You have now entered the second trimester of your pregnancy. This is often when the joy really starts to unfold and your body begins to show clear signs of the amazing work going on inside. The second trimester, from week 12+0 to 28+0, is full of development and milestones – for both you and your baby.
Once the uncertainty and discomfort of the first few weeks have subsided, a very special phase begins. Many describe it as the best months of their pregnancy; the time when their energy returns, the nausea subsides, and their mood improves. Now begins an exciting chapter in both your and your baby's everyday life.
Overview: What happens in the second trimester?
If you were to chart the development week by week, you would quickly discover how fast the baby is growing inside you. It is not only in centimeters that progress is made – but also in abilities. Every day, new building blocks are put in place – it can feel almost unbelievable what the body is capable of creating.
A beating heart, lungs that are practicing
The baby's little heart is already beating in a strong and steady rhythm, and even though you can't hear it without a scanning device, it is working hard. Over the next few weeks, the lungs will begin to develop tiny air sacs – in fact, the baby is already starting to “practice” breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
The environment in the womb is safe. Outside, it may seem quiet, but inside your belly, there is a burst of life and activity. When the baby is awake, it will move, not only to exercise, but also to explore its own body and grab the umbilical cord from time to time.
The baby's senses awaken
One wonderful thing about this period is that the first sensory impressions begin. And yes, even though your baby is not yet born, it is beginning to experience the world:
- Hearing develops to such an extent that around week 23, the baby can hear your voice, your heartbeat, and perhaps an unexpected sound from outside. Some researchers even believe that after birth, the baby can recognize sounds that it has heard many times in the womb.
- Taste and smell are also undergoing transformation. The baby “tastes” the amniotic fluid, which varies in taste depending on what you eat and drink.
- The sense of touch is developing; the skin becomes sensitive to touch, and the baby reacts if you touch your belly.
It's pretty amazing to think that even now, the baby is forming memories of sounds and touches that may influence it later in life.
The first movements
Perhaps the most significant moment in this trimester is when you feel the first movements. Often it feels like small bubbles, light blows, or soft fluttering sensations. For many, it comes as a surprise—was it just air in the stomach or really the baby? Over time, the movements become clearer, and a little later your partner or children can also feel the kicks from the outside.
This creates a unique connection. Now you are no longer the only one carrying the secret; those around you can follow along, and many find enormous joy and peace in this.
Facial features and expressions take shape
The second trimester also means that your baby's face takes on more character and personality. The eyes, which started out on the side of the head, are now in place, and the ears are where they should be.
Already at this stage, the baby can frown, yawn, smile, and make its first little faces. This helps to mature the facial muscles and senses – and the thought of your child's first smile, even before it is born, often brings a smile to your lips.
Skin, hair, and nails
During these weeks, fine hair begins to cover the body, also known as lanugo hair. It acts as insulation until more fat and real skin are formed. The skin is initially wrinkled and transparent, but as the fat deposits fill up, it becomes fuller and more colorful.
Nails grow, and later they can often be so long that some newborns need to have their nails cut shortly after birth.
The immune system takes shape
The baby now shares some of your antibodies, and the immune system begins to take its first tentative steps towards coping with the outside world. All the while, the placenta continues to grow and provide nutrition, vitamins, and oxygen.
Week by week: Small and big changes
If you want to see the development in more detail, it can help to follow the different weeks of pregnancy:
- Weeks 13–16: The organs are now formed and are slowly beginning to function. The eyes and ears have moved to their “proper” place on the face, and the baby begins to swallow amniotic fluid, which both aids in the development of the digestive system and gives the baby a taste of what you are eating.
- The kidneys begin to produce urine, which is excreted into the amniotic fluid, and for some, the baby's sex can now be seen on a scan, depending on the baby's position. The bones are getting harder, and the baby is slowly beginning to be able to move all its joints and muscles.
- Weeks 17–20: The baby's hearing develops and it can now register sounds – especially from inside your body, such as your heartbeat and stomach movements. During this period, many pregnant women feel the small, delicate movements for the first time, which can feel like bubbles or fluttering.
- The skin and hair are covered with lanugo hair – small, fine down that protects the skin. And under the skin, brown fat begins to form, which helps regulate body temperature after birth. At the end of this period, a structural scan is performed to examine the baby's development in more detail.
- Weeks 21–24: The baby's eyes are now fully developed, although they are still closed most of the time. The tiny nails are growing, and some babies already have hair on their heads.
- The baby's lungs are starting to practice breathing, even though no air is entering them yet – it is purely training in amniotic fluid. You may notice that the movements are becoming clearer and more rhythmic – especially if the baby has hiccups.
- Weeks 25–27: Now things are moving fast! The brain is growing significantly, and the baby's sleep patterns are beginning to follow a more distinct cycle. Some babies even develop REM sleep – and it is believed that this means they are dreaming.
- The eyes open for the first time and the baby begins to react more to external light. The skin layers thicken and fat deposits under the skin begin to form.
- At the end of this period, the baby will – in principle – be able to survive outside the womb with intensive care, even though it is still very immature.
When your belly starts to show
As the baby grows, your belly will also become more visible. For some, this happens earlier than for others, but the vast majority find that it is now impossible to hide their pregnancy. This makes the experience more real.
Many pregnant women also find that they have more energy and courage in their everyday lives. Some start shopping for baby clothes or planning the nursery. Others feel more calm in their everyday lives, allowing their inner life to be the center of attention.
From a midwife's perspective
For both you and your child, a small miracle happens every day as cells divide, nervous systems connect, and senses are activated. You may experience some pelvic pain or other symptoms, perhaps you can no longer sleep on your stomach, and your pants are getting tight. Perhaps you have already started thinking about the birth and whether you should consider some birth preparation? But you also feel the joy growing as your child's personality emerges through kicks, hiccups, and their own daily rhythm.
A good tip is to always listen to your own body and take the time to enjoy the moments when you feel your baby dancing around inside you. This gives you strength and the peace of mind you need as life's big change approaches.
Checklist: What can you look forward to in the second trimester?
- First baby equipment or clothing purchases
- Scans showing the baby's small details
- Sharing the first kicks, which you and then your partner can feel
- More energy and fewer discomforts for many
- The physical signs that you are carrying your baby
This is a time when dreams really take off and everyday life changes a little with each passing week. It's not just about waiting – it's about experiencing and getting excited about all the new things you and your baby are creating together.
No matter how you feel, you deserve to feel a little proud of everything your body is capable of right now. Use the time to fill your suitcase with good experiences, little glimpses of your child, and the joy of soon meeting each other for the first time.
