Second Trimester: The Steady Stretch

Energy returning, bump growing — staying well through the middle months

Pregnancy Second trimester 3 modules

1 Why this trimester often feels easier

4 min read

Many people find weeks 14–27 the most comfortable stretch — morning sickness has usually eased and the fatigue of very late pregnancy has not yet arrived.

This is a good window to deal with practical things: maternity leave paperwork, antenatal classes, and simply getting used to a changing body while you have a bit more energy for it.

You should start to feel movement between 16 and 24 weeks — often later than 20 weeks in a first pregnancy — described as fluttering or bubbling before it becomes unmistakable kicks.

2 Staying active and eating well

5 min read

The guideline is 150 minutes of exercise a week, and it does not have to be in one go — 10-minute spells count. Walking, swimming and pregnancy-specific classes all work. The practical test: you should be able to hold a conversation while exercising, and if you cannot, slow down.

From 16 weeks, avoid lying on your back for more than a few minutes at a time, and give contact sports, scuba diving and anything with a fall risk a miss.

You do not need to eat for two — that holds even for twins. In the final three months you need about an extra 200 calories a day, roughly two slices of wholemeal toast. Some cheeses and raw or undercooked meat are off the list; British Lion eggs are safe raw or partially cooked, while other eggs should be well cooked; and keep oily fish to no more than two portions a week.

3 Your anomaly scan and what it covers

4 min read

The 20-week screening scan usually happens between 18 and 21 weeks, and checks your baby for signs of 11 different conditions. You may be asked whether you would like to know the sex.

Most scans find nothing of concern. If something is found, you may be offered further scans and tests and a referral to a specialist who can talk you through them — that is standard process, not automatically bad news.

It is completely reasonable to bring a support person and to ask the sonographer to talk you through what they are looking at as they go.