Weeks 13 to 27 - the so-called golden trimester. More energy, visible bump, and some surprises along the way.
The second trimester (weeks 13-27) is often called the golden trimester. According to Nuhah's pregnancy guide, morning sickness typically eases, energy returns, and you will feel your baby's first movements during this period.
If the first trimester was survival mode, the second trimester is where many people hit their stride. Often called the golden trimester, weeks 13-27 bring renewed energy, a visible bump, and the first unmistakable movements of your baby.
The most welcome change for many people is the fading of nausea. As hCG levels plateau and the placenta takes over hormone production, morning sickness typically eases between weeks 12 and 14. Energy returns, appetite improves, and many people describe feeling more like themselves again.
Your bump becomes visible during this period. For first pregnancies, it usually starts showing around weeks 14-16. You may need maternity clothing from around week 16-20, though this varies enormously between individuals.
Your baby undergoes dramatic development during the second trimester. At week 13, they have unique fingerprints. By week 16, the skeletal and nervous systems are connected, enabling purposeful movement. At week 18, your baby can hear sounds for the first time - your heartbeat, your voice, and music.
The week 20 halfway point brings the anomaly scan, where you can see your baby's organs in detail and potentially learn the sex. By week 24, the viability milestone, your baby would have a chance of survival with intensive care if born early.
One of the most exciting second trimester milestones is feeling your baby move. First-time parents usually notice movements between weeks 18-22, described as flutters, bubbles, or gentle tapping. By week 24-26, movements are strong enough for your partner to feel too.
While generally more comfortable than the first trimester, weeks 13-27 bring their own symptoms. Round ligament pain (sharp stretching sensations in the lower abdomen) is common as the uterus grows. Backache can begin as your centre of gravity shifts. Some people notice skin changes including a dark line down the abdomen (linea nigra), and pregnancy rhinitis (a stuffy nose) caused by increased blood flow.
Braxton Hicks contractions may start from around week 20 - these are practice contractions that feel like a tightening across the abdomen and are usually painless.
The second trimester is a busy time for preparation. Key tasks include attending the 20-week anomaly scan, booking antenatal classes, starting gentle exercise, researching baby essentials, and beginning to think about birth preferences. Many parents also start nursery preparation during this period.
Your midwife will check blood pressure, urine, and baby growth at appointments around weeks 16 and 25. The glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes is usually offered between weeks 24-28.
The second trimester is often the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy. You have more energy, you can feel your baby moving, and the finish line is approaching. Nuhah's week-by-week pregnancy tracker helps you make the most of every week with personalised milestones, practical guidance, and tools to share the journey with your partner.
Nausea usually eases, energy returns, your bump becomes visible, and you feel the baby move for the first time. Key appointments include the anomaly scan at week 20. Most people feel their best during weeks 14-26.
The second trimester begins at week 13 and runs through week 27. It marks the transition from the challenging early weeks to a period of relative comfort and visible pregnancy.
Key tasks include attending the 20-week anomaly scan, starting gentle exercise, researching baby essentials, booking antenatal classes, and beginning nursery preparation. Nuhah's week-by-week guide tracks these for you.
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