Pregnancy is the process of childbearing. Measured from the start of a woman's last normal menstrual period (LMP), it usually lasts about 40 weeks or roughly 9 calendar months.
During the second trimester, continuing growth and development in mother and unborn child cause many changes to occur. Women may notice: the abdomen begins to swell. By the end of the second trimester, the uterus is near the rib cage.the skin on the abdomen and breasts stretches. Stretch marks may be visible.movements made by the baby. Known as quickening, this often occurs sometime around weeks 16 to 20.a dark line forming from the navel down the middle of the abdomenbrown, uneven marks on the face or other changes in skin pigmentdarkening of the area around the nipples
Often, the second trimester delivers a welcome energy boost to women and an end to morning sickness. It may also bring: nasal congestion and occasional nose bleedswhitish vaginal dischargeless of a need to urinate oftenconstipation increase in appetiteBraxton-Hicks contractions in which the uterus becomes hard and tight and then relaxesleg crampsbackachefatigue
In the unborn child: growth continues quickly from now until birthorgans such as the heart and kidneys develop furthereyebrows and fingernails formthe skin is wrinkled and covered with fine hairperiods of activity and quiet occur as the baby moves, kicks, sleeps, and wakes
By the end of the second trimester, the unborn child is about 11 to 14 inches long and weighs about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds. It can swallow, hear, and urinate. Miscarriage is rare at this time unless there are specific medical conditions for the mother or baby.
However, women sometimes have other problems in the second trimester, including: high blood pressure, which may be a sign of preeclampsia sugar in the urine. This may be a sign of gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes associated with pregnancy.iron-deficiency anemia
Each month during the second trimester of pregnancy, the healthcare professional will check: the mother's height and weightthe baby's heartbeatthe size, shape, and height of the uterusany swelling of the mother's hands and feet
Planning for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. Second Edition, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
What to Expect when You're Expecting, Eisenberg
