We previously discussed what happens during the first trimester of a pregnancy, so now it may be a good idea to continue on with this topic and discuss what happens during the second trimester of pregnancy. There are plenty of matters you must be wondering about, which is why we at our center for IVF New Jersey suggest you speak with a member of our team or your health care provider for more details on this part of your pregnancy. That said, let’s take a brief look at what to expect.

Firstly, there are plenty of changes that will occur as your baby develops over this period. Around the 14th or 15th week or so of your pregnancy, the sex of your baby will be apparent. In addition to this, the skeleton of your baby will develop as well. Just past the midway point at around 22 weeks and 23 weeks, your baby will begin to have visible hair, with visible hair growing in the weeks afterward. Fingerprints and footprints will also be forming around this point of your pregnancy. Fingernails should be developing by the end of the second trimester, which is also when the immune system and lungs of your child will continue maturation.

That just covers the development of you baby. There will be plenty of other changes you will notice with your own body during this period of time. Your breasts during the second trimester will become larger and the tenderness and increased nipple sensitivity experienced during the first trimester will continue. Your abdomen will begin expanding around the second trimester as well, and your weight will increase during this period as well. (The amount of weight gain will depend on your body type and other factors.)

Small contractions will also occur during this period as a sort of warm-up for the eventual delivery of your child. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. You should also note a white vaginal discharge, which is generally considered by many medical professionals as a means for your body to combat yeast or bacteria. Should this discharge smell particularly unpleasant or be coupled with irritation and uncomfortable itchiness, be sure to speak with your doctor.

And that’s just a few matters to consider when you’re reached the second trimester. Your health care provider will be able to discuss with you all of the many other matters that come with the second trimester of pregnancy. For additional information as well as IVF success stories and other fertility discussions, be sure to contact our New Jersey IVF center.