Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Pregnancy, lasting about 40 weeks, is divided into three trimesters. The second trimester spans from week 14 through the end of week 27.

At the beginning of the second trimester, the fetus is about three inches long. Eyelids close, and sex organs begin to form. By week 16, the baby is about five inches long, fine hair (lanugo) develops, and the mouth starts making sucking motions. At 20 weeks, the baby can hear and swallow, becomes more active, and you may feel fluttering movements.

A mid-trimester ultrasound checks the baby's movement, heart rate, and size, and sometimes reveals the baby's sex. By 24 weeks, the lungs are formed but not ready for external function, and the heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope. By the end of the second trimester, the baby is about a foot long.

During this trimester, mothers often feel better, experiencing less nausea and fatigue. Other changes may include darker skin around nipples, a dark line from the belly button to the groin (linea nigra), stretch marks, swelling in the face, fingers, and ankles, and feeling the baby move. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for any questions or concerns.