nuhahyearlyLaunch pricing - Get £50 off!nuhahyearlyWeeks 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.
The second trimester (weeks 13-27) is often called the honeymoon phase of pregnancy - and for good reason. For many women, the nausea fades, energy returns, and you start to genuinely enjoy being pregnant. Here's what's happening, what to look forward to, and what to watch for.
For most women, the second trimester brings welcome relief. The exhaustion and nausea that dominated the first trimester typically ease as hCG levels plateau and your body adjusts to its new hormonal balance. Many women describe feeling a surge of energy, renewed appetite, and a general sense of wellbeing.
This is also when pregnancy becomes visible. Your bump will start to show (timing varies hugely - first pregnancies tend to show later, subsequent pregnancies earlier), and many people choose this trimester to share their news publicly.
Your bump. The uterus rises out of the pelvis during the second trimester, which is why the bump becomes visible. It also means less pressure on your bladder - a welcome break from constant bathroom trips.
Skin changes. Many women notice a "pregnancy glow" caused by increased blood flow. You might also notice the linea nigra (a dark line down your belly), darkening of the areolae, and patches of darker skin on the face (melasma or "pregnancy mask"). These are all caused by increased melanin production and usually fade after birth.
Round ligament pain. As your uterus grows, the ligaments supporting it stretch, causing sharp, jabbing pains - usually on one or both sides of your lower abdomen. It can be alarming the first time, but it's harmless. A warm bath, gentle stretching, or changing position usually helps.
Braxton Hicks contractions. Some women start noticing these "practice contractions" in the second trimester. Your uterus tightens for 30-60 seconds, then relaxes. They're irregular, painless (or mildly uncomfortable), and completely normal. They're your body rehearsing for labour.
Nasal congestion. Increased blood flow affects your mucous membranes too. A stuffy nose, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums are all common and harmless. Saline nasal spray can help.
Feeling movement. Most first-time mothers feel their baby move between 18-21 weeks. It starts as tiny flutters or bubbles and gradually builds to unmistakable kicks and rolls. There are few moments in pregnancy more magical than the first time you feel your baby move.
The anomaly scan. Usually between 18-21 weeks, this detailed NHS ultrasound checks your baby's organs, bones, and growth. Many parents also find out their baby's sex at this scan.
Halfway. Week 20 marks the official midpoint. It's a moment worth pausing to acknowledge - you've already done something remarkable, and there's so much to look forward to.
Hearing the heartbeat. Your midwife will check baby's heartbeat at each antenatal appointment using a Doppler. That rhythmic whooshing sound becomes the backdrop to your pregnancy.
The second trimester is a period of extraordinary growth and development. Your baby goes from about 7cm and 23g at week 13 to roughly 36cm and 875g by week 27.
During these weeks, your baby develops hearing (they can distinguish your voice from week 22), taste buds (they swallow amniotic fluid and react to flavours), touch sensitivity (they respond to pressure on your belly), and the beginnings of a sleep-wake cycle.
If you're carrying a girl, all 6-7 million of her eggs form during this trimester. Your baby's fingerprints form by week 14, and they develop the ability to make facial expressions - complete with frowning and squinting.
Start your essentials research. The second trimester is a comfortable time to browse pushchairs, car seats, and nursery furniture without the urgency of a looming due date.
Midwife appointments. You'll have regular antenatal appointments throughout the trimester. These check your blood pressure, urine, bump measurements, and baby's heartbeat.
Tell your employer. In the UK, you must inform your employer by the 15th week before your due date (around 25 weeks). Many people tell their workplace after the dating scan.
Prenatal classes. Now is a good time to book NHS antenatal classes or private options like NCT. They fill up, so don't leave it too late.
Partner sharing. If you haven't already, consider sharing your pregnancy tracker with your partner. Having them follow along week by week builds connection and shared understanding.
The "honeymoon trimester" narrative is common, but it doesn't apply to everyone. Some women continue to experience nausea well into the second trimester. Some develop new symptoms like heartburn, back pain, or insomnia. Anxiety doesn't automatically lift at week 13.
If you're not feeling the glow, that's okay. Every pregnancy is different, and there's no "right" way to experience yours. If you're struggling, talk to your midwife. Support is available and you deserve it.
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.
Milestones, partner sharing, notes, photos, and a curated essentials guide - all free. No app to install.
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