Your second trimester pregnancy checklist

What is the second trimester?

This second phase of pregnancy is 14 weeks long, from weeks 14 through 27 (or the beginning of month four until the end of month six). You may be feeling better and looking pregnant – hello baby bump, goodbye morning sickness. 

If you haven't already, you may feel comfortable announcing your pregnancy. Many moms-to-be wait to make the big reveal during their second trimester, when the chance of miscarriage drops significantly and a changing body makes it hard to keep pregnancy under wraps.

Inside your womb, all your baby's organs and systems are formed. Now your baby just needs to grow! By the end of the second trimester, your baby will weigh about two pounds and be about 14 and a half inches long. (The size of a cauliflower.) For more on your baby's amazing development, see our article showing fetal development by week.

For a lot of women, the second trimester is when pregnancy starts to be more fun. You can find out your baby's sex (if you want to), see your baby's tiny features during an ultrasound, and feel your baby move. Hormone levels in your body have stabilized, and you may feel more like your usual self – or even better than usual. If your energy is back, make the most of it by shopping for maternity clothes, figuring out your baby registry, and planning your baby's nursery.

During the second trimester, you'll typically see your doctor or midwife once every four weeks unless you have a condition or complications that call for more frequent checkups. At your second-trimester visits, you'll be offered screening tests to look for chromosomal abnormalities, neural tube defects like spina bifida, and other issues. You'll also have blood tests, such as the glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes.

At every visit, you'll get to hear your baby's heartbeat on a fetal Doppler. And starting at 20 weeks, your provider will start measuring your fundal height – the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus – to estimate your baby's size and growth rate.

When does the second trimester start?

The second trimester begins at week 14 and lasts until the end of week 27. Depending on when you give birth, the second trimester may be your longest trimester. (Unless you go past your due date, which is perfectly normal.) The second trimester spans months four, five, and six of pregnancy. For more detail, check out our pregnancy weeks to months chart.

Second trimester symptoms

Nausea and vomiting may be gone, but you're not out of the woods yet. The second trimester can bring on new symptoms, like an increased appetite, heartburn, and back pain (thanks to your growing uterus and baby).

Second trimester headaches

Headaches are more common during the first trimester, but they aren't completely unheard of during the second trimester. For relief, first make sure you're hydrated – it's very important to drink enough water during pregnancy. Also, talk to your provider about safe treatments for headaches during pregnancy.

Nausea in the second trimester

Around week 15, you may start to feel better and notice less nausea and vomiting. However, some women continue to have morning sickness throughout the second trimester and the rest of their pregnancy, especially if they've been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe type of morning sickness.

Cramping in the second trimester

Occasional cramping may continue in the second trimester. Digestive problems or round ligament pain may be the culprit, but here's when you should tell your provider if you're having cramping during pregnancy.

Bleeding and spotting in the second trimester

If you notice any bleeding or spotting, tell your provider right away. They may want to examine you and run tests to find the cause.

Pelvic pain in the second trimester

That sharp pain you feel in your hips or groin is quite normal and may begin in early pregnancy and continue into late pregnancy, and possibly after. Hormones and relaxed ligaments are usually to blame. Find out how to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy.

Diarrhea in the second trimester

The occasional runny or watery stool isn't usually a cause for concern during the second trimester. But frequent diarrhea during pregnancy could signal something serious, like an infection or food poisoning.

Back pain in the second trimester

You can expect to have back pain during the second trimester as your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby. That shift, plus the extra weight of your baby, can affect your posture and strain your back. The relaxation of ligaments in your pelvis, back, and hips doesn't help, either. Read more about lower back pain during pregnancy.

Dizziness in the second trimester

Feeling a little lightheaded or like the room is spinning? This is a common symptom during the second trimester and is most likely due to normal pregnancy-related cardiovascular changes (a higher heart rate, bigger blood vessels to accommodate an increased blood volume, and temporary changes in circulation). Here's how to handle feeling dizzy during pregnancy.

Second-trimester discharge

Throughout pregnancy, you may notice vaginal discharge that varies in color and consistency. Most often this is normal. Learn about the different types of discharge during pregnancy.

Heartburn in the second trimester

Heartburn – that awful burning sensation in your abdomen, chest, and throat – tends to increase during the second trimester. Also known as acid reflux or acid indigestion, it happens when gastric acid comes back up your esophagus. Truthfully, it's difficult to avoid heartburn during pregnancy, but you can help prevent and safely treat it.

Insomnia in the second trimester

If you're struggling to fall or stay asleep, you're not alone. Most pregnant women have trouble getting a good night's rest due to aches and pains, needing to pee constantly, and other sleep disturbances. Try these tips for better pregnancy sleep.

Bloating in the second trimester

A slowed-down digestive system can cause you to produce more gas during pregnancy, so don't be surprised if you find yourself burping and passing gas a lot more than you used to. Here's how to handle gas and bloating during pregnancy.

Constipation in the second trimester

It's common to suffer from constipation during pregnancy. Try to prevent it by drinking enough water and eating high-fiber foods. If these changes don't work, ask your provider about taking a stool softener or laxative. 

Shortness of breath in the second trimester

It's normal to feel a little out of breath as you advance in your pregnancy. You may find that simple tasks tire you out. This is mostly due to your need for more oxygen and your expanding uterus pressing on your diaphragm. Learn more about shortness of breath during pregnancy.

So many aches, pains, and strange feelings arise during pregnancy that it can be hard to decide what's normal and what's not. To complicate matters further, some symptoms may be more or less problematic depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Here's a rundown of pregnancy symptoms that could indicate a problem. If you have any of these issues, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

Weight gain in the second trimester

During your second and third trimesters of pregnancy, it's healthy to gain about one pound per week. Your recommended target weight gain is based on your body mass index (BMI) before you became pregnant.

Your provider will monitor your pregnancy weight to make sure you're in a healthy range and gaining at an appropriate pace. You can also use our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator to stay on track. It's important to stay on top of your pregnancy weight gain because gaining more or less than recommended can lead to complications.

Gaining more than the recommended amount of weight may increase your risk of delivering a large baby, having a c-section, and keeping on extra weight after birth. Gaining too little weight during pregnancy, especially if you start out underweight, can mean a higher risk of delivering a low-birthweight baby (less than 5.5 pounds).

What about losing weight during pregnancy? Whether intentional or not, it's not healthy to lose weight during the second trimester. If you're losing weight, you probably aren't getting all the calories and nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. Some women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum may lose weight during pregnancy because of low appetite, severe nausea, and vomiting. If you're losing weight, let your provider know.

Now that you're in the second trimester, you may feel like you eat nonstop and never satisfy your hunger. Don't worry: Having an increased appetite during pregnancy and intense pregnancy cravings is completely normal and healthy. But "eating for two" doesn't mean you need to eat twice as many calories as you did pre-pregnancy. Experts recommend an additional 300 to 350 calories per day during the second trimester. Do your best to incorporate these healthy pregnancy foods and pregnancy snacks into your diet, and keep moving and exercising.

In the second trimester it's still very important to avoid foods that could contain bacteria, parasites, or toxins – including undercooked meat, unpasteurized soft cheeses, anything that contains raw eggs, sushi made with raw fish, raw oysters, and fish that's high in mercury. Find out more about foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Sex during the second trimester

You may be more in the mood this trimester. Because of increased blood flow and lubrication, sex may even feel better than ever. But if you're not up for it, that's perfectly normal, too. There are ways to be intimate without having sex during pregnancy.

During the second trimester, sex is generally safe and you don't have to worry that it could harm you or your baby. But if you have certain conditions, like placenta previa, your provider may tell you to abstain.

You may notice some light cramping or bleeding after sex. That's usually not a problem, but if it worries you, let your provider know. Also tell your provider if you're having painful sex during pregnancy.

As your belly grows, you and your partner may have to experiment and find ways to make love comfortably. For ideas, check out these pregnancy-safe sex positions.

Second trimester pregnancy checklist

Use this list to keep track of all your second-trimester tasks, from finding a birth class to making a baby registry.

Start an exercise routine

If you haven't already, now's a good time to start getting some regular pregnancy exercise. Some good options include water exercise, prenatal yoga or Pilates, a walking group, or a prenatal dance class.

Shop for maternity clothes

Most moms-to-be start looking pregnant between 12 and 18 weeks. Even if you're not visibly pregnant yet, you may find you're more comfortable in maternity clothes. Keep in mind that you'll probably need different types of maternity clothes for different stages of your pregnancy, so it may make sense to buy just a few key pieces at a time and more as you need them.

Moisturize your belly

Slathering on the lotion and creams may not prevent stretch marks, but it will reduce itchiness! Find out more about stretch marks and itchy skin during pregnancy.

Jot down your crazy pregnancy dreams

You may find that your dreams shift into high gear during pregnancy. It's probably in part because you're interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee; cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache; or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.

Look into birth classes

These classes can fill up fast, so start your search now. Birth classes vary quite a bit in their approach. Some are spread out over several weeks, while others are as short as a day. Your hospital probably offers classes, but you may want to take a specialized class elsewhere. Also, BabyCenter offers a convenient and free online birth class that you can watch as many times as you'd like from the comfort of your home.

Do some financial planning

Becoming a parent means new financial responsibilities – and tasks like buying life and disability insurance, making a will, starting a college savings account for your child, and figuring out how your baby will affect your tax status. If these to-do's seem daunting, get the ball rolling by finding out more about financial planning for new parents.

Prepare your older children

If you have an older child or children, the new baby may rock their world even more than yours. Fortunately, your family has several months to get used to the idea – and there are things you can do to prepare your child for a sibling. As your due date approaches, make sure you've lined up someone to care for older kids during the birth.

Prepare your pets

Pets also benefit from special pre-baby preparation. Local trainers may offer classes, or you can turn to books, articles, or videos for tips on teaching your pet – and eventually your baby – how to respect each other. You can start with our article on preparing your pet for a new baby. And consider whether you'll need to make arrangements with a pet sitter or dog walker for when you're giving birth.

Start your childcare search

Though it seems early, it can be helpful to start investigating your childcare options now. Start by reviewing the pluses and minuses of daycare centers, nanny care, home daycare, and relative care. If you live in an area where daycare centers are in high demand, consider going on a few tours and putting your name on waiting lists now, even if you aren't sure what you'll do.

Go to the dentist

Not only is it safe to get your teeth cleaned during pregnancy, it's highly recommended. Find out more about going to the dentist during pregnancy.

Start sleeping on your side

Once you reach mid-pregnancy, many caregivers recommend that you avoid sleeping on your back and sleep on your side instead. To make side-sleeping more comfortable, you may want to place a pillow between your legs, under your hip, or behind your back. Find out more about the best sleeping position during pregnancy.

Start doing Kegels

Kegel exercises can help prevent urine leaks during and after pregnancy, keep hemorrhoids at bay, and improve the muscle tone of your vagina, making sex more enjoyable. Here's how to do Kegels.

Think about your maternity leave

If you're planning to take maternity leave, check in with your human resources department or your supervisor now. Find out what benefits you're eligible for and fill out all the paperwork you can in advance.

Create a baby registry

Family and friends will soon be wondering what you need or want – particularly if someone's throwing you a baby shower. If you make a baby registry, you'll know exactly what to tell them.

Think about your baby shower

According to etiquette, moms-to-be usually don't throw their own baby showers (have a relative, friend, or co-worker do this for you), but you can certainly voice your preferences on the theme, games, and guest list and help with the baby shower planning. Also, make sure your shower is COVID-safe.

Avoid unsafe activities

As your belly grows, it's important to avoid unsafe activities that carry a high risk of falling or that may cause trauma to your abdomen. That means surfing, scuba diving, contact sports, snowboarding, downhill skiing, and some amusement park rides are off-limits.

Tackle your home improvement projects

The nesting instinct may be kicking in … if so, make the most of it! In addition to organizing your closets and readying your baby's space, take stock of the things you'd like to fix around the house before your little one arrives. Ask your partner or a handy friend to take care of anything hazardous – you don't want to expose yourself to chemicals, move heavy furniture, or get up on ladders now. Check out our childproofing checklist for important to-do's.

Learn more:

• Pregnancy sneak peek: An overview of the next 9 months
• Your third trimester pregnancy checklist