The Second Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect
Updated: February 24, 2025
Pregnant women experience the "golden period" of pregnancy between weeks 13 through 27 during the second trimester. This period of pregnancy becomes easier for most women because their bodies handle the symptoms better than during the first trimester, and their energy returns, along with feeling their babies moving inside. While some symptoms still persist, this is a time to enjoy your pregnancy, focus on self-care, and prepare for the months ahead.
Here's what you can expect during the second trimester.
The Nausea Subsides
Morning sickness usually ends during the second trimester because it provides major relief to pregnant women. The majority of pregnant women discover that their nausea reduces to the point of complete disappearance, which enables them to eat without difficulty while staying active. Contact your doctor about increasing your vitamin B6 consumption since medical research shows this will help control nausea when it persists. During the uterus expansion, you may experience new discomfort, which includes stomach aches accompanied by mild cramps. The stretching of muscles and expanding of ligaments adjust to your enlarging fetal size. Consult your doctor for severe pain because typical stomach aches are normal during pregnancy.
Feeling Your Baby's First Movements
The baby remained hidden during the initial trimester before you began to experience the first signs of subtle movements during the second trimester. By week 12, your doctor might detect the heartbeat, but between weeks 16 and 20, the first noticeable baby movements, termed quickening, will start to become perceptible to you. The first feelings associated with fetal movements resemble soft touches or small bubbles, which later become increasingly potent and defined movements as the baby develops. After the second trimester, your baby will start delivering consistent kicks that strengthen your bond with your child before birth.
Shortness of Breath
Even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs may leave you feeling breathless during the second trimester. This happens because your growing uterus is pressing against your diaphragm, making it slightly harder for your lungs to expand fully.
While occasional breathlessness is normal, pay attention to any severe shortness of breath or dizziness, as these could indicate other health concerns. Taking breaks, practicing deep breathing exercises, and avoiding overexertion can help you feel more comfortable.
Changes in Your Body Shape
By week 16, many women start wearing maternity clothes as their waistline expands and their hips widen. By week 27, you will likely have gained between 16 and 22 pounds, with your baby accounting for about two pounds of that weight.
Another common change is the appearance of stretch marks, which may develop on your stomach, thighs, and breasts as your skin stretches. While they may seem prominent now, most fade significantly after childbirth. Staying hydrated, using gentle moisturizers, and maintaining a balanced diet can help keep your skin healthy as your body adjusts to pregnancy.
Emotional Changes
Your hormones are still shifting, but your body has had time to adjust to these changes, meaning mood swings are often less intense than in the first trimester.
However, many women begin to feel self-conscious about their changing bodies and worry about the long-term effects of pregnancy on their appearance. If these feelings arise, take time for self-care activities like a relaxing facial, prenatal massage, or a manicure to boost your confidence. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and staying active can also help improve your mood.
Vivid and Unusual Dreams
Pregnancy can bring strange, vivid, and sometimes unsettling dreams. Many women report dreams about their baby, labor, or even bizarre, unrelated scenarios during the second trimester.
The reason behind these dreams is hormonal changes and heightened emotions, which impact the way the brain processes thoughts and anxieties. Increased blood flow to the brain can also make dreams feel more intense and memorable. While these dreams can sometimes be disturbing, they are completely normal and do not predict anything negative about your pregnancy or baby.
If you experience stressful dreams, practicing relaxation techniques like prenatal yoga, deep breathing, or listening to calming music before bed may help.
The Importance of Exercise During the Second Trimester
Unlike the first trimester, where fatigue and nausea often make exercise difficult, the second trimester brings renewed energy, making it a great time to stay active.
Safe and beneficial activities include:
- Walking – Keeps you fit without straining your joints.
- Prenatal yoga – Helps improve flexibility and reduce stress.
Exercise can help reduce back pain, improve circulation, and boost mood, but listening to your body and avoiding overexertion is important.
Exercise Precautions
While exercise is beneficial, there are certain precautions to keep in mind during pregnancy.
- After the fourth or fifth month, avoid exercises that require you to lie flat on your back, as this position can compress major blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your baby.
- Avoid high-impact activities or any movements that require intense exertion. Straining too much can raise blood pressure to unsafe levels.
- Eat a small snack about an hour before exercising to maintain energy levels.
- Stay hydrated by drinking small sips of water throughout your workout.
Your body is constantly changing, so if you feel lightheaded, overly fatigued, or experience pain, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
Final Thoughts
The second trimester is often considered the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy, as many early discomforts fade, and your baby's presence becomes more tangible through movement. With morning sickness subsiding, energy levels increasing, and your baby growing rapidly, this is a time to focus on self-care, healthy habits, and preparing for the months ahead.
Your body will continue to change as your belly expands, your emotions fluctuate, and new physical sensations arise, but these are all signs of a healthy and progressing pregnancy. Paying attention to your nutrition, staying active with safe exercises, and managing stress levels can help you feel your best during this stage.
With each passing week, your baby is getting stronger, and so are you. The second trimester is a time to embrace the journey, enjoy the milestones, and prepare for the exciting road ahead as you move closer to meeting your little one.
To know more, please refer to the following resources