Your Second Trimester: What to Expect and How to Thrive

Weeks 13–26 are widely considered the “golden trimester” — and for many women, that reputation is well earned. Morning sickness typically eases, energy returns, and pregnancy starts to feel real and exciting rather than just exhausting. But the second trimester brings its own set of physical changes, appointments, and things to prepare for. Here’s your guide.

How Your Body is Changing

In the second trimester, the changes become more visible and more varied:

• Baby bump: The uterus rises above the pubic bone and your bump becomes noticeable, usually around weeks 16–20
• Round ligament pain: Sharp or aching pains on the sides of the abdomen as ligaments stretch — totally normal, though uncomfortable
• Skin changes: The linea nigra (a dark line down the abdomen), melasma (facial darkening), and stretch marks may appear
• Nasal congestion: Increased blood flow causes swollen nasal passages — snoring is very common
• Gum sensitivity: Hormones increase gum inflammation — maintain dental care and see a dentist
• Increased libido: For many women, sexual desire returns as nausea subsides and energy increases

Feeling Your Baby Move

One of the most magical moments of pregnancy: the first movements (known as “quickening”) typically happen between weeks 16 and 22. First-time mothers often notice them later (closer to 22 weeks) than those who have been pregnant before (who may feel flutters as early as 16 weeks). They start as subtle flutters — like bubbles or butterflies — and become more distinct kicks and movements over the following weeks.

From around 28 weeks, you’ll be asked to be aware of your baby’s movement patterns. A reduction in movements should always be checked — contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away.

Second Trimester Appointments

Anomaly scan (18–21 weeks)

The mid-pregnancy ultrasound is a detailed anatomy scan checking all major organs, limbs, the placenta, and amniotic fluid. It can also indicate sex if you want to know. This is the most detailed scan of the pregnancy and usually takes around 30 minutes.

Midwife appointments

You’ll typically see your midwife at around 16 weeks and again at 25 weeks (for a first pregnancy). Blood pressure, urine, and fundal height will be checked.

Gestational diabetes screening

Women with risk factors (BMI over 30, family history, previous large baby, previous gestational diabetes) are offered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at around 24–28 weeks.

What to Do in the Second Trimester

• Book antenatal classes (they fill up fast, especially in cities)
• Start researching pushchairs, car seats, and nursery furniture
• Consider a pregnancy support belt if you’re experiencing back or pelvic pain
• Begin pregnancy-safe exercise if you haven’t already — swimming and prenatal yoga are ideal
• Start thinking about your birth preferences
• Book any babymoon travel (the second trimester is the safest time to fly)
• Inform your employer of your pregnancy (required by week 25 in many European countries)

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

PGP — pain in the pelvis, groin, buttocks, or thighs caused by hormones softening the ligaments — affects up to 1 in 5 pregnant women, often starting in the second trimester. It can be managed but not cured during pregnancy. Referral to a pelvic health physiotherapist early (as soon as symptoms start) makes a significant difference. Don’t wait and hope it goes away.