Stages of Pregnancy : Second Trimester

If you're in your second trimester, you're in weeks 13-26 of your pregnancy. Many pregnant women come to know the second trimester as the best trimester. That's because the nausea of the first trimester is replaced by great energy and enthusiasm, and the return of the appetite.

You'll begin to notice changes in your body. At the beginning of the second trimester, you may start to feel bigger, and your clothes begin to get snug or not fit at all, though most people won't recognize that you are pregnant. This doesn't last long. Sometime around weeks 18-20, people will start to notice, and you'll hear the question "When are you due?" the first of many times.

By week 14, your baby is about 4 ½ inches from head to toe and is very active. You may begin to feel the movements sometime in weeks 18-22. The baby will be most active between weeks 24 and 28.

In the middle of the second trimester, your baby's gender can be determined by an ultrasound. At about 22 weeks, your fetus weighs nearly one pound, measures about 10 ½ inches head to toe, and begins to actually resemble a baby. Eyebrows and eyelashes grow, and hearing begins to function.

By the end of the second trimester, your baby will be sensitive to its environment, capable of responding to touch and sound. The baby's eyelids begin to open, and it starts to observe the inside of the womb. As the third trimester begins, the baby measures about 13 inches head to toe and weighs about 2 ¼ pounds.

Woman's offers a variety of classes to help, and you can access helpful articles, tools and information by signing up for My Woman's. You can also schedule a tour of Woman's Hospital, so you'll know what to expect. Remember, being informed eases anxiety.

To take a video tour, click here.

Recommended Classes:

Breastfeeding Basics

Have you been thinking about breastfeeding your baby, but you aren't quite sure if it is right for you? At this class you will learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, how to prepare for breastfeeding, how to get the baby on the breast properly, the father's role, breastfeeding pumps and supplies, and how to avoid common problems. There is a $35 per couple registration fee. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Basics of Breastfeeding & Pump Pointers

This is a small group class for women only and is recommended as a refresher class, or for women who prefer a fast-paced class. The instructor will briefly review the basics of the breastfeeding process, what to expect the first time putting baby to breast during your hospital stay, your first few weeks at home with your new baby and "pump pointers." $20 per person. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Anesthesia For Childbirth

This is your chance to ask all of those questions you have about epidural anesthesia for childbirth. An anesthesiologist (doctor of anesthesia) will discuss epidural anesthesia and answer your questions about medication options available to relieve pain in labor and birth. There is a $5 per couple registration fee. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Marvelous Multiples® at Woman's Hospital

Understanding the special nature of multiple pregnancy is an important part of prenatal care. Marvelous Multiples® at Woman’s Hospital is a prenatal education class that offers expectant parents information about many of the aspects of multiple pregnancy and birth that are not covered in the other childbirth education classes. Register as soon as you learn you are pregnant with multiples. This series consists of three, two hour classes; the fourth class is 2 1/2 hours. $85 per couple. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Prenatal Yoga

Yoga can help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for giving birth and becoming a mother. Moms-to-be are led through a wide range of poses adapted for the ever-changing pregnant body, preparing her for labor and motherhood, as well as helping to alleviate some of the associated discomforts of pregnancy. You may sign up for one class at $12, or choose to buy a pass; $60 for a six class pass; $110 for a twelve class pass. Class pass expires six months from date of purchase. Classes held at Destination Maternity. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Strong Mamas

This pregnancy exercise class is designed to focus on preparing your body for the changes of pregnancy, labor and delivery. This cardio and strength training routine will help improve energy level, attitude and self image. You may sign up for one class at $12, or choose to buy a pass; $60 for a six class pass; $110 for a twelve class pass. Class pass expires six months from date of purchase. Classes held at Destination Maternity. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Doulas and Comfort Measures for Labor

What is a doula? How can a doula help me and my partner have a better birth experience? How can I be more comfortable during labor? This class focuses on a doula's role, benefits of working with a doula, creating a positive birth environment, positions for labor and hands-on comfort measures. This class is free, pre-registration required. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Woman's Hospital Resources:

Prenatal Massage

Fitness Club Training

The Spa Services

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Health Articles:

Exercise During Pregnancy Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts of pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born. Accor... more

Obstetrical Ultrasound What is an ultrasound? An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. A screening ul... more

Fetal Movement Counting What is fetal movement counting? Fetal movement counting, often called kick counting, is a way a mother can help monitor the movements of her unborn baby by counting the num... more

Breast Milk is the Best Milk Nature designed human milk especially for human babies, and it has several advantages over any substitute ever developed. Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and... more

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More Resources:

Preparing | First Trimester | Third Trimester | Postpartum | Special Needs