Second trimester

Second trimester guide: weeks 14 to 27

By Nine Moons EditorialMedically reviewed by Professor Dr FarhatUpdated 10 Oct 20267 min read

Quick answer

The second trimester runs from week 14 to week 27. For many women it's the easiest stretch: nausea fades, energy returns and the bump starts to show. You'll usually have the anomaly scan at 18 to 21 weeks, feel your baby's first movements between 16 and 24 weeks, and may be offered a glucose test at 24 to 28 weeks.

Key facts

Weeks	14 to 27
Bump	Womb reaches the belly button around 20 weeks
First movements	16 to 24 weeks
Anomaly scan	18 to 21 weeks
Glucose test	24 to 28 weeks, if offered

Your baby this trimester

Your baby grows from about 9 cm to around 35 cm head to heel. They start to hear, swallow, suck their thumb, and build fat. By 24 weeks the lungs are developing the cells that will help them breathe. Follow each week: 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 24 weeks.

Your growing bump

How your bump grows. From about 24 weeks, the distance from pubic bone to the top of the womb in centimetres roughly matches your weeks of pregnancy, give or take 2.

First-time mums often show later, around 16 weeks or after. Your midwife may measure your bump from 24 weeks to check your baby's growth.

Common symptoms and what helps

Round ligament pain: sharp twinges at the sides of your bump when you move. Move slowly and rest.
Backache: see sleep and back pain.
Heartburn: smaller meals, don't lie down after eating.
Nosebleeds and bleeding gums: keep up dental checks.
Leg cramps: stretch your calves before bed.
Skin changes: a dark line on the tummy (linea nigra), darker patches on the face, and stretch marks.
Dizziness: stand up slowly and drink enough.

Tests and appointments

Anomaly scan at 18 to 21 weeks. See pregnancy scans explained.
Glucose test at 24 to 28 weeks if you're at higher risk of gestational diabetes.
Blood pressure and urine at every visit, to check for pre-eclampsia.
Blood count around 28 weeks to check for anaemia.
Vaccines: whooping cough (pertussis) and flu are recommended in many countries.

Good things to do now

Travel, if you plan to. Read is it safe to fly?
Book antenatal classes and choose your hospital.
Keep active: see exercise in pregnancy.
Plan maternity and paternity leave.
Start a name list with our baby name finder.

Frequently asked questions

When will I feel my baby move?

Usually between 16 and 24 weeks. If you haven't felt anything by 24 weeks, tell your midwife.

Is it normal not to show at 16 weeks?

Yes, especially in a first pregnancy or if you have strong tummy muscles.

Can I sleep on my back in the second trimester?

It's fine until 28 weeks, but many women find side-sleeping more comfortable from now.

Sources

NHS: Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
NICE NG201: Antenatal care
ACOG: How your fetus grows during pregnancy

General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content

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