Educational content, not medical advice. Clinical review of this page is in progress.
The second trimester spans weeks 14 through 27 and is often the most comfortable stretch of pregnancy, as early nausea eases and energy returns for many people.
Common Symptoms
- Round ligament pain
- Increased appetite
- Skin changes (linea nigra, melasma)
- First fetal movements (“quickening”), usually 16–25 weeks
Key Appointments and Screenings
The anatomy scan (around 18–22 weeks) checks fetal development in detail and can reveal your baby’s sex. Glucose screening for gestational diabetes typically happens around 24–28 weeks.
Fetal Development Highlights
By 27 weeks, your baby can hear sounds, has developed sleep-wake cycles, and could potentially survive with intensive medical support if born early.
What Changes in the Second Trimester
Many people feel more energetic as early nausea eases. The bump becomes visible, and you may feel your baby move for the first time, often between weeks 16 and 25. See 21 weeks pregnant.
Tests and Visits
Around weeks 18 to 22, a detailed anatomy ultrasound checks your baby’s development. Glucose screening for gestational diabetes commonly takes place between weeks 24 and 28. Read Prenatal Screening Tests.
Common Discomforts
Back pain, round ligament pain and swelling may begin; see pregnancy back pain guide and swelling guide.
Planning Ahead
Use this time to research childbirth classes, feeding plans and parental leave. Read ACOG: How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
What Makes the Second Trimester Different
The second trimester, weeks 14 through 27, is often called the “honeymoon” phase. For many people nausea fades, energy returns and the risk of miscarriage drops significantly compared with the first trimester. Your belly becomes visible, you may feel your baby move for the first time, and you reach the important 20-week halfway point. Every pregnancy is different, so if you still feel unwell, that does not mean something is wrong, but do mention it at your next visit. Use our pregnancy countdown calculator to see how many days remain.
Week-by-Week Snapshot
Weeks 14–17: Growing and strengthening
Your baby’s skeleton hardens, fine hair called lanugo appears, and the face can make expressions. Many people feel a rush of energy and a return of appetite. Your provider may offer a blood test (the quad screen) between roughly 15 and 22 weeks if you did not have earlier genetic screening.
Weeks 18–22: The anatomy scan and first kicks
The detailed anatomy ultrasound is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks. It checks the baby’s organs, spine, limbs, placenta position and amniotic fluid, and often shows the sex if you want to know. This is also when quickening, the first fluttery movements, is felt. First-time parents often notice it around 18 to 20 weeks, and those who have been pregnant before may feel it a little earlier. See 21 weeks pregnant for what a typical week looks like.
Weeks 23–27: Approaching viability
Your baby’s lungs are developing and a regular sleep-wake pattern emerges. Around week 24 a baby is considered to have a chance of survival outside the womb with intensive neonatal care, which is why providers watch symptoms more closely from this point.
Appointments and Tests to Expect
- Monthly checkups: most routine visits are every four weeks, including blood pressure, weight, urine checks and measuring your uterus (fundal height).
- Anatomy scan: 18 to 22 weeks.
- Glucose screening for gestational diabetes: usually 24 to 28 weeks, earlier if you have risk factors.
- Anemia check: a blood count is commonly repeated around 24 to 28 weeks.
- Rh antibody testing: if you are Rh-negative, you typically receive Rh immune globulin at about 28 weeks.
- Vaccines: the flu shot can be given in any trimester, and the Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine is recommended between 27 and 36 weeks of every pregnancy. Ask about RSV and COVID-19 vaccination options and timing.
Our prenatal screening tests guide explains what each test looks for, and our fetal weight percentile calculator helps you interpret growth measurements from an ultrasound.
Common Second Trimester Discomforts and Safe Relief
Round ligament pain
A sharp, brief pain in the lower belly or groin when you stand or turn quickly is usually stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. Move slowly, change positions gently and try a warm bath or maternity support band.
Back pain and pelvic pressure
Your growing bump shifts your center of gravity. Supportive shoes, good posture, prenatal stretching and sleeping with a pillow between the knees help. Read the pregnancy back pain guide for more.
Leg cramps, heartburn and congestion
Night leg cramps are common, and stretching your calves before bed and staying hydrated can reduce them. Smaller meals and avoiding lying down right after eating ease heartburn. Stuffy nose and gum bleeding are also caused by pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow.
Swelling and skin changes
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles can begin now. See the pregnancy swelling guide for how to tell it apart from warning signs. Dark patches on the face or a line down the belly (linea nigra) are harmless pigment changes.
Eating, Weight Gain and Staying Active
Most people need only about 300 extra calories a day in the second trimester, not double the food. Focus on protein, iron, calcium, fiber and plenty of fluids. Use the pregnancy calorie calculator and pregnancy BMI calculator for a personalized starting point, and remember that recommended gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Aim for about 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise unless your provider advises otherwise. After about 20 weeks, avoid lying flat on your back for long stretches and try sleeping on your side.
Planning Ahead
- Sign up for childbirth and newborn-care classes before the third trimester gets busy.
- Learn about your parental leave options and start your budget.
- Begin thinking about your birth preferences and feeding plans. See breastfeeding preparation and the labor guide.
- Plan a babymoon if your provider approves travel. Mid-pregnancy is usually the most comfortable time.
Warning Signs: Call Your Provider
Seek medical advice promptly if you notice:
- Vaginal bleeding or a sudden gush or leak of fluid
- Regular tightening or cramping, pelvic pressure or lower back pain that comes in waves before 37 weeks, which can signal preterm labor
- Severe headache, vision changes, sudden facial or hand swelling or pain under the ribs after 20 weeks, which may indicate preeclampsia
- Extreme thirst, frequent urination and fatigue that do not ease, which can suggest gestational diabetes
- A noticeable drop in baby movement once you are regularly feeling it
Second Trimester FAQs
When will I feel the baby move?
Usually between 16 and 25 weeks. Early movements feel like flutters, bubbles or gentle taps.
Can I find out the baby’s sex?
The anatomy scan or cell-free DNA screening may reveal it. You can also have fun with our baby gender predictor and baby eye color calculator, which are entertainment only.
Is it safe to travel?
Most healthy pregnancies allow travel in the second trimester. Check airline rules, carry your records and ask your provider first.
How much weight should I gain?
For a normal pre-pregnancy BMI, about 1 pound per week is typical in the second and third trimesters. Your provider may set a different target.
Next Step: Your Third Trimester
When you reach week 28, continue with the third trimester guide and start your hospital bag checklist.
Related Reading
- Third Trimester Guide — weeks 28 to birth
- 10 Weeks Pregnant — baby development and symptoms
- 13 Weeks Pregnant — end of the first trimester
- 21 Weeks Pregnant — mid-pregnancy milestones
Also see our calculator FAQs, pregnancy FAQs and pregnancy terms glossary.
Related Resources
- First Trimester Guide (Weeks 1–13)
- Third Trimester Guide (Weeks 28–40)
- Pregnancy Week by Week: Interactive Fetal Development Tool
- Fetal Weight Percentile Calculator
- Kick Counter
Sources and Further Reading
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your OB-GYN or midwife about your own pregnancy.