The 2nd trimester (weeks 14–27): Everything about the second third of your pregnancy

The "golden phase" begins

The first trimester is behind you. Now a very special time begins, as weeks 14–27 of pregnancy bring many exciting changes. The second trimester is known as the golden phase known. Many initial Complaints such as discomfort, dizziness, and fatigue decrease and you feel more energetic. You are also not as restricted in your mobility, as your bump is still relatively small. Perhaps you already know whether your baby will be a boy or a girl, you may already be buying the first essentials and planning the nursery. But please don’t put too much pressure on yourself. There are still several weeks to go before your little one arrives and you have plenty of time to work through your to-do list. Listen to your instincts – By the end of the second trimester, your baby is already responding to sounds from outside. – and enjoy every moment.

Interesting facts about pregnancy weeks: Some pregnancy calculators consider the second trimester to end as early as the 25th week of pregnancy. However, midwives and doctors usually count it up to the completion of the 27th week of pregnancy.

Are you pregnant and looking for the right pram for you and your little one? From modern all-rounders to retro prams. In our Pushchair overview you will receive all the important information at a glance.

The first kicks (weeks 14–17 of pregnancy)

Your baby bump is now slowly starting to grow. and you can proudly present it to the world. You might even feel the first gentle kicks as your little bundle of joy tumbles about in your belly. Did you know that from now on, the most important pregnancy hormones are produced directly by the placenta? As a result, you’ll start to feel better and many of the accompanying symptoms will subside. Your happiness develops daily and learns new things. Let's take a closer look at the individual weeks together, because weeks 14–17 of pregnancy are full of excitement – both for you and your little one.

Week 14Your baby bump is starting to show and you can feel the first movements of your little miracle. The foetus now increasingly resembles a newborn and it begin to feel your heartbeat.
Week 15: Your happiness is growing rapidly. It measures around 10 cm and weighs about 70 grams. The bones are slowly hardening and the movements are becoming more controlled. The foetus can now pull faces and reach for something with the tiny hands.
Week 16: The heart of your happiness beats strongly and can be heard with a stethoscope or an ultrasound device. The face is beginning to take shape, and the eyebrows and eyelashes are gradually forming as well. Something else magical happens from the 16th week of pregnancy – Your happiness can hear you.
Week 17: The sucking reflexes of your happiness are developing. It Swallows amniotic fluid and thus practises digestion. The bones of the skeleton increase in number and become more stable.

Our tip: Enjoy the growing bond with your baby and share your happiness with family and friends when you feel ready. For love is the only thing that doubles when you share it.

A phase full of surprises (weeks 18–20 of pregnancy)

In pregnancy weeks 18–20, you will learn more about the health of your little one. The second ultrasound examination enables you to get to know your baby even better and to build a strong bond. We guide you through each week and reveal how your little one is developing.

Week 18: Your little one is now about 13 cm long and weighs around 150 grams. The intestines are starting to function and are producing what is known as meconium.
Week 19: The senses of your little one are developing Further. It listens to the sounds from outside and its taste buds are already developed. The hair on the scalp begins to grow and in some babies, fine hairs are already developing on the body, the so-called Lanugo hair. At the second ultrasound, you can also recognise the features of your little one, provided they’re not hiding.
Week 20: Halfway there, you have reached the halfway point of your pregnancy. This week, your little one becomes an active butterfly, as there is still plenty of room to move about in the amniotic fluid. Even if this is your first baby, you should be able to clearly feel your baby's gymnastics from this point onwards. Your little one is about 18 cm long and weighs roughly 270 grams.

Your happiness will be great (weeks 21–24 of pregnancy)

In weeks 21–24 of pregnancy, your little one’s tiny hands and feet are developing. Most of the senses are already present, so your baby can now focus on growing during this phase. It diligently practising breathing and in doing so swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid, which occasionally leads to a sweet bout of hiccups. You can find out what else your little one learns during weeks 21-24 here.

Week 21: Your baby’s eyes are fully developed and it can now perceive light and shadow. Its hearing continues to improve and its heart now beats about 150 times per minute. Your baby is still lying with its head upwards, but in the coming weeks it will (normally) turn downwards, thus preparing for birth.
Week 22: Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly and it begins to form complex neural connections. Also The development of hearing is now complete.
Week 23: Your baby is growing quickly. It is about 27 cm long and weighs around 475 grams. This week, your happiness starts actively swallowing and thus trains the digestive systems.
Week 24: Your baby's lungs are continuing to develop, and Practises inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. During this time, you can feel the movements of your happiness even more clearly, as it becomes increasingly active. weighs about 600 grams and will increase about four to five times by birth.

Our tip: Use the time for gentle exercise and relaxation. Yoga or swimming are ideal for you.

The senses awaken (weeks 25–27 of pregnancy)

During weeks 25 to 27 of pregnancy, your baby undergoes significant developments. It reaches about the size of an aubergine and its senses become more sensitive. Meanwhile, you may increased fatigue and back pain feel, as your belly continues to grow. Make sure to get enough rest and maintain a balanced diet. – Your body is doing amazing things. Your doctor will probably order a glucose tolerance test during these weeks to detect gestational diabetes at an early stage. Here, we’ll tell you everything else you need to know about the last three weeks of the second trimester.

Week 25Your little bundle of joy is now about 34 cm tall and weighs around 650 grams. It can taste and sense pain, pressure, and cold.
Week 26Your baby's eyelids, which had previously been closed, are beginning to open and it is perceiving light, colours, and shapes.
Week 27: Your happiness can recognise your voice and can be soothed by touch. It continues to grow and now has a length of about 36 cm and a weight of approximately 900–1000 grams.

Physical changes & symptoms in the 2nd trimester

Some symptoms come, others go. Although most pregnant women agree that the second trimester is the most pleasant third of pregnancy, there are still some discomforts that can trouble you even during the “golden phase”. These include, among others: Heartburn, constipation, calf cramps, headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, swollen hands and feet, as well as growing pains.

Back pain in the second trimester of pregnancy

During pregnancy, Pain in the back and pelvic area is not uncommon. Your growing belly and weight gain lead to a Shift of focus (the abdomen pulls forward and the pelvis tilts backward) as well as an additional strain on the back muscles. The hormone Progesterone, which relaxes the muscles, can also lead to pain in the lower back and pain in the lumbar region. Targeted back exercises, walks or Pregnancy yoga can alleviate your symptoms. If you have persistent severe pain or if the pain occurs in waves, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Calf cramps in the second trimester of pregnancy

Through a increased nutrient requirement During pregnancy, it is possible for a Magnesium deficiency develop, which manifests itself in nocturnal calf cramps. Normally, a balanced diet is sufficient to compensate for the deficiency. Bananas, green vegetables and wholegrain products are healthy sources of magnesium. If the cramps persist, you can consult your midwife or a doctor and get a magnesium supplement prescribed.

This helps against heartburn during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the uterus presses on your stomach, which leads to an unpleasant burning sensation. An adjusted diet can help by you smaller, more frequent meals take in and avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods est. Even home remedies such as Ginger tea, milk, or chewing almonds can have a soothing effect on the stomach and alleviate symptoms. If your heartburn persists, you should consult a doctor and have them prescribe you a remedy for your symptoms.

Stretch marks: The card to a new life

In the second trimester, your little one’s growth and weight gain are at their strongest. This is also reflected in your bump. The increased pressure and the associated strain on your skin can lead to cracks., which manifest as stretch marks or pregnancy stripes. Also the hormonal changes during pregnancy and your genetic predisposition ...play a role in whether you get stretch marks and how pronounced they are.

This is what you can do about stretch marks:

Drink plenty of water
Regularly apply cream to your skin
Pay attention to healthy weight gain
Avoid direct sunlight
Wear a sports or maternity bra

Regardless of whether or how many stretch marks you have, they are something beautiful because they tell the story of a unique journey. Let the delicate lines remind you of the strength of your body – it is creating a new life.

Weight gain in the 2nd trimester

Every pregnancy is unique, which is why there is no universally valid information with regard to weight gain. On average, however, it can be stated that a woman gains between 11 and 16 kilograms increases.

Your weight depends not only on the size of your baby, but also on the weight of the placenta, the amniotic fluid, the uterus, and fat and water retention. How much weight you gain during your pregnancy will be recorded in your maternity record at your antenatal check-ups.

Folic acid during pregnancy: How much you should take in the 2nd trimester

Ideally, you will have been taking sufficient folic acid since you started trying for a baby. This vitamin contributes to the healthy development of the foetus and reduces the risk of brain and spinal cord defects. A balanced diet with foods rich in folic acid such as green leafy vegetables, pulses and wholegrain products is important, but usually does not cover the recommended requirement. Therefore, you can also take special vitamin supplements. During pregnancy, your folic acid requirement between 450 and 550 micrograms per day.

You have almost reached your goal

You are now leaving the second trimester and entering the final phase of your pregnancy. An unforgettable time lies behind you. Notice the changes in your body, feel the growing bond with your little one, and look forward to the adventures ahead as a mum.

Now is exactly the right time to look out for offers for a Antenatal class to make enquiries or to go on one last trip together as a couple. Because From the 34th week onwards, holidays are not recommended. and many airlines have a transport ban for pregnant women.

my junior® is a pram manufacturer from Aachen. We have made it our mission to ensure your To accompany happiness and your Making everyday life with a baby easier. The my junior® range now includes various pram and pushchair models, all of which have been thoroughly tested and certified. In addition to our lucky companions, we offer numerous accessories for everyday life with a baby. Our prams are developed together with midwives, physiotherapists, and experienced mums and dads developed and produced in Europe with great care and expertise.

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