Second Trimester Guide · Weeks 14–27
The "honeymoon" trimester. Energy usually returns, the anatomy scan brings detailed answers, the first flutters turn into unmistakable kicks, and your body finally looks visibly pregnant. Here's exactly what happens each week, and exactly what to do about it.
The second trimester covers weeks 14 through 27 — the moment your first trimester ends through the end of month six. For most people, it brings real relief: first-trimester nausea and exhaustion usually ease, energy noticeably lifts, and the visible signs of pregnancy begin.
This is when pregnancy often feels most rewarding. Your bump becomes unmistakable. You'll likely feel quickening — the first fetal movements — somewhere between weeks 16 and 22. The mid-pregnancy anatomy scan around weeks 18–22 brings the most detailed look at baby yet. Your body shifts visibly and meaningfully: skin changes, posture adjusts, the uterus grows from pelvic to abdominal.
It also brings trimester-specific changes worth knowing about. Round ligament pain — sharp twinges on either side of the lower belly — is one of the most common complaints, peaking around weeks 14–20. Nasal congestion from increased blood flow can appear out of nowhere. Braxton Hicks contractions start showing up in the back half, usually as painless, irregular tightenings that ease with hydration or rest. Most of these are normal, and learning how to tell normal from "call your provider" is part of the work of this trimester.
This guide pulls week-by-week milestones, symptoms, and self-care tips from the same Erin-vetted dataset that powers the Pregnancy Tracker. Pick any week 14–27 to see exactly what's happening with your baby and what to focus on. For a full tracker with notes, symptom logging, and 24/7 doula chat, jump to the Pregnancy Tracker at the bottom of the page.
Week 14 · Trimester 2
Week 15 · Trimester 2
Week 16 · Trimester 2
Week 17 · Trimester 2
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Week 26 · Trimester 2
Week 27 · Trimester 2
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When does the second trimester start?
The second trimester starts at week 14, the moment the first trimester ends. It runs through the end of week 27. The medical convention is that the first trimester covers weeks 1–13, the second trimester covers weeks 14–27, and the third trimester covers weeks 28 through delivery. Week 13 is technically still first trimester even though many symptoms begin easing around then.
When will I feel my baby kick?
First-time parents usually feel the first faint flutters — called quickening — between weeks 18 and 22. People who have been pregnant before often feel movement earlier, sometimes as early as week 16. Early movements feel like gas, popcorn, or a small fish flipping; they grow stronger and more regular through the second trimester. By week 24 you should feel distinct kicks; if you notice a sudden or persistent decrease in movement, call your provider.
Is round ligament pain normal?
Yes — round ligament pain is one of the most common second-trimester complaints, typically starting around weeks 14–20 as the uterus grows. It presents as a sharp or achy twinge on one or both sides of the lower belly or groin, often triggered by sudden movement, standing up quickly, coughing, or rolling over in bed. It is transient and not dangerous; gentle stretching, slow position changes, and warm (not hot) compresses help. Severe one-sided abdominal pain that doesn't resolve warrants a call to your provider.
What is the anatomy scan and when does it happen?
The anatomy scan (also called the mid-pregnancy ultrasound or level 2 ultrasound) is a detailed check of baby's organs, bones, and growth. It happens between weeks 18 and 22, most commonly around week 20. The sonographer measures baby's head, limbs, heart, kidneys, and brain structures and may be able to tell you the sex if you want to know. It is also the moment many parents see substantial movement on screen — kicks, stretches, and the heart beating.
Is it safe to exercise in the second trimester?
Yes — for most people, moderate exercise is not just safe but actively recommended throughout the second trimester (weeks 14–27). Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, stationary cycling, and light strength training are all generally safe. Avoid activities with high fall risk, contact sports, or exercises lying flat on your back after the first trimester. If your provider has cleared you for exercise and you feel well, 20–30 minutes most days is a reasonable target.
When should I worry about swelling or headaches?
Mild ankle or foot swelling, especially later in the day or in heat, is normal in the second trimester. However, sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands, or around the eyes — especially combined with severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain — can be signs of preeclampsia and warrants immediate medical attention (typically a same-day call or urgent visit). For headaches, persistent severe or sudden-onset headaches with visual disturbance, nausea, or fever should also prompt a call to your provider.