The Second Trimester: What to Expect
For most women, the second trimester of pregnancy is considered easier than the first. However, both your body and your baby continue to change rapidly, and these changes become more noticeable.
Your belly will stretch and grow as your baby develops. By the end of this trimester, your baby will begin to move—and you will start to feel those movements.
As your body adjusts to accommodate your growing baby, you may experience:
- Aches or pains in your back, abdomen, groin, or thighs
- Stretch marks on your belly, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
- Darkening of the nipples
- A dark vertical line (called linea nigra) running from your belly button down to the pubic area
- Darkening of the skin on your cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip—often called the “mask of pregnancy”
- Numbness or tingling in your hands
- Itching on your belly, palms, or soles
Important:
If the itching is accompanied by nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or fatigue, contact your doctor immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a serious liver condition.
Also, if you notice sudden swelling of your ankles, fingers, or face, or if you gain weight very quickly, contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of preeclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication.