Second Trimester

Second Trimester

During the second trimester, steady growth is the theme. The second trimester lasts from week 13 to week 27 of the pregnancy. For many women, this trimester is the easiest during the pregnancy, because the side effects like morning sickness often experienced in the first trimester have begun to dissipate, but the discomfort associated with later pregnancy has not yet begun.

In the second trimester, the uterus begins to expand further up into the body and out of the pelvis. This can help make the mom-to-be more comfortable, since there is less pressure on her bladder and pelvic structures. The upward and outward growth also begins to noticeably expand the expectant woman?s abdomen, making the "belly bump" more pronounced. During the second trimester, women usually begin to wear maternity clothing.

One of the joys many moms-to-be delight in during the second trimester is feeling the movements of the fetus. Women who have been pregnant previously may recognize fetal movement between weeks 16 and 18, while first-time moms may begin to identify their baby?s movements around 18 to 22 weeks.

With all of the changes occurring both internally and externally, many pregnant women in their second trimester feel increasingly excited as the idea of becoming a mother starts to set in.

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