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.
#SECOND TRIMESTER PRENATAL VISITS SKIN#
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. You will be able to give her a tour of your home and answer questions she may have about where everything is located.Fetal development during the second trimester If you're having a home birth, you may have a home visit during this time frame if your midwife doesn't do her normal prenatal visits there. Because of this tendency for inaccuracy, it's not a great idea to have an induction of labor based on the predicted size of your baby. Your doctor will also try to predict the size of your baby, but this is usually not very accurate. You may also have an ultrasound to determine what position the baby is in at this point.
Your visits are most likely fairly routine, with very few extra tests being performed.
You will continue to be seen every week until about the 41st week of pregnancy, at which point you may be seen every few days until your baby is born. Urine sample to screen for sugar and protein.Palpate to check baby's position (vertex, breech, posterior, etc.).Measure your fundal height to check baby's growth.Check for swelling in your hands and feet.Nuchal fold test (screening for Down syndrome)īetween 36 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, you're usually seen every week.Early amniocentesis (diagnostic test for many genetic diseases).
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) (diagnostic test for many genetic diseases).There are some optional tests you, your doctor, or your midwife may request: Sometimes an ultrasound will be ordered as well.Īdditional testing may be performed at this appointment as needed. If you have trouble hearing the baby's heartbeat, you will probably be asked to wait until your next visit when your baby is a bit bigger. Your baby's first heartbeat can usually be heard with a Doppler between 8 and 12 weeks gestation. Listen to a fetal heartbeat using a Doppler.Here is what will most likely happen during this visit: Your second prenatal appointment usually takes place about a month after your first appointment, unless you're having problems or need specific prenatal testing that is best performed in a specific time range.
0 kommentar(er)
