The second trimester is often described as a steadier part of pregnancy. For many people, nausea and deep early fatigue begin to ease, energy improves and the pregnancy starts to feel more visible and real.
In this pregnancy calendar, the second trimester is covered as approximately weeks 15-27 of pregnancy. Different healthcare systems may use slightly different boundaries, but this is the stage when your baby grows quickly, sensory development advances and movements often become easier to notice.
Many people begin feeling baby movements between 18 and 22 weeks. At first, these may feel like bubbles, flutters or a soft shifting sensation. Over time, movements usually become clearer and more recognisable.
The second trimester is also when many families have the detailed anatomy ultrasound, often around 18-22 weeks. The scan checks your baby's growth and major structures, the placenta, amniotic fluid and other features of the pregnancy. Around 24-28 weeks, you may also be offered screening for gestational diabetes depending on your local care pathway.
If you want to follow pregnancy week by week, start with 15 weeks pregnant, read about 20 weeks pregnant for anatomy scan and movement topics, or move ahead to 27 weeks pregnant. You can also estimate key dates with the due date calculator.
Weight gain often becomes more noticeable during the second trimester. Eating regularly and choosing a balanced mix of protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and fluids can help support both your energy and your baby's growth.
Constipation, heartburn, nasal congestion, mild swelling, leg cramps and back or pelvic discomfort can appear during this stage. Gentle movement, enough fluids, fibre-rich foods and comfortable footwear may help. The pregnancy weight gain calculator can give a rough guide, but sudden or worrying changes should always be discussed with your maternity team.
Mild ankle swelling can be common, especially later in the day. Sudden swelling of the face, hands or legs, severe headache, visual changes or feeling very unwell should be checked promptly, as these can sometimes need urgent assessment.
Your posture and balance also change as your bump grows and pregnancy hormones soften ligaments. Exercise can still be very beneficial for many pregnancies, but it is sensible to avoid high-fall-risk activities and to adapt movement if something causes pain, dizziness or breathlessness.
During the second trimester, prenatal appointments often continue every few weeks, although exact timing varies by country, provider and individual pregnancy. Your clinician may check blood pressure, urine, weight, bump growth, baby movements and fetal heartbeat, depending on gestational age and local guidance.
Tests may include blood and urine checks, anatomy ultrasound, rhesus or antibody screening where relevant, and screening for gestational diabetes. If you have bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, fever, fainting, strong swelling or a clear change in baby movements after a pattern has developed, contact your healthcare provider.
Quickening – the first baby movements felt by the pregnant person. These often begin as subtle flutters before becoming clearer.
Anatomy scan – a detailed ultrasound, commonly offered around 18-22 weeks, used to check fetal growth and major structures.
Gestational diabetes screening – testing offered in many care systems around 24-28 weeks to check how the body handles glucose during pregnancy.
Swelling – fluid-related puffiness, often around the ankles or feet. Sudden or severe swelling should be checked.
In this pregnancy calendar, the second trimester is covered from about weeks 15-27. Some healthcare systems use slightly different boundaries, such as weeks 13-27 or 14-27.
Many people first notice baby movements between 18 and 22 weeks, sometimes earlier in a later pregnancy. Early movements may feel like flutters, bubbles or gentle taps.
The anatomy scan is commonly offered around 18-22 weeks. It checks fetal growth and major structures such as the brain, spine, heart, abdomen, limbs, placenta and amniotic fluid.
Yes. Weight gain often becomes more noticeable in the second trimester. The recommended range depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI, your health and whether you are carrying one baby or multiples.
Seek advice for bleeding, severe abdominal pain, sudden swelling, severe headache, vision changes, fever, fluid leaking, fainting, or a clear reduction in baby movements after a pattern has developed.
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