Second trimester

Weeks 14–27

Usually the kindest stretch. Sickness settles, energy returns, and you start to feel movement.

Illustration is stylised and not to scale between weeks.

What this stretch is really about

For most women this is the stretch that feels manageable again. Sickness settles, energy comes back, and somewhere in here you feel the first definite movement — which changes the whole thing from an idea into a person.

It is also when the most detailed scan of the pregnancy happens, and when conditions like gestational diabetes and anaemia are looked for, while there is still plenty of time to treat them.

The milestones

Week 16

Weeks 14–17

The kind stretch begins

Energy usually returns. The baby can move every joint, is growing hair and eyebrows, and is starting to hear. Most people begin to look pregnant somewhere in here, though first pregnancies often show later.

Appetite and energy return for most women
Skin changes and a darker line down the belly
Movements start, but are easy to mistake for wind

Week 20

Weeks 18–21

Halfway, and the big scan

The anomaly scan checks the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, face and limbs in detail, and looks at where the placenta is sitting. From this week, length is measured head to heel rather than head to bottom — which is why the numbers appear to jump.

The 20-week anomaly scan
First definite kicks for many women
The baby now has a sleep and wake rhythm

Week 26

Weeks 22–27

Eyes open, and a real chance outside

The eyes open, the lungs begin producing surfactant, and a baby born at the end of this stretch has a real, though difficult, chance of survival with intensive care. You will start being asked to notice a pattern in the movements.

Glucose test for gestational diabetes
Learn your baby's normal movement pattern
Backache and heartburn become common

For general understanding only. Lengths, weights and size comparisons are typical averages — your baby may be bigger or smaller and still be perfectly healthy. Only your own scan can tell you where yours is.

Your appointments and checks

Anomaly scan18–22 weeksA detailed look at the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, face and limbs, and at where the placenta is lying.

Glucose test24–28 weeksGestational diabetes usually has no symptoms at all and is easily missed without testing.

Haemoglobin recheckAround 26 weeksAnaemia is common in the second half and is straightforward to correct.

Growth and blood pressureEach visitFundal height, blood pressure and urine — the checks that catch pre-eclampsia early.

What you may feel

First movements — flutters at first, unmistakable later
A visible bump, and stretching or pulling at the sides
Backache as posture shifts
Nasal congestion, bleeding gums, vivid dreams
Return of appetite and energy

Call today — don't wait for the next appointment

Any vaginal bleeding
A gush or steady trickle of fluid
Severe headache with visual disturbance or swelling of the face and hands
Regular tightening before 37 weeks
A definite reduction in movement once a pattern is established

Your week in detail

Find your week

Week 14

A small apple

Not sure which week you are in?

Pick the first day of your last period and we will work out the week and your due date.

8.7 cmLength

43 gWeight

T2Trimester

Your baby

Facial muscles work, so there is squinting and frowning. The baby can suck a thumb. The liver and spleen start doing their jobs.

You this week

The second trimester begins. Many women describe this as the stretch where they finally feel well.

Care & checks

A good time to start thinking about iron intake. Aim for regular gentle exercise if you have been cleared for it.

First trimester The whole journey Third trimester

While you are waiting

Nobody should be guessing at 2am.

These trimester guides cover what is normal week by week, and what needs looking at the same day. Anything in the second group should never wait on an inbox — go straight to your nearest maternity unit.

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Nothing here can diagnose you or replace an assessment of your own history, examination and results. If something here matches what you are experiencing, the next step is a consultation — not a conclusion. If you are in severe pain, bleeding heavily, or feel unwell, seek urgent care rather than waiting for an appointment. Awaiting final clinical review before publication.