdoors. Thin red or purple lines may also develop, as well as stretch marks, which should fade after delivery.

Weight gain

Normal weight gain during the second trimester should be around 1 pound a week. As your appetite steadies, you should monitor your calorie intake to moderate your weight gain.

Increased hair growth

Hormone changes can cause increased hair growth — both thickened hair growth in normal locations, and hair growth in new locations, such as the face, back and arms.