Second Trimester of Pregnancy Week By Week, Symptoms And Ultrasound

First Trimester of Pregnancy: Week by Week

Second trimester is the second phase of pregnancy. It includes week 13 through 28. 

Second trimester of pregnancy brings a different set of body changes although the baby during this period continues in his growth and development process. Fortunately, the risk of miscarriage drops as nearly 80% of them occurs during the first trimester.

Second Trimester of Pregnancy Symptoms

From now on, you should gain about .5 to a full pound every week. Many of the difficult pregnancy symptoms that you experienced during the first trimester may subside. Women in their second-trimester report feeling better and having more energy. Levels of hCG hormones gradually decrease. A better balance between progesterone and estrogen levels result in the easing of symptoms like morning sickness and tiredness.

Following are some important symptoms during this trimester:

• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Frequent urination
• Cramps in legs
• Gas
• Swelling
• Itchy skin
• Occasional dizziness
• Mood swings
• Insomnia

Towards the end of the second trimester, a woman starts feeling pregnancy aches as uterus keeps on growing and it can result in round ligament and back pain. Many women start feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions, after the 20^th week of pregnancy, which are false contractions that prepare your body for true labor.

What to Eat During Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and green vegetables is vital for a mother and her baby in the second trimester. Actually, food that a mother eats is the only source of nutrients and nourishment for a baby. That is why eating healthy is important for pregnant women. You want to eat things that are going to promote development and growth in the baby. Healthy food includes the proper dose of minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and plenty of fresh liquids, and water. Calcium is especially vital for a baby as it helps in the development of teeth and bones in a baby. It is better to eat home-cooked meals as they are fresh and healthy.

 Following are some food items rich in nutrients

• Pumpkin seeds
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruits
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt
• Baked potato

Second Trimester of Pregnancy Ultrasound

A doctor generally recommends an Ultrasound during 18^th and 20^th week of pregnancy. This scan helps in evaluating physical features and size of a baby. The sonographer measures the circumference of a baby’s head to determine proper development of the brain and skull.

During the first half of the second trimester, it is possible to see your baby’s skeleton through its skin as it is transparent. It is also possible to determine sex of a baby after 18^th week as his reproductive organs are visible in ultrasound.