Your second trimester begins from week 13  and lasts up to Week 28. Once you enter the second trimester you may find it easier than the first. Your nausea (morning sickness) and fatigue may lessen or go away completely. However, you will also notice more changes to your body. That "baby bump" will start to show as your abdomen expands with the growing baby. By the end of the second trimester, you will even be able to feel your baby move!

The Baby at 16 Weeks

  • The musculoskeletal system continues to form.
  • Skin begins to form and is nearly translucent.
  • Your baby begins sucking motions with the mouth (sucking reflex).
  • Your baby is about 4 to 5 inches long and weighs almost 3 ounces.

The Baby at 20 Weeks

  • Your baby is more active. You might feel movement or kicking. 
  • Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have formed.
  •  Your baby can even scratch itself. Your baby can hear and swallow Now halfway through your pregnancy, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces.

The Baby at 24 Weeks

  • Taste buds form on your baby's tongue.
  • Footprints and fingerprints have formed. 
  • Hair begins to grow on your baby's head.
  • The lungs are formed but do not yet work.
  • Your baby has a regular sleep cycle. Your baby weighs about 1½ pounds and is 12 inches long.

HEALTH ISSUES EXPERIENCED BY THE TO-BE MOMMIES 

  • Bleeding gums 

Bleeding in gums and nose are common complaints of pregnant women during their second trimester. This is due to the increased blood flow as per the demand of the increasing fetus size.

Heartburn

This burning feeling in the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and stomach) may begin or get worse in the second trimester.The growing uterus may press on your stomach and force food and acid up into your esophagus, causing the burn.

Gestational diabetes

Another complication during the second trimester of pregnancy is the increased risk of gestational diabetes. As the size of foetus increases so does the need of nutrition and glucose level of women’s body. This increased blood sugar level often results in a condition called gestational diabetes. 

Leg cramps 

Leg cramps and dizziness are also common during the second trimester. 

Respiratory problems 

Growing baby tends to put pressure on the organs such as the lung. Owing to this reason respiratory problems are also common during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Increased appetite 

Because of the growing fetus, women experiences increase appetite during second trimester. 

Aches and pain 

Aches and pains in back, abdomen, groin, thighs and back are also common during pregnancy. However, these pains are normal and only indicate that your body is adjusting to the growing baby.

 Weight Gain During the Second Trimester

  • Weight gain in the second trimester is a strong indicator of total weight gain at the end of your pregnancy. These values are based on your pre-pregnancy  
  • Underweight (BMI < 18.5): 20 lbs. (9 kg) by the end of the second trimester 
  • Normal (18.5 < BMI < 24.9): 15 - 20 lbs. (6.8 - 9 kg) by the end of the second trimester.
  • Overweight (25 < BMI < 29.9): 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) by the end of second trimester

Many women become self-conscious about their weight during pregnancy, but you shouldn’t worry too much about the number on the scale. Instead of focusing on your weight, you should concentrate on eating a variety of nutritious foods.

NUTRITION DURING the SECOND TRIMESTER 

When you’re pregnant, eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby. The food you eat is the main source of nourishment for your baby, so it’s important to consume foods that are rich in nutrients. Proper nutrition can help promote your baby's growth and development. Eating a good variety of protein-rich foods twice a day will help you meet your increased protein needs.  Folic acid requirements are slightly raised, so include green leafy veggies and starchy foods in your diet. Vitamin A requirements are slightly raised; including a variety of fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products will ensure you meet these It also especially important to eat foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Throughout pregnancy, vitamin D supplements are required to ensure you meet your increased requirements. These nutrients will help your baby grow strong bones and teeth. It’s also beneficial to eat foods containing omega-3 oils, which are vital for your baby’s brain development.

Foods that contain one or more of these nutrients include:

Glass of milk

A glass of low-fat milk is packed with calcium and magnesium. If you don't eat dairy products, you should have calcium-fortified soy foods, such as soy yogurts.  Keeping up your stores of calcium in pregnancy helps your baby's bones and teeth to develop and grow strong.

A variety of vegetables 

Incorporate vegetables that contain magnesium and calcium such as broccoli, green beans, carrots, cabbage and okra into your meals. Stir-fry or steam to retain the nutrients, and try not to overcook them. 

Plain yogurt

lain, unsweetened yogurt is a calcium-rich snack. Keep a tub in the fridge, or take individual portions to work. Try low-fat Greek yogurt and add fresh fruit such as berries, which contain magnesium. 

Sunflower and pumpkin seeds

A small handful of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, whether as a snack to nibble, or added to yoghurt and salads, will give you magnesium, iron and omega-3 boost. 

Dried fruit  

Dried fruit such as apricots, dates and figs contain calcium and iron, and are a great snack to have stashed in your desk. Or add some chopped to low-fat yoghurt.