Your Baby’s Development during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy sees a rapid amount of growth as your baby starts to take on a more recognisable form. It’s at this stage you’re likely to experience your first ultrasound and get to see your baby for the first time. This article is going to take a closer look at how your baby continues to develop during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Week 13

Your baby will begin to make urine at this stage which will be passed into the amniotic sac, and the bones of your baby’s skeleton will begin to harden.

Week 14

By week 14, the upper limbs will be in better proportion to the rest of the body. The genitalia will now also be formed and therefore in this week, or the coming weeks, you should be able to find out the gender of your baby.

Week 15

At week 15 in the second trimester of pregnancy, your baby’s bones are continuing to develop and their scalp pattern is also forming.

Week 16

By week 16, your baby’s ears are almost in their final position, and they will be able to slowly move their eyes. At this stage in development, they will also begin to move their limbs which can be picked up on an ultrasound but will be too slight to be felt by you.

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Week 17

At this stage in the second trimester of pregnancy you will begin to feel movement from your baby. Toenails will begin to develop and foetal bones will become more visible on your ultrasound.

Week 18

Week 18 sees your baby’s digestive system begin to function and it’s at this stage that your baby’s eyes will have developed enough to detect light.

Week 19

By week 19, growth is going to slow; your baby’s limbs are now well in proportion to the rest of their body.

Week 20

At this stage during the second trimester of pregnancy you will begin to feel your baby moving. They will be alternating between sleeping and waking, and may also be woken up by noises or your movements.

Week 21

Bone marrow will now begin to produce red blood cells and your baby will be able to move and wiggle more freely.

Week 22

At week 22, your baby will begin to develop hair and eyelashes. They’re sense of taste and smell will develop as well.

Week 23

Rapid eye movement (REM) is now possible for your baby and their fingerprints will start to form as tiny ridges. It’s at this stage you might experience jerky movements where your baby is hiccupping.

Week 24

At week 24, the lungs will begin to develop and your baby will be reacting to noises they hear.

Week 25

By week 25, your baby will have developed enough hearing to recognise their mother’s voice, but will spend most of their time asleep.

Week 26

At week 26, your baby’s lungs will have continued to develop and their eyelashes will start to form. The hair on their scalp will also be continuing to grow and develop.

Week 27

As the second trimester of pregnancy draws to a close, your baby’s nervous system and their immune system will continue to develop and grow in strength.

Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/fetal-development/second-trimester-images-of-your-developing-baby/