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Pregnancy - second trimester
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The second trimester of pregnancy lasts from 13 to 27 weeks. This is the period during which most women begin to wear maternity clothes and their "interesting condition" becomes noticeable. By 16 weeks, the fundus of the uterus is located between the pubic bone and the navel. By 27 weeks, it rises 5 cm above the navel.
By the end of the second trimester, the fetus is 25 cm tall and weighs about 700 grams.
Many women find the second trimester of pregnancy to be the easiest period, as morning sickness, breast tenderness, and fatigue pass, but physical discomfort begins to bother them. The pressure on the bladder becomes less, as the uterus grows out of the abdominal cavity.
If this is your first pregnancy, you may start to feel fetal movement at 18-22 weeks after your last menstrual period. The fetus has been moving for a few weeks, but the movements were not strong enough to be felt. At first, the movements are slight, and you may start to wonder if there was movement. If this is your second or third pregnancy, you may feel fetal movement earlier, sometimes as early as 16-18 weeks.
Characteristic symptoms of the second trimester of pregnancy
- Changes in breast shape
- Heartburn
- Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
- Hemorrhoids and constipation
- Varicose veins
- Stretch marks, itching and other skin changes
- Leg cramps
- Pain in the abdomen and side
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
The inflammatory process during pregnancy requires immediate treatment:
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Bacterial vaginal infection
- Urinary tract infection
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