Month 4: Welcome to the Second Trimester
Weeks 14-17 of Pregnancy
Welcome to the second trimester - often called the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy! Many women find this to be the most enjoyable part of their pregnancy journey. Morning sickness typically fades, energy returns, and you will start to show that beautiful baby bump. This month brings exciting developments as your baby's movements become more coordinated.
What is Happening This Month
The second trimester brings a welcome relief from many first-trimester symptoms. Your risk of miscarriage has dropped significantly, and you may feel more comfortable sharing your news widely. Your baby is growing rapidly, and you might even want to find out whether you are having a boy or girl at your upcoming scan!
Week-by-Week Development
Baby can squint, frown, and grimace! The liver produces bile, and the spleen helps produce red blood cells.
Your baby is forming taste buds and can sense light through closed eyelids. Hair pattern on the scalp is forming.
Baby's movements are more coordinated. The circulatory system is fully functional. You might feel first flutters!
Baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone. Sweat glands begin developing. Fat stores start forming.
Your Baby's Development
By the end of month 4, your baby has grown to about the size of an avocado (10-12cm) and weighs approximately 100-140 grams. The rapid development continues:
- Facial muscles are developing - your baby can make expressions
- Eyes are moving into their final position (though still closed)
- Ears are nearly in their final position and baby may hear your voice
- Arms and legs are more proportionate to the body
- Bones are hardening, especially the backbone
- The nervous system is starting to function
- Hair (known as lanugo) begins covering the baby's body for warmth
- External genitals are formed enough to potentially determine sex
- Baby is practicing breathing movements with amniotic fluid
Size Comparison
Your baby is about the size of an avocado
10-12 cm (4-5 inches)Changes in Your Body
The fourth month often brings the "pregnancy glow" as increased blood flow gives your skin a radiant appearance. Your body is adjusting to pregnancy, and many women feel their best during this time:
Energy Boost
Most women experience renewed energy and vitality
Visible Bump
Your pregnancy becomes more obvious as your bump grows
Pregnancy Glow
Increased blood flow creates that famous radiant appearance
Increased Appetite
With nausea gone, your appetite likely returns with enthusiasm
Skin Changes
Possible darkening of nipples, freckles, and appearance of your tummy's linea nigra
Nasal Congestion
Increased blood flow can cause stuffiness and occasional nosebleeds
Important Care Tips
Healthy Weight Gain
Now that appetite has returned, focus on nutritious foods. Average weight gain is about 450-680g (1-1.5 pounds) per week in the second trimester. Choose nutrient-dense foods rather than "empty" calories. Remember, you only need about 340 extra calories per day during the second trimester.
Stay Active
With increased energy, this is a great time to establish or maintain an exercise routine, if you have not already started. Walking, swimming, antenatal yoga, and light strength training are excellent choices. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week, but always listen to your body and consult your healthcare provider.
Anomaly Scan Preparation
Your detailed anomaly scan typically happens around 18-21 weeks to check your baby's development and anatomy. If you are planning to find out your baby's sex, this is usually when it can be reliably determined. Some private clinics offer earlier gender scans from 16 weeks. Decide together whether you want to know or keep it a surprise!
Maternity Wardrobe
Your regular clothes are likely feeling tight now. Invest in comfortable maternity basics - stretchy leggings, supportive bras, and tops that will grow with you. Do not forget comfortable, supportive shoes as your centre of gravity shifts and feet may swell slightly.
When to Contact Your Midwife, GP or Obstetrician
While the second trimester is generally more comfortable, always contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Severe abdominal pain or regular contractions
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Rapid weight gain with swelling of face and hands
- Signs of urinary tract infection
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Looking Ahead
Month 5 brings even more exciting developments! Many first-time mothers feel their baby's movements for the first time (quickening) between weeks 18-20. You will also have your detailed anomaly scan, where you will see incredible images of your baby and ensure everything is developing normally. This is also an ideal time to start thinking about antenatal classes and birth preferences. Enjoy this special time - the second trimester truly is a magical phase of pregnancy!