SECOND TRIMESTER (Weeks 13–27)
Welcome to the glowing months, Mama! Your baby is growing, moving, and dancing inside you—what a joyful miracle. Take this time to breathe, smile, and enjoy the magic unfolding within you.
Baby Development
During the second trimester, the baby grows quickly and becomes more active.
What’s happening inside:
- Facial features form — eyes, ears, and nose become more defined.
- Baby starts moving — kicks, rolls, and stretches become noticeable.
- Heartbeat is stronger — can often be heard with a Doppler.
- Skeleton hardens — bones start to form.
- Brain development increases — lots of neural connections are growing.
- Sucking and swallowing — baby may start sucking their thumb.
- Hair and eyebrows begin to grow.
- Skin becomes smoother as fat begins to form.
- By the end of the trimester, baby is about the size of a cauliflower and can hear sounds.
Key developments:
- Week 14–16:
- Baby’s facial features become clearer.
- They can make expressions like frowning or squinting.
- Tiny fingerprints start forming.
- Week 18–20:
- You may feel the first gentle movements (called quickening)—like flutters or little bubbles.
- Baby can hear sounds, including your heartbeat and muffled voices.
- Week 21–24:
- Baby’s organs and lungs continue developing.
- They start to practice breathing movements.
- Skin is still thin but becoming less transparent.
- Week 25–27:
- Baby starts gaining more fat and muscle.
- Their sense of taste and touch becomes stronger.
- They react more to music and sounds.
Body Changes
It’s often called the “feel-good trimester” because many early symptoms ease.
Common changes:
- More energy and less nausea (for most people).
- Growing belly as the uterus expands.
- Breast changes — they may feel fuller as milk ducts grow.
- Back pain — as posture changes with the growing belly.
- Skin changes — like the “pregnancy glow” or a line on the abdomen (linea nigra).
- Stretch marks may start appearing.
- Increased appetite due to baby growth.
- Feeling baby movements (quickening) usually between weeks 18–22.
- Leg cramps and mild swelling may happen.
- Emotional balance — hormones stabilize a bit, and mood improves.
Safe Exercises
Exercise helps with energy, stress, sleep, and preparing the body for labour. Always follow medical advice.
Safe options:
- Walking
- Keeps muscles active
- Good for the heart
- Low impact
- Prenatal Stretching Exercises
- Improves flexibility
- Eases back pain
- Helps with breathing and relaxation
- Swimming
- Very gentle on joints
- Reduces swelling
- Strengthens the whole body
- Stationary Cycling
- Safe alternative to cycling outside
- Good cardio workout
- Light Strength Training
- Use light weights or resistance bands
- Helps support growing belly
- Strengthens legs, arms, and back
Avoid exercises that:
- Involve lying flat on the back for too long
- Include jumping, heavy lifting, or high-intensity training
- Risk falling — like skiing, horseback riding, or outdoor cycling
- Overheat the body
- Cause pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath