When Should I Schedule My First Prenatal Visit? You should expect to make several visits to your doctor or midwife throughout the course of your pregnancy.
Heartburn, indigestion and constipation may continue.Prenatal Visits What is a Prenatal Visit?Ī prenatal visit is a routine visit you make to your doctor or midwife while pregnant. Second trimester prenatal visits skin#
Skin pigmentation may change on the face or abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones.The increasing weight gain may cause backaches.A woman may have a white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea (a colored or bloody discharge may signal possible complications and should be examined immediately.).Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear.Both of these things are due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Her gums may become spongier and may bleed easily. A mother's nose may become congested, and she may experience nosebleeds.The need to frequently urinate may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder.The lower abdomen may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus. The skin on the belly may itch as it grows, and there may be pain down the sides of the mother’s 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 occur 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 abates by this time, and the extreme fatigue and breast tenderness usually subsides. 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 the end of 24 weeks may survive in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).The fetus is rapidly growing in size and weight.Fingerprints and toeprints have formed.Eyelids are beginning to open, and the eyebrows and eyelashes are visible.
Hair is growing on the head of the fetus. Skin is wrinkly and red, covered with soft, downy hair (called lanugo). The fetus goes through cycles of sleep and wakefulness. Fingernails have grown on the tips of the fingers and toes, and the fingers and toes are fully separated. The brain will undergo its most important period of growth from the fifth month on. The fetus can respond to certain stimuli. The fetus is developing reflexes, such as swallowing and sucking. Vernix is gradually absorbed by the skin, but some may be seen on babies even after birth. A creamy white substance (called vernix caseosa, or simply vernix) begins to appear on the fetus and helps to protect the thin fetal skin. 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 and 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 seven 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 13 to 16 inches long and weigh about 2 to 3 pounds. Now that all the major organs and systems have formed in the fetus, the following six months will be spent growing. Fetal development during the second trimester However, harmful substances also pass through the umbilical cord to the fetus, so care should be taken to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other known hazards.ĭuring the second trimester, both the mother's body and the fetus continue to grow. The fetus has now developed all its organs and systems and will now focus on growing in size and weight.ĭuring the second trimester, the umbilical cord continues to thicken as it carries nourishment to the fetus. The mother usually begins to feel better and will start showing the pregnancy more. The second trimester marks a turning point for mother and fetus. What to expect during the second trimester height of the fundus (top of the uterus), starting at 20 weeks of gestation. size of the uterus - after approximately 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus can be felt through the abdominal wall. growth, size and development of the fetus. 
urine test to detect albumin (a protein), which may indicate preeclampsia or toxemia, and sugar (glucose), which may indicate hyperglycemia.
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