The second trimester of pregnancy is a wonderful time when many mothers feel a little lighter. Things like morning sickness and vomiting have largely subsided. So today, we'll talk about what amazing things are happening in your body and that of your little one in your womb during this wonderful time, from weeks 17 to 20.
Week 17: The little one is growing up fast!
Just think, your baby's weight has doubled by now compared to the last two weeks! Body fat also begins to accumulate during this time. This layer of fat helps regulate the baby's body temperature (heat production) and metabolism.
The tiny lungs are now starting to expel the amniotic fluid that is in the womb. The circulatory system and urinary system are also working well. Hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes are also starting to grow. The baby is now trying to put his hands in his mouth. The heart is beating well, pumping about 100 pints of blood a day, and you would be surprised! This little one is now bouncing, rolling, and very active inside the womb.
What's wrong with you?
Your belly is now slightly protruding. You may have gained about 5-10 pounds. You may also feel a little more hungry. Your uterus is getting bigger, so it may be difficult to sleep comfortably at night. If this is not your first pregnancy, you may also feel the baby moving ( quickening ).
A little tip for you this week: Your legs may be a little bigger due to weight gain, swelling, and hormonal changes. Also, you may feel dizzy when you suddenly change positions, especially when you get up from a lying position or when you get up from a sitting position. So change positions slowly . If you feel dizzy, sit down quickly and lower your head, or lie down for a while.
Week 18: Baby can now hear sounds!
The baby's rapid growth is now somewhat controlled, but reflexes are developing well. The baby can now open his mouth, twist his body, make various facial expressions, and even snort. Taste buds are developing on the tongue, so he can distinguish between sweet and bitter tastes. If something touches his lips, he will start to suck, and he can also swallow things and urinate.
The retina of the eyes is starting to become sensitive to light. This means that if a bright light hits your belly, your baby may move around to protect his eyes from it. His little ears are also working now! Your baby is now starting to hear sounds.
What's wrong with you?
Your uterus is now about the size of a watermelon. You can feel it just below your belly button. At this time, between 18 and 22 weeks, your doctor will recommend a mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan to check your baby's development. If the baby is in a good position, this scan can also tell you whether it's a girl or a boy.
During this time, your heart has to work about 40%-50% harder than usual. You may experience more back pain at the end of the day. Sometimes, your doctor may also do a vaginal ultrasound to check the length of your cervix and the location of the placenta .
A little tip for you this week: If possible, bring your partner to this ultrasound scan. It will be a wonderful experience for both of you to see your little one for the first time.
Week 19: 'Vernix' protects baby's skin
This week, your baby's skin is developing and is translucent. The skin appears red because the blood vessels under the skin are visible. The main airways (bronchioles) in your baby's lungs are beginning to form.
Most importantly, a creamy white coating begins to form on the baby's skin. This is called 'vernix caseosa' . This cheese-like coating protects the baby's delicate skin from damage caused by long exposure to amniotic fluid in the womb. This will fall off shortly before the baby is born.
What's wrong with you?
You may start to feel your baby's kicks now, especially if this is not your first baby. As your baby grows, you may experience lower abdominal pain, dizziness, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, and slight swelling in your ankles and feet. Spider veins can develop on your face, shoulders, and arms. These usually go away after you give birth.
A little advice for you this week: Take good care of yourself! When your baby is growing so fast, you can easily feel tired. So get plenty of rest.
Week 20: Right in the middle of pregnancy!
Congratulations! You're halfway through your pregnancy. By now, your baby can hear sounds very well - not only your voice, your heartbeat, and your stomach, but also sounds from outside. If you hear a loud noise near you, your baby may cover his ears with his hands or startle.
Baby is now moving around a lot - twisting, rolling, kicking. If you're having twins, the movement will be even more intense as they stimulate each other. Baby is now sleeping, and may wake up to noise and movement. At this age, babies love to put their feet and toes in their mouths!
What's wrong with you?
Your uterus is now at the level of your navel. The twins have probably moved up another inch. Your waistline is now largely invisible. Some of the muscles in your urinary tract are relaxing, making you more likely to get bladder infections. So, this is a good time to start doing Kegel exercises to help control your bladder. Ask your doctor about this.
Major changes that occur between weeks 17-20 - a summary
Here's a quick summary to help you remember what we've talked about.
| Week | Baby's development | Changes in the mother's body |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Weight doubles, fat builds up, and the lungs, circulatory, and urinary systems become active. | The stomach becomes visible, weight increases, appetite increases, and difficulty sleeping may occur. |
| 18 | Reflexes develop (opening the mouth, swallowing), taste is felt, and sounds are heard. | The uterus can be felt below the navel, the heart rate increases, and back pain may occur. |
| 19 | The skin becomes transparent, airways in the lungs are formed, and the protective 'vernix' (vernix) is formed. | You may feel the baby struggling, experience lower abdominal pain, chest pain, and leg pain. |
| 20 | Responds to outside noises, struggles frequently, falls asleep and wakes up. | Mid-pregnancy. The uterus reaches the level of the navel. The risk of urinary tract infections is high. |
What else is going on inside your womb?
During this time, the baby's head hair begins to grow, and a layer of very fine, soft hair called 'lanugo' covers the baby's shoulders, back, and cheeks. This hair serves to provide protection for the baby. This usually falls out on its own by the end of the first week after birth.
The baby's skin is well covered with the white coating called 'vernix caseosa' that we talked about earlier. This protects the baby's skin from being submerged in the amniotic fluid for a long time.
As your baby's muscles develop and are exercised, you will begin to feel the baby move, or 'quickening' . This is a wonderful feeling.
Take-Home Message
- The second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 13-28) is usually a relaxed, beautiful time. Make the most of this time.
- Be aware of the changes in your body and your baby's development. Things like backaches, swollen legs, and dizziness are normal. But if you have any concerns or worries, talk to your doctor right away .
- A mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan, done between 18-22 weeks, is very important. It can reveal many things, such as the baby's growth, health, and the position of the placenta.
- Eat well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and get enough rest. You need to take good care of yourself as you are creating another life inside your body.
- It's a special feeling when you start to feel your baby move. Enjoy those little movements.
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