- Health
What's going on during the second trimester?
Your baby will grow quickly during the second trimester of your pregnancy. The next three months likely will be the best months of your pregnancy as you have more energy and will start to feel your baby move for the first time. Here's more on what to expect:
YOUR BODY:
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Your breasts grow larger, softer and the veins start to show. Clear, white fluid, called colostrum, may leak from your breasts.
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You feel hungry more often and you may have food cravings. Healthy food choices will benefit you and your baby.
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You may get heartburn more often after eating heavy, greasy or spicy food.
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You should continue to take prenatal vitamins every day and see your doctor about three times during this trimester.
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You may feel muscles of the uterus tighten and relax. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions and they are preparing you for labor. Call your doctor if you have four or more contractions in one hour.
YOUR BABY:
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Your baby will grow on average to 14 inches and weigh about two pounds.
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Your baby will begin to move a lot and can kick, cry and hiccup.
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The eyes are almost developed and the eyelids can open and close.
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The sex of your baby can be clearly seen on an ultrasound during this trimester.
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Your baby can begin to hear sounds within the uterus. This is a great time to start reading to your baby in the womb.
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Related resources
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- Health
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- Parenting
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County
A safety net of local services and support for pregnant women and families with infants, focusing on racial disparities in birth outcomes
561-623-2800 Website -
- Education
- Health
- Parenting
School District of Palm Beach County
Teen Parent Program — support for pregnant students and teen parents to enable them to graduate, such as referrals to health, social and child care services.
561-434-8640 Website -
- Behavior
- Health
- Parenting
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County
Healthy Start Healthy Beginnings, a network of local intervention and prevention services for pregnant women and families raising young children
1-888-634-7900 Website