The second trimester — Week 14 to Week 27 — is considered the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. During this time, your energy comes back, you start feeling the baby’s movements, and your baby bump becomes clearly visible. Below is a detailed breakdown of each week.
(This article is the next part of our Pregnancy Calendar Week by Week overview and our First Trimester Guide.)
Week 14: The Start of the Second Trimester
- Baby’s Growth (size: lemon): The baby’s facial expressions start forming — they may smile or frown.
- Your Changes: Nausea eases up considerably, and energy starts coming back.
- Tip: This is a good time to start regular light exercise — be sure to confirm with your doctor first.
Week 15: The Baby Can Hear
- Baby’s Growth (size: apple): The baby’s hearing is developing — they can hear your voice and outside sounds.
- Your Changes: Your skin may start to glow, and some women experience nosebleeds.
- Tip: Start talking to the baby or playing music — bonding begins early.
Week 16: The Bump Becomes Clearly Visible
- Baby’s Growth (size: avocado): The baby’s eyes start moving, and sometimes the sex can even be determined on a scan.
- Your Changes: The baby bump is now clearly visible.
- Tip: Investing in comfortable maternity clothes becomes important at this stage.
Week 17: Fat Layers Start Forming
- Baby’s Growth (size: pear): Fat layers (needed for warmth) start developing on the baby’s body.
- Your Changes: You may feel round ligament pain (mild pain on the side of the belly).
- Tip: Avoid sudden movements — change positions slowly.
Week 18: Time for Quickening
- Baby’s Growth (size: bell pepper): The baby is active — moving its arms and legs.
- Your Changes: Many women feel the baby’s movement (quickening) for the first time this week — like a light “flutter.”
- Tip: Time to schedule your anomaly scan — confirm with your doctor.
Week 19: Vernix Caseosa Forms
- Baby’s Growth (size: mango): A protective waxy coating (vernix caseosa) forms on the baby’s skin.
- Your Changes: Back pain and stretch marks may begin.
- Tip: Use moisturizer regularly — it helps reduce stretch marks.
Week 20: The Halfway Point!
- Baby’s Growth (size: banana): You’re exactly halfway through your pregnancy. The anomaly (mid-pregnancy) scan happens this week.
- Your Changes: The baby’s movements start feeling regular now.
- Tip: Make sure to get your anomaly scan done — it checks the baby’s organs and growth.
Week 21: The Baby Is Learning to Swallow
- Baby’s Growth (size: carrot): The baby starts swallowing amniotic fluid — this gives the digestive system practice.
- Your Changes: Your appetite may increase, and weight gain becomes consistent.
- Tip: Eat a balanced diet — focus on protein and iron-rich foods.
Week 22: Eyebrows and Eyelids
- Baby’s Growth (size: papaya): The baby’s eyebrows and eyelids are now clearly formed.
- Your Changes: You may notice pigmentation on your skin (like linea nigra — a dark line on the belly).
- Tip: Use sunscreen if you’re concerned about pigmentation — check with your doctor.
Week 23: The Baby’s Hearing Is Sharpening
- Baby’s Growth (size: grapefruit): The baby starts reacting to loud sounds.
- Your Changes: Braxton Hicks contractions (mild, painless practice contractions) may begin.
- Tip: If contractions become painful or frequent, contact your doctor right away.
Week 24: The Viability Milestone
- Baby’s Growth (size: corn cob): The baby’s lungs start producing surfactant, which is needed for breathing. This is an important viability milestone.
- Your Changes: Gestational diabetes screening (glucose test) happens around this week.
- Tip: Don’t miss your glucose screening test.
Week 25: The Baby’s Grip Is Getting Stronger
- Baby’s Growth (size: cauliflower): The baby’s grip strength increases, and they may suck their thumb.
- Your Changes: Sleeping may become a bit harder because of the bump — sleeping on your side (especially the left side) is best.
- Tip: Using a pregnancy pillow can be very helpful for comfort.
Week 26: Eyes Start Opening
- Baby’s Growth (size: lettuce): The baby’s eyes start opening.
- Your Changes: Swelling (edema) may appear in the hands and feet.
- Tip: Drink plenty of water and avoid standing for long periods.
Week 27: Second Trimester Complete!
- Baby’s Growth (size: cauliflower/broccoli): The baby’s brain activity is increasing, and hiccups may start too (which you may be able to feel).
- Your Changes: Your body starts preparing for the third trimester.
- Tip: Get ready for the third trimester — read our Third Trimester Guide.
Things to Keep in Mind During the Second Trimester
- ✅ Get your anomaly scan and glucose screening test done on time
- ✅ Use comfortable maternity wear and a supportive pillow
- ✅ Follow a balanced diet — focus on iron, calcium, and protein
- ✅ Continue light exercise or prenatal yoga (with your doctor’s advice)
According to WHO’s antenatal guidelines, regular checkups and scans in the second trimester help detect pregnancy complications early.
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Related Reads
- Pregnancy Calendar Week by Week — Overview & Calculator
- Week 1 to 13: First Trimester Detailed Guide
- Week 28 to 40: Third Trimester Detailed Guide
- 7 Foods to Strictly Avoid During Pregnancy for a Healthy Baby
FAQs
The second trimester runs from Week 14 to Week 27 — a total of 14 weeks.
Most women feel the first movement (quickening) around Week 18-20, but this can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The anomaly scan (Week 18-20) and glucose screening (Week 24-28) are the two most important tests — confirm the full schedule with your doctor.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your gynecologist regarding your specific pregnancy condition.
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