Second trimester of pregnancy – weeks 14-28

Learn about what to expect during your second trimester of pregnancy.

The second trimester includes from 14 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.

It is a time when early symptoms subside, your body grows and changes and you often feel the most mobile and well. You will have a 20-week anatomy scan, a diabetes test at around 26 weeks and Rhesus negative women will receive Rh(D) immunoglobulin (‘anti-D’).

Common challenges include changes in your sleeping patterns, positions, the development of reflux, increased pelvic and back pain. A minority of women will develop early pre-eclampsia, early rupture of the amniotic membranes or preterm labour.

Trimester overview

Fetal movements

You will start to feel your baby movements between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Most babies settle into a pattern by 28 weeks.

It is important to get to know your baby’s pattern of movements. If you are concerned that your baby’s movements are less often than usual, softer than usual or you have a gut feeling something isn’t right you must contact the hospital Pregnancy Assessment or Birth Suite immediately. Do not wait for your next appointment.

Gestational diabetes

For more information if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, please visit Gestational diabetes – NDSS.

Rh (D) negative women

Short cervix in pregnancy

Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy

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