If you're thinking about becoming pregnant, consult your health care provider. Whether you know ahead of time that you'll have a high-risk pregnancy or you simply want to do whatever you can to prevent a high-risk pregnancy, stick to the basics. Talk to your health care provider about your complete obstetric history. If you gave birth prematurely in your last pregnancy or you've had multiple premature births, you're at increased risk of an early delivery in your next pregnancy. A history of pregnancy-related hypertension disorders, such as preeclampsia, increases the risk of having this diagnosis during the next pregnancy. Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying more than one fetus. Examples include an unusual placenta position, fetal growth less than the 10th percentile for gestational age (fetal growth restriction) and rhesus (Rh) sensitization - a potentially serious condition that can occur when your blood group is Rh negative and your baby's blood group is Rh positive. Various complications that develop during pregnancy can pose risks. High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and infections can increase pregnancy risks. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs can put a pregnancy at risk. Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers older than age 35. Heartburn, indigestion, and constipation may continue.
Second trimester prenatal visits skin#
Skin pigmentation may change on the face or belly due to the pregnancy hormones. The increasing weight gain may cause backaches. (A colored or bloody discharge may signal possible complications and should be examined immediately.) Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear.Ī woman may have a white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the nose.Ī woman's gums become more spongy and may bleed easily. The need to urinate often may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder.Ī mother's nose may become congested and she may experience nosebleeds. The lower stomach may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus. The skin on the belly may itch as it grows and there may be pain down the sides of the body as the uterus stretches. The uterus has grown to the height of the belly button, making the pregnancy visible.
The mother may be able to feel the movement of the fetus for the first time by 20 weeks. The following is a list of changes and symptoms that may happen during the second trimester: These changes can be attributed to a decrease in levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone and an adjustment to the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Morning sickness usually lessens by this time and the extreme tiredness and breast tenderness usually eases up. The second trimester is the most physically enjoyable for most women. The 20th week marks the halfway point of the pregnancy.Ī fetus born at 24 weeks may survive in a neonatal intensive care unit. Rapid growth is continuing in fetal size and weight. Hair is growing on the head of the fetus.Įyelids are beginning to open and the eyebrows and eyelashes are visible. Skin is wrinkly and red, covered with soft, downy hair (called lanugo). The fetus goes through cycles of sleep and wakefulness. The brain will undergo its most important period of growth from the fifth month on.įingernails have grown on the tips of the fingers and toes, and the fingers and toes are fully separated. The fetus can respond to certain stimuli. The fetus is developing reflexes, like swallowing and sucking. But some may be seen on babies even after birth. Vernix is gradually absorbed by the skin. The fetus can hear the mother's voice.Ī creamy white substance (called vernix caseosa, or simply vernix) begins to appear on the fetus. The eyes have been gradually moving to the front of the face and the ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. The fetus kicks, moves, and can turn from side to side. Fetal development during the second trimester includes the following:
The weight of the fetus will multiply more than 7 times over the next few months as the fetus becomes a baby that can survive outside of the uterus.īy the end of the second trimester, the fetus will be about 14 inches (36 centimeters) long and weigh about 2½ pounds (1.1 kilograms). Now that all the major organs and systems have formed in the fetus, the following 6 months will be spent growing. Fetal development during the second trimester
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