Pregnancy is one of the most delicate phases of a woman’s life and it calls for a lot of attention and care. This period leads a lady into motherhood and makes the life of a woman complete in every aspect. The duration of pregnancy is nine months and the total duration is divided into three phases. These three phases are known as the first trimester, the second trimester and the third trimester. Each trimester, as the name suggests comprises of three months. There are certain changes which occur in a woman’s body in each trimester. We shall be discussing in detail about certain changes which take place in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Second Trimester brings a lot to expecting parents. This is the time when parents can feel their baby's first kick and woman will have relief from morning sickness and other troubles they may have in the first trimester. They can even cherish as their pregnancy period is in the second stage. Now, the parents can prepare for a new baby by buying maternity clothes, by planning baby names and so on. The second trimester extends from the 13th week of pregnancy to the 25th week. The course of changes that are seen in the mother’s womb in the second trimester are:
- After growing or developing excretory organs, the fetus begins to form urine and also starts excreting it into the amniotic sac of the mother which leads to the formation of the amniotic fluid. A surprising fact is that the baby drinks this urine and again urinates it back into the amniotic sac. Simultaneously, the bones and skeletons begin to develop and also start becoming strong at the same time. However, the skin remains thinner at this time. Apparently, at the 14th week, the sex of the fetus is slowly recognizable. However, it is an illegal practice to reveal the fetus’ sex before birth. So, although the doctors know it beforehand, they don’t reveal it to the would-be parents.
- The scalp pattern is developed in the baby and the skeletal system keeps on growing even stronger than before. The head of the fetus gets straight and the eyes begin to move. The limb developments are almost complete and all this happens by the 16th week. The coordinated movements of the fetus’ limbs can be easily detected by ultrasound imaging.
- Within the 17th and the 20th weeks, a lot of developments are spotted in the fetus which includes the development of the toenails, prominence of audibility of the fetus and the digestive system of the baby begin to function in original form. At the 19th week, a protective covering above the skin is developed which protects the delicate body against abrasions and damages.
- The 20th week is halfway of pregnancy when the foetus sleeps or wakes up regularly and its movements can also be felt. By the 21st week, milk sucking reflex is also developed. certain other changes take place in the next 3 to 4 weeks and the gestational period passes on to the final stage which is the third trimester.