Second trimester · weeks 14–27 guide

Second trimester

Weeks 14 through 27

The second trimester spans weeks 14–27 — often called the "golden period." Nausea eases, energy returns, and the first felt movements arrive. Anatomy scan and glucose screening are the key milestones.

Key milestones

  • Hearing develops at weeks 15–16; the fetus responds to outside sounds.
  • Quickening (first felt movement) between weeks 18 and 22 — later in first pregnancies.
  • Anatomy ultrasound (level II) at 18–22 weeks.
  • Viability threshold reached at week 24.
  • By the end of week 27: ~36.6 cm, ~875 g.

Common symptoms and changes

  • Nausea resolves; appetite returns.
  • The bump becomes visible — posture and gait shift.
  • Skin changes: pigmentation, linea nigra, darker areolas.
  • Lower back and pelvic pain may begin; swelling and varicose veins can appear.
  • Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions may show up occasionally.

Recommended prenatal care

  • Second-trimester screen (quad/integrated test) at 15–20 weeks.
  • Anatomy ultrasound (level II) at 18–22 weeks.
  • Amniocentesis, if indicated, at 16–20 weeks.
  • Cervical length screening for preterm birth risk.
  • Gestational diabetes screen (50 g glucose) at 24–28 weeks.

Nutrition and lifestyle tips

  • Healthy weight gain of ~0.4–0.5 kg per week (for normal BMI).
  • Increase calcium, iron, protein, and DHA intake; watch for anemia.
  • Begin side-sleeping (preferably left) to relieve vena cava pressure.
  • Swimming, prenatal yoga, and light strength work are well-suited; avoid high-impact and crunches.
  • A good time for routine dental care — pregnancy gingivitis prevention.

What to avoid

  • Avoid prolonged standing and heavy lifting.
  • Limit simple sugars and refined carbs to reduce gestational diabetes risk.
  • Wear the seatbelt low across the hips and high on the chest — not over the bump.
  • Travel is usually fine, but be cautious with long-haul flights, high altitude, and malaria regions.

Months in this trimester

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Textbook averages. Individual variation is wide and this is not medical advice — confirm with your OB.