The second third of pregnancy is called the second trimester. It covers the period from the 13th to the 24th weeks of pregnancy. Most people find these middle months of pregnancy to be a more relaxed time. They often feel relief due to the significantly lowered risk of premature birth and they also feel physically fitter and mentally more stable.
New and old kinds of pregnancy discomfort
Levels of the important pregnancy hormone hCGhCG hCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It is a hormone that is found in the blood. The level of hCG increases when a person is pregnant. It is important for the implantation of the egg and for the production of the hormone progesterone, which also plays an important role in pregnancy. decrease during the second trimester of pregnancy. For many pregnant people, this leads to the disappearance of morning sickness. Unfortunately, you can also expect some new pregnancy symptoms. You may develop varicose veins or hemorrhoids. You may discover brown or reddish stretch marks on your skin. Some people develop the appearance of a straight brown line, the linea nigraLinea nigra Linea nigra is the medical term for the dark line that often runs from a pregnant person’s belly button or chest down to their pubic bone. The reason for this natural discoloration in about 75 percent of pregnant people is the increased production of the hormone melanin, which is also responsible for tanning the skin., between their pubic bone and their navel. This occurs because more colour pigments are now created in your skin. Your nipples or labia may also become darker. After birth, this discoloration disappears again. General changes to your breasts also start at this time. They grow larger and many people experience a feeling of tightness. Don't be surprised if your mammary glands are already producing a few yellow-white drops from your nipples. Towards the end of the second trimester, other symptoms such as heartburn, calf cramps and back pain may develop. These pregnancy side effects are annoying, but not dangerous. Even if you feel a pulling sensation in your abdomen, don't be worried. These are Braxton Hicks contractionsBraxton Hicks contractions Übungswehen Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions that can already begin occurring in the 20th week of pregnancy. These contractions are usually perceived as tension or a pulling sensation in the abdomen. During a Braxton Hicks contraction, the uterus contracts and relaxes again. It strengthens the muscles and improves the blood supply to the placenta and the foetus. Braxton Hicks contractions are different from pre-labour contractions, which only begin occurring in the 36th week of pregnancy, and from active labour contractions, which indicate the birth is imminent., also called ‘practice contractions’, and they are not uncommon. If you are unsure, however, please contact your gynaecologist.
Fetal development during the second trimester
The fetus is developing rapidly. The skeleton becomes firmer and hair grows. The facial features become clearer and the shape of the ears and eyes are now fixed. The eyes are closed from now on. The eyes won’t open again until the 26th week of pregnancy. The internal organs, brain, lungs and heart continue to develop. Kidney function is trained when the fetus ingests amniotic fluid and then excretes it. In general, the fetus is very active. After all, it still has plenty of room to move around in the womb. You can feel these movements well at the end of the second trimester. At this point, it can react to acoustic stimuli and to light stimuli from the outside. At the end of the 6th month, the fetus is about 26 cm long and weighs around 500 grams.
A good time for important errands
You can probably still move well because your belly isn't that big yet. If your pants start to fit tighter, you should look for maternity clothes. The time between the 13th and 24th weeks of pregnancy is good for all kinds of errands, for example going to the authorities for necessary appointments, registering for a childbirth preparation course and for visiting a delivery room or birth centre. You should contact a midwife by this point at the latest. Although you may still be wondering what a midwife actually does.