Key Takeaways
- The second trimester runs from week 13 to week 27 — often called the "honeymoon" trimester
- Key appointments include the anatomy scan (18–22 weeks) and gestational diabetes screening (24–28 weeks)
- Most people feel first movements ("quickening") between 16 and 25 weeks
- This is the ideal window for travel, dental care, and starting a registry
- Call your provider for bleeding, severe headaches, or no fetal movement after week 24
Welcome to the second trimester — for many, the most comfortable stretch of pregnancy. Morning sickness usually fades, energy returns, and you'll finally feel those first flutters. This checklist keeps you on track for appointments, tests, and the practical prep that's easiest to tackle now, before the third-trimester fatigue sets in.
Related: First Trimester Checklist and Pregnancy Week by Week.
The Second Trimester at a Glance
The second trimester spans weeks 13 through 27. It's typically the easiest phase: nausea eases, your risk of miscarriage drops significantly, and your bump becomes visible without the exhaustion of early pregnancy or the heaviness of late pregnancy.
Appointments & Tests
| Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 15–20 weeks | Quad screen / maternal serum screening (optional) for chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects |
| 18–22 weeks | Anatomy ultrasound — detailed check of organs, limbs, placenta; often reveals sex |
| 24–28 weeks | Glucose screening for gestational diabetes; repeat bloodwork for anemia |
| Every 4 weeks | Routine checkups: weight, blood pressure, fundal height, fetal heartbeat |
Bring questions to each visit
Keep a running note on your phone of questions between appointments — about symptoms, nutrition, or birth preferences. Visits move fast, and it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask.
Your Week-by-Week To-Do List
- Weeks 13–16: Share your news if you're ready; book the anatomy scan; start a pregnancy journal or app to track symptoms and kicks later
- Weeks 17–20: Begin tracking fetal movement patterns; research childbirth classes; start thinking about a baby registry
- Weeks 21–24: Plan any travel now (airlines usually allow flying until ~36 weeks); schedule a dental cleaning; shop for maternity clothes
- Weeks 25–27: Complete the glucose test; tour birth facilities; discuss maternity leave with your employer; start a hospital bag list
What Happens to Your Body
- Energy and appetite return as nausea subsides
- A visible bump emerges; round ligament pain may cause sharp twinges
- Skin changes: the "linea nigra" line, possible darkening of the face (melasma)
- Nasal congestion and mild swelling are common from increased blood volume
- Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) may begin late in this trimester
How Baby Is Growing
By the start of the trimester, your baby is about the size of a lemon; by week 27, roughly the size of a head of cauliflower (around 2 lbs / 900g). Major milestones include developing fingerprints, hearing your voice, practicing breathing movements, and establishing sleep-wake cycles you may feel as kicks.
When to Call Your Doctor
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Severe or persistent headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling (possible preeclampsia)
- Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks
- Noticeably reduced or absent fetal movement after week 24
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), painful urination, or severe abdominal pain
See also: Preeclampsia Warning Signs and Gestational Diabetes Guide.
FAQ
When will I feel the baby move?
Most first-time parents feel movement between 18 and 25 weeks. If you've been pregnant before, you may notice flutters earlier, around 16 weeks. Early movements feel like bubbles, flutters, or gas.
Is it safe to travel in the second trimester?
Yes — this is generally considered the safest and most comfortable time to travel. Most airlines allow flying until about 36 weeks. Stay hydrated, move your legs on long trips, and carry your medical records.
Do I really need the glucose test?
Screening for gestational diabetes is standard between 24 and 28 weeks because the condition often has no symptoms. Catching it early protects both you and your baby. Talk to your provider about the testing options available.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for concerns about your baby's health or development.
