The Second Trimester: How’s Your Baby Doing?The first three months of pregnancy sees the rapid development of the baby from a tiny group of cells to an actual fetus about the length of two paper clips. The first trimester is all about the formation of human-like features and the function of all vital organs. What is the second trimester all about? The second trimester of pregnancy begins from week 13 up to week 28. A mother transitioning into this trimester feels relief from morning sickness and fatigue, two symptoms associated with hormonal surges. She begins to feel better as her body is now comfortable with the feeling of “being pregnant”. The baby is now fully formed and relies on the oxygen and nutrition from the mother. The umbilical cord, a gelatinous substance that connects that mother to the fetus transports oxygen and nutrients to the latter. The placenta works actively to protect the fetus from substances which may be harmful. The fetus floats around the uterus in amniotic fluid, a water-like substance that shields the fetus from trauma and aides in nourishment. The mother’s nutrition, activity, hygiene and prenatal care are absolutely vital during this trimester. Here are some fetal developments during this trimester: By four months, the baby will have its sex organs formed. Parents can know through a sonogram whether the baby is a boy or a girl. Fetus should ideally be a foot long and weigh a pound at five months. Hair begins to grow on the baby’s head during this period. Also, a mother will be able to feel movement of the baby, which can be described as a little tap or kick. Fetal lungs are well-formed and may give the fetus minimal (about 14%) chance to survive if born after the twenty-second week. The term “age of viability” is associated with the 22nd week, referring to the fetus’s ability to survive extra-uterine life. By six months, the fetus should weigh about two pounds and the lungs continue to mature. By the end of the trimester, brain function is higher and the fetus is well-capable of blinking, hearing, and moving. Its sleep-wake cycle will also be developed, and the fetus is aware of his or her surroundings. Read more of our articles on the second trimester
Second Trimester - Enjoy Being Pregnant Read about the other trimesters |