Many women describe the second trimester as the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. Morning sickness typically fades, energy returns, and the baby bump becomes visible. Here is a detailed overview of what to expect between weeks 14 and 26.
By week 14, most early pregnancy symptoms ease considerably. Your uterus has grown above the pubic bone and your abdomen begins to show. Breast tenderness often decreases, though your breasts continue to grow as they prepare for milk production.
Between weeks 18 and 22, most women feel the first fetal movements — a fluttering sensation often described as "quickening." For first-time mothers this may happen closer to week 22; for those who have been pregnant before, as early as week 16.
Skin changes are common: a dark vertical line called the linea nigra may appear on your abdomen, and some women notice darker patches on the face (chloasma). These are caused by increased melanin production and usually fade after delivery.
Weeks 14–16: The baby's facial muscles develop, enabling expressions such as squinting and grimacing. Fingernails grow, and fine hair called lanugo begins to cover the body.
Weeks 17–20: The baby can now hear sounds from outside the womb. The skeleton begins hardening from cartilage to bone. A mid-pregnancy ultrasound (anatomy scan) is typically scheduled around week 20 to check organ development and, if you wish, determine the baby's sex.
Weeks 21–26: The lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance needed for breathing after birth. The baby can swallow amniotic fluid and is gaining weight steadily. By week 26, the baby weighs roughly 900 grams and measures about 35 centimetres.
Round ligament pain is a sharp or stabbing sensation in the lower abdomen caused by the stretching of ligaments supporting the uterus. It is usually brief and harmless.
Heartburn and indigestion become common as the growing uterus pushes against the stomach. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can help.
Leg cramps, particularly at night, affect many pregnant women. Staying hydrated, stretching before bed, and ensuring adequate calcium and magnesium intake may reduce their frequency.
Swollen ankles and feet occur as blood volume increases and the uterus puts pressure on leg veins. Elevating your feet when resting provides relief.
During the second trimester you will typically have prenatal visits every four weeks. The anatomy scan at around week 20 checks the baby's organs and measures growth. The glucose challenge test between weeks 24 and 28 screens for gestational diabetes.
Continue taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid, iron, and DHA. As your baby grows your caloric needs increase by approximately 300–350 calories per day. Focus on protein-rich foods, calcium sources, and iron-rich foods like lean meat, legumes, and dark leafy greens.
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, a sudden decrease in fetal movement after week 22, signs of preterm labour (regular contractions before week 37), or symptoms of pre-eclampsia such as severe headaches or sudden swelling.
Use our Pregnancy Week Calculator to track exactly where you are in your pregnancy, or our Due Date Calculator to see how many weeks remain.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.