The Second Trimester of Pregnancy: An Overview

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As you enter the second trimester, many of the discomforts from the previous weeks may lessen as your baby continues to develop. Learn what to expect from your body and your caregiver during what is often referred to as the "honeymoon trimester."

Your pregnancy is divided into three main sections—first, second, and third trimesters. Different considerations and concerns mark each segment of your pregnancy. The first trimester is crucial for establishing the groundwork for your baby's developing organs and addressing some of your concerns over the possibility of miscarriage. The third trimester centers on the baby attaining maturity and the delivery process itself. Fortunately, the second trimester is a reprieve of sorts, during which time many women find themselves relaxing and really enjoying pregnancy.

The second trimester traditionally stands as weeks 13 through 24, even though it means that the third trimester (weeks 25 to 40 or so) is a lopsided third of the pregnancy.

What to Expect: Everything is Growing!

The second trimester is when the real expansion of your body begins. Everything grows! Stretch marks begin, sometimes invisibly. Moles get bigger, skin tags get bigger, even warts can get bigger. Thanks to estrogen, everything has a better blood supply. (This also explains why your gums may bleed after tooth brushing.)

The second trimester is also the most stable time of your pregnancy. If any necessary surgery needs be done, this is the safest time. It is typically too late to provoke miscarriage and too early to stimulate premature labor. (So, if you must have your gall bladder removed, this is the time to have it taken out!)