Second Trimester Pregnancy Week by Week: Monitor Each Pregnancy Week

Pregnancy is a special time for the parents; each pregnancy week a time for major changes in your life. There are expectations, anticipations and some anxiety. Most mothers feel worried about the various changes in their body, the health of the newborn, and their changed responsibilities after the pregnancy due date. The best way to counter the anxiety and baby blues is to read up on the developments every pregnancy week. Monitoring the health of the mother and child are essential every pregnancy week by week.

This article deals with the symptoms of each pregnancy week in the second stage of pregnancy, and the importance of pregnancy week by week monitoring of the mother and baby.

Second Trimester pregnancy week by Week

First trimester pregnancy is week 1-13, and week 27-40 is third trimester pregnancy, the last stage of pregnancy. Each pregnancy week of the second trimester is a new stage of pregnancy development. Second trimester pregnancy is known as the best stage of the pregnancy calendar; a time that is free of exhaustion and nausea, and the baby is not yet large enough to cause bladder incontinence and backache. Let us go through each baby stage during pregnancy week by week.

Week 14- week 26 are pregnancy weeks of the second trimester.

Pregnancy Week By Week Development

Week 14

1) The fetus weighs 2 ounces. It is learning to move its arms and legs. You can probably feel the little heart beating at this stage.

2) Include fiber in your food, since constipation is a major problem during this pregnancy week

Week 15

1) Your little one is developing small, fine hair all over her body. Don't worry, she will shed it before she is born!

2) The mother's uterus has now risen past the hipbone. The doctor will check her fundal height or height between uterus and pubic bone during this pregnancy week to see if the baby is developing well.

Week 16

1) Your little one is quite active now. You will feel her movements inside the womb frequently.

2) This pregnancy week is now right for amniocentesis, where the mother's amniotic fluid will be screened for birth defects in the baby. You may feel heaviness in your abdomen, since the baby is growing.

Week 17

1) This pregnancy week sees further development in the baby's circulatory system. The baby is getting fatter now!

2) Mom may gain more weight, and feel the baby moving quite actively now!

Week 18

1) The eyes of the baby are open. The baby's digestive system is active now.

2) In your pregnancy week-by-week exam, your doctor may check for problems like low blood pressure, excessive giddiness and fatigue.

Week 19

1) The baby is covered in a waxy substance to protect it from its wet environment, as well as make its passage into the world smoother during childbirth.

2) Moms may get dry skin, or even rashes and boils. You may have mood swings, feel cranky, get worried about the impending arrival of baby. Don't worry, this is something most parents experience.

Week 20

1) This pregnancy week is time for new developments. The baby's head will be covered in soft hair, and baby girls start developing internal sex organs.

2) Mom, relax. The achy feel in your belly is common.

3) Enroll for childbirth class if you have not done so already.

Week 21

1) The baby develops more slowly in this pregnancy week.

2) If you are carrying twins, edema can cause swelling of your feet. Take care not to stand for too long at a stretch.

3) By this time, you may have gained almost 15 pounds.

Week 22

1) The baby is now almost fully developed. The brain and sex organs are still developing.

2) Backache can be a problem for mothers during this pregnancy week. Sit in a comfortable position, and use a cushion to support your back.

Week 23

1) This is the minimum age at which preemie babies can survive.

2) The little one is very active now; playtime has started even before birth!

3) Watch out for preterm labor, signs include spotting, bleeding and contractions.

Week 24

1) Another pregnancy week of rapid fetal growth.

2) Watch out for symptoms of diabetes at this stage.

Week 25

1) Veins and arteries are forming in the fetus, and the spinal column is developing.

2) Backache is a persistent problem for mom; use compresses to ease the pain.

Week 26

1) The respiratory system of the baby is fully developed this pregnancy week.

2) Mother's belly is large by this time, and you may experience false contractions.

Read more on pregnancy week by week account of each pregnancy trimester to know more about what happens. Being prepared and planning ahead will ensure a happy time for mother and baby.