During Your Second Trimester Resources from UPMC in Central Pa.

Your baby will do a lot of growing and developing during your second trimester. By now, you are hopefully feeling less nauseous as your morning sickness starts to subside. Your growing abdomen will also begin to show more as your baby grows.

Prenatal Visits

During your second trimester prenatal visits, your physician or midwife may check a number of things depending on your current medical condition and the health of your baby, including:

• Any symptoms or discomforts that you are experiencing
• Your weight and blood pressure
• Your urine, for protein and sugar
• The size and development of your baby
• The size of your uterus
• Your baby's heartbeat

Your Baby's Development

Your baby will increase its weight by seven times during the next few months. By the end of the second trimester, your baby will be about 13-16 inches long and will weigh two to three pounds. You will be able to feel your baby kick, move and turn from side to side.

The umbilical cord will thicken as it carries nourishment to your baby. It is important to remember that harmful substances can pass through the umbilical cord, so you should continue to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other known hazards. Several other major developments will take place, including:

• Your baby will begin to form urine and discharge it into the amniotic fluid
• Tissue that will become bone is also developing around your baby's head and within his or her arms and legs
• Your baby's sex will become apparent
• Your baby might be able to make sucking motions with his or her mouth
• Your baby's movements will become coordinated and detectable during ultrasound exams
• Fat stores will begin to develop under your baby's skin
• Your baby's ears will begin to stand out on the sides of his or her head, and your baby may begin to hear

Changes to Your Body

Most women find the second trimester to be the most physically enjoyable, as many of the nagging symptoms of early pregnancy disappear and hormone levels stabilize. During the second trimester, changes to your body may include:

• Increased appetite
• Itchy skin on your abdomen
• Mild pain down the sides of your body as your uterus stretches
• A noticeable white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea (a colored or bloody discharge could signal complications and should be examined immediately)
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids
• Backaches caused by increasing weight gain
• Skin changes on your face or abdomen
• Heartburn, indigestion and constipation

If you experience any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your physician immediately.

Your Pregnancy Resources

Online Maternity Patient Pre-Registration Form

Maternity Patient Pre-Registration Form (PDF)

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Learn more about Labor and Delivery Services at UPMC in central Pa.