Source: bing.comCongratulations! You are officially in the second trimester of your pregnancy, and your baby is growing and developing at a rapid pace. The second trimester is from week 13 to week 28, and during this time, your baby goes through some significant changes. In this article, we will discuss what you can expect during this stage of your pregnancy.
Table of Contents
Week 13 – 16
During this period, your baby is about the size of a lemon. Your baby’s bones are beginning to harden, and fingerprints are forming. Your baby’s eyes and ears will move to their final position on the head, and teeth buds are forming. Your baby’s skin is still thin, and you can see the blood vessels through it. The baby’s sex organs will be fully formed by week 16, and you may be able to find out the sex of your baby through an ultrasound.
Week 17 – 20
At this stage, your baby is about the size of a turnip. Your baby’s movements will become more active, and you may be able to feel your baby’s kicks and flips. Your baby’s hearing is also developing, and they can now hear sounds from outside the womb. Your baby’s heart is now fully formed, and you may be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope. Your baby’s skin is still translucent, but they will start to grow hair and eyebrows.
Week 21 – 24
Your baby is now the size of a grapefruit. Your baby’s lungs are developing, and they are starting to breathe amniotic fluid. Your baby’s eyelids are fused shut, but they will start to open soon. Your baby’s brain is also rapidly growing, and they are starting to develop a sleep-wake cycle. At week 24, your baby is considered viable, which means that if they were born prematurely, they have a chance of survival.
Week 25 – 28
During this period, your baby is about the size of an eggplant. Your baby’s brain is growing rapidly, and they are starting to form memories. Your baby’s lungs are almost fully developed, and they are starting to produce surfactant, which helps them breathe outside the womb. Your baby’s eyes can now open and close, and they can differentiate between light and dark. Your baby’s weight is increasing rapidly, and they are starting to fill out.
In conclusion, the second trimester is a crucial time for your baby’s development. From the formation of bones, organs, and sex to the development of memories and breathing, your baby is growing and changing every day. It’s essential to take care of yourself during this time so that your baby can continue to grow and flourish. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. Congratulations on making it to the second trimester, and enjoy this exciting time in your life!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start feeling my baby move?
Most women feel their baby move between weeks 16 and 25, but it can vary. If you haven’t felt any movement by week 25, contact your healthcare provider.
Can I find out the sex of my baby during the second trimester?
Yes, you can find out the sex of your baby through an ultrasound. However, some healthcare providers may not do an ultrasound to determine the sex until the third trimester.
When is my baby considered viable?
Your baby is considered viable at week 24, which means that if they were born prematurely, they have a chance of survival.
What should I do if I experience cramping or bleeding during the second trimester?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any cramping or bleeding during the second trimester. It could be a sign of a problem.
Is it safe to have sex during the second trimester?
In most cases, sex during the second trimester is safe. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, your healthcare provider may advise against it. Always check with your provider if you have any concerns.