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Second Trimester
Weeks 13-26 are widely considered the most comfortable stretch of pregnancy. Energy typically improves, nausea usually passes, and the bump becomes visible. It’s also the most action-packed trimester for appointments and decisions, the anatomy scan, finding out the sex, telling work, and starting to actually prepare for a baby.
What changes in the second trimester
The placenta takes over from hCG in early pregnancy, which is why nausea often improves around week 12-14. Energy returns for most women, though not everyone gets the “golden trimester” experience, and that’s valid too.
Your bump becomes visible between weeks 16-20 for most first-time pregnancies. You’ll likely feel baby move (called quickening) for the first time between weeks 16-22, often described as bubbles, flutters, or gentle taps.
See week-by-week changes →Jump to your week
Tap any week for a full guide to what is developing, what you might feel, and what to do right now.
The 20-week anatomy scan
The anomaly scan is the most detailed ultrasound in your pregnancy. Here’s what to expect.
What the scan checks
The anomaly scan (usually offered between weeks 18-21) checks your baby’s physical development in detail: brain, spine, heart, kidneys, limbs, face, and abdominal wall. It also checks the position of your placenta and confirms baby’s growth is on track.
It takes 30-45 minutes. The sonographer will need to check many specific structures, so they may be quiet and focused. That does not mean something is wrong. Ask questions.
Finding out the sex
If you want to know, the sonographer can usually tell you the sex at the anatomy scan. About 97% accurate. You can ask them to write it down if you want to find out later or plan a reveal.
If the scan finds something that needs follow-up, you’ll be referred to a fetal medicine specialist. Most of the time these are minor variations that resolve on their own, but a specialist appointment doesn’t automatically mean bad news.
- Is everything looking normal?
- Where is my placenta sitting?
- Is growth on track?
- Can you see the sex?
- When will I get the results in writing?
What to do in the second trimester
This is your window of opportunity, energy is back and you’re not yet at the heavy, uncomfortable stage. Use it.
- Childbirth classes (popular ones fill up)
- Hospital tour if your hospital offers them
- Birth pool if you’re considering a water birth
- Photographer if you want a birth photographer
- Strollers and travel systems
- Car seat (non-negotiable before baby arrives)
- Feeding choices, breast, formula, or combination
- Childcare options and costs
- Tell your employer when you are ready, and review their parental leave policy
- See if you qualify for FMLA, plus short-term disability or state leave if available
- Start your benefits and HR paperwork, and join childcare waitlists early
- Plan a budget for your time off, and update your will or life insurance if needed
What’s happening to your body
The pregnancy glow, and what else is happening to your skin
Increased blood flow and oil production can give skin a genuine glow. But for many women the second trimester also brings hyperpigmentation (chloasma, linea nigra), breakouts, and dry patches. All normal, all driven by hormones.
Stretch marks typically appear in the second or third trimester as skin stretches quickly. Genetics plays the biggest role in whether you get them. Keeping skin moisturized can help with itching, though no cream has been proven to prevent stretch marks themselves.
Round ligament pain
A sharp, shooting pain in your lower abdomen or groin when you stand up quickly, sneeze, or roll over in bed. It’s round ligament pain, caused by the round ligaments that support your uterus stretching as baby grows. Completely normal, usually brief, and more annoying than dangerous. Moving slowly helps.
Most exercise is safe if you were active before pregnancy. Good options: swimming, walking, pregnancy yoga, cycling on a stationary bike, low-impact aerobics.
Avoid: contact sports, exercises lying flat on your back after 16 weeks, very high-impact activities. If in doubt, ask your midwife.
All the detail you need
The 20-Week Anatomy Scan
What it checks, how to prepare, and what happens if something needs follow-up.
Read →
Finding Out Your Baby’s Sex
NIPT, anatomy scan, private scans, your options and how accurate each is.
Read →
Round Ligament Pain Explained
What causes it, what it feels like, and the quick fixes that actually help.
Read →
Building Your Maternity Wardrobe
When to buy, what’s worth investing in, and the pieces that last all three trimesters.
Read →
Pregnancy Glow & Skin Changes
What’s happening to your skin and why, from hyperpigmentation to stretch marks.
Read →Your Second Trimester To-Do List
The admin, bookings, and decisions to tackle while you have the energy.
Read →Travelling in the second trimester
Weeks 13-26 are the easiest time to travel, nausea has usually eased and energy is back. This is babymoon season.
This is the sweet spot for a trip. Most airlines let you fly without a letter until around 28 weeks, but always check your airline’s policy before booking.
On long journeys, move around regularly, stay hydrated, and consider compression socks to lower the risk of blood clots (DVT). On flights, get up and walk the aisle every hour or so.
Carry your pregnancy records with you, and look up where you would go for maternity care at your destination, just in case.
- Best window for a babymoon
- Check airline rules (usually fine before 28 weeks)
- Move, hydrate, and wear compression socks
- Carry your pregnancy records
- Know local maternity care where you are going
Getting close to the third trimester?
Weeks 27-40 are all about preparation. Hospital bags, birth plans, and getting everything ready before your due date.
Third trimester guide →Medical disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor, midwife, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.