2nd Trimester: 17 to 20 Weeks of Pregnancy

When you enter your 17th week, you are early-to-midway through your 2nd trimester. You are now roughly 4 months pregnant, congrats mama! This period is characterized by a growing belly and increased appetite.

In terms of your baby's development during these four weeks, your baby is quickly growing and being active with flips, kicks, and even developing a "hiccup" reflex. They are also now practicing breathing and sucking movements. Your little one will now be growing about an inch every month from this point. The umbilical cord that connects you and your baby will thicken as it continues to carry blood and nutrients. Baby is growing stronger and more active as they prepare to make their debut!

At 17 weeks, your baby measures around 5 inches, or roughly the size of a pear.

17 WEEKS

Your baby is now around 5 to 6 inches, or roughly the size of a pear. Their eyes can now move slightly from side to side. Your baby is starting to develop body fat, and now tiny knees, elbows, and knuckles can bend, flex, and move. Your little one might come out as a dancer!

For you mama, your uterus is growing, making your bump more prominent. How exciting! Your breasts may feel tender or continue to enlarge, and hormones can lead to the darkening of your nipples. You may experience round ligament pain such as sharp pains or dull aches. In addition, due to a more settled stomach, you may experience a greater appetite.

Some tips for you, mama, include wearing supportive gear such as a support belt if you experience an aching back, and sleeping on your side to help with circulation. For meals, focus on eating smaller and more frequent meals to help increase energy.

At 18 weeks, your baby is roughly 5.5 to 6.5 inches in length, or the length of a bell pepper.

18 WEEKS

At 18 weeks, your little one is now roughly 5.5 to 6.5 inches, or the length of a bell pepper. You are now nearly halfway through your pregnancy-congratulations mama! You may begin to feel tiny flutters or kicks as your baby stretches and rolls. Your baby's ears are now formed and your baby may begin to hear sounds such as your stomach rumbling. Their skin is thin and transparent, and is covered in a protective coating called vernix caseosa.

For mama, some tips to ease discomfort include changing positions slowly to avoid dizziness, and use extra pillows for sleep. Warm baths can help alleviate any potential back pain. For meals, try to boost your iron intake to help with any potential dizziness caused by low blood pressure. You may experience a healthy "pregnancy glow" with clearer skin.

At 19 weeks, your baby is roughly 6 to 7 inches, or around the size of a tomato.

19 WEEKS

At 19 weeks, your baby is around the size of a tomato. Their little ears can now hear your heartbeat, voice, and loud sounds from outside your body. Your baby eyes can now sense light. Additionally, your little one can now hiccup and yawn, which may be seen during an ultrasound. How precious!

Huge developments in sensory growth are happening this week. Brain cells are forming specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vison, and touch. Fine hair called langio covers their body, helping to regulate your little one's temperature. Your baby continues to be active with kicks, rolls, and somersaults. Little one is a gymnast in there! In addition, their facial features are now well-defined, and tooth buds for permanent teeth are forming behind their baby teeth.

On your end mama, you may experience sharp pains on the side of your belly as ligaments stretch and your uterus continues to expand. You may experience an increase in your appetite, backaches, and occasional dizziness with movement. You may also experience forgetfulness and brain fog which is very normal!

At 20 weeks, your baby is now roughly the size of an artichoke.

20 WEEKS

By week 20, your baby is now the size of an artichoke. Your little one will be stretching and kicking more, especially in response to loud noises. The fine hair that once covered your baby's body will begin to disappear. Very exciting new development, now your baby's heartbeat is able to be heard through a stethoscope!

For mama, don't feel paniced if you begin to notice dark patches on your face. These dark patches are common during this stage of pregnancy due to your body producing extra estrogen, and these dark patches should lighten after you finish your pregnancy. As a general rule of thumb, its helpful to use facial sunscreen to ensure these patches don't darken in the sun. You may also notice a narrow and dark line running from your belly button to your pubic bone. This is also very normal and healthy.

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Work Cited

1. healthy.kaiserpermanente.org. (n.d.). Second Trimester: Weeks 17 to 20 | Kaiser Permanente. [online] Available at: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/maternity/second-trimester/weeks-17-20

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