2nd Trimester – 13 to 27 weeks

Congratulations, you have made it to your second trimester! Now is when women often say they start to feel better, and you may even get that sought after pregnancy glow. Your hormones have begun to settle down as the placenta takes over, and your morning sickness may also improve. In addition, you may start to show and feel slight movements, which is magical. The wonder of growing a life! Artist Holly Priddis How your baby is growing

Now that you are in your second trimester and starting to feel a little better, it’s a great time to add a little exercise into your routine. Exercise offers many benefits, including: improved mood and energy levels better fitness and sleep less chance of developing gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia increased likelihood of a normal birth Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous. For example, a simple walk each day is enough for you to enjoy these benefits. A pregnancy yoga

By now, you might be wondering about the rumoured “pregnancy glow” and when you can expect to experience it. Your body is now circulating 20% more blood than usual, which also means more blood vessels, which creates a “flushed’ look”. Combined with extra hormones that cause your skin to secrete more oil, you may have a shiny, rosy glow. Artist Holly Priddis How your baby is growing when 15 Weeks Pregnant? Your baby now measures 9.5cm and

You are now four months pregnant and likely have a bump to show for it. Of course, everyone shows differently during pregnancy, so it’s important not to make comparisons. Your size, shape, number of pregnancies, and how you carry all factor in, and healthy bumps come in various shapes and forms. You may even find you wake up with a lop-sided bump in the morning, depending on where your baby is lying. Artist Holly Priddis How your

One thing pregnant women might not account for is the growth of their breasts. From the beginning of pregnancy, the breasts’ fatty tissue and blood flow increase to allow the milk ducts to grow.  As a result, you may go up a bra cup size or more as your pregnancy progresses. Also, your ever-growing bump is likely noticeable now, and you may find you don’t fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes. Artist Holly Priddis How your baby is

You might be starting to feel more frequent little butterflies in your stomach as your baby moves about more. It varies when pregnant women feel their baby’s movements because it depends on what position your baby is in and if the placenta is located on the front (anterior) or back (posterior) wall of the uterus. How your baby is growing when 18 Weeks Pregnant? Your baby now measures 14cm from head to bottom and weighs about 200gm. Meconium (a

You’re almost halfway through your pregnancy, which is an exciting milestone. However, it’s usual to feel a little nervous at this point, as you comprehend the reality of your developing baby and start to think about caring for them after they are born. Writing down your thoughts as they come to you and discussing them with your partner can be a way to prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. This way, you can share the mental load and reach decisions

Congratulations, you have made it halfway! Of course, we don’t know exactly when your baby’s birthday is, but it is still an exciting milestone. You may start to think about your baby’s birth now and the options available. It is an excellent time to book antenatal classes, which will help educate you to make an informed decision. Artist Holly Priddis How your baby is growing when 20 Weeks Pregnant? Your baby now measures 16cm from head to

Your baby is getting bigger by the day, and the formation of their fingers and toes is complete. They may even start sucking their thumb as they settle in your uterus and find a comfortable sleep position. Of course, this might not always feel so comfortable for you! You may now be aware of your baby’s sleep and wake cycle, so you know when to expect their active periods. Artist Holly Priddis How your baby is growing

Week 22 is a fascinating time of pregnancy. You feel good, your bump is growing nicely, and you may be wearing more maternity clothes. Wearing maternity clothes is a significant milestone for some, so enjoy it! Remember that if you have any questions or concerns—no matter how small—bring them up with your midwife or doctor. Answering questions is part of their role. Artist Holly Priddis How is your baby growing when 22 Weeks Pregnant? Your baby is

How time flies, you have just under four months of your pregnancy left to go, and if you have been taking bump photos along the way, you will start to see a noticeable difference. You’ll be feeling the baby kick by now and perhaps even seeing these kicks from the outside. How is Your Baby Growing when 23 Weeks Pregnant? Your baby is now 20cm long from head to bottom and weighs about 540gm. Their lungs have started to

You are likely to be visibly pregnant by now, and if you haven’t already, you will start to swap your clothes for looser, more flowing options. As people begin to notice your stomach, you may find yourself in awkward situations where they want to touch your bump. Although people generally mean well, it’s essential to remember that you don’t have to agree if you aren’t comfortable with this. Artist Holly Priddis How is your baby growing when

Approximately fifteen weeks to go! Your baby has now reached viability, which means if they are born, they have a reasonable chance of survival. Of course, this chance increases with each week you are pregnant, so the longer your baby stays in utero (your belly), the better. How is your baby growing when 25 Weeks Pregnant? In this week, your baby now measures 22.5cm long and weighs about 720gm, and their spine continues to form at this stage. You

You are reaching the end of the second trimester, which means the home stretch is almost in sight. But, of course, with it comes an ever-growing stomach and increasing aches and pains, and you will begin to be less mobile. While it can be hard to experience some of these changes, remember they are temporary, and your baby will soon be arriving. How is your baby growing when 26 Weeks Pregnant? Your baby now measures about 23cm from head

If you have other children, it’s an excellent idea to use this time to familiarise them with the concept of a new sibling joining them soon. There are plenty of books and other great resources to help introduce the subject and start a conversation. However, remember you know your child best. Likewise, if you have any pets, there is information to help you prepare them for the new addition to your family. How is your baby growing when 27