Your guide to the second trimester covering the anatomy scan, glucose screening, nursery planning, maternity wardrobe, birth classes, and travel safety during weeks 13 through 27.
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Key Medical Appointments
Schedule the anatomy scan between weeks 18 and 22
This ultrasound takes 30-45 minutes and checks the baby's organs, spine, limbs, and placenta placement. Most facilities let you bring one guest. Ask about their gender reveal policy if you want to be surprised.
Complete the glucose screening test between weeks 24 and 28
You'll drink a 50-gram glucose solution and have blood drawn 1 hour later. About 15-25% of women fail the initial screening and need the 3-hour follow-up test. Gestational diabetes affects 6-9% of pregnancies.
Keep up with monthly prenatal visits and track blood pressure trends
Normal blood pressure in pregnancy is below 120/80. Readings above 140/90 on two occasions may indicate preeclampsia, which develops in about 5-8% of pregnancies after week 20.
Get the Tdap vaccine between weeks 27 and 36
The Tdap shot passes whooping cough antibodies to the baby, providing protection for the first 2 months of life before the baby can be vaccinated. About 90% of protection is transferred when given in this window.
Ask about Rh factor treatment if you are Rh-negative
About 15% of people are Rh-negative. If you are and your partner is Rh-positive, you'll receive a RhoGAM injection around week 28 to prevent your body from producing antibodies against the baby's blood.
Nursery Planning
Choose a room and measure it for furniture placement
A standard crib is 28 by 52 inches and needs at least 3 feet of clearance on the accessible side. Measure doorways too — the minimum passage width for most cribs is 30 inches.
Select and order the crib, ensuring it meets current safety standards
Look for JPMA certification and CPSC compliance. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Drop-side cribs were banned in 2011, so avoid secondhand cribs manufactured before that date.
Pick a dresser or changing table with anti-tip hardware
Furniture tip-overs injure about 14,700 children per year. Use the included wall anchors on every dresser and bookshelf. The changing pad on top should have a contoured shape with 2-inch raised sides.
Choose paint or wallpaper and complete the room before week 30
Use zero-VOC or low-VOC paint and ventilate the room for at least 48 hours after painting. Pregnant women should avoid doing the painting themselves due to fume exposure, even with low-VOC products.
Set up blackout curtains and a white noise machine
Blackout curtains that block 95-100% of light help regulate the baby's circadian rhythm. White noise machines should be placed at least 7 feet from the crib and set below 50 decibels.
Maternity Wardrobe
Invest in 2-3 pairs of maternity pants with a stretchy waistband
Most women start needing maternity pants between weeks 14 and 20. Over-the-belly panels offer more support in the third trimester, while under-the-belly styles are cooler and more comfortable earlier on.
Get properly fitted for supportive bras as your size changes
Breasts typically grow 1-2 cup sizes during pregnancy. A wireless bra with wide straps and 3-4 hook rows in the back gives you room to adjust. Skip underwire styles, which can restrict tissue and ducts.
Buy a belly support band for lower back relief
About 50-70% of pregnant women experience back pain, often starting in the second trimester. A support band distributes the weight of the belly and can reduce pain by shifting 15-25% of the load off your spine.
Birth and Parenting Classes
Register for a childbirth education class by week 20
Hospital-based classes typically run 4-6 weeks and fill up quickly. Registering by week 20 ensures you complete the class by week 34-36, giving you time to process before delivery.
Sign up for an infant CPR and first aid class
The course takes about 3-4 hours and covers choking response for infants under 12 months. Both parents and any regular caregivers should attend. Certifications are valid for 2 years.
Consider a breastfeeding class if you plan to nurse
Most breastfeeding classes are 2-3 hours and cover latch technique, positioning, and common problems. About 60% of mothers who planned to breastfeed for 3+ months stop earlier than intended, often due to latch issues that education can prevent.
Explore newborn care classes covering bathing, diapering, and soothing
These 2-hour classes are especially helpful for first-time parents. Topics include safe swaddling, umbilical cord care (which takes 1-3 weeks to fall off), and recognizing signs of jaundice.
Travel and Activities
Plan any trips for weeks 14-28 when energy is highest and travel is safest
Most airlines allow flying up to week 36 for domestic flights, but many OBs recommend stopping air travel at week 34. The second trimester is the best window because morning sickness has passed and mobility is still good.
Check travel insurance coverage for pregnancy-related issues
Standard travel insurance often excludes pregnancy complications after week 26-28. Some specialty policies cover up to week 36. Always carry a copy of your prenatal records and your provider's phone number when traveling.
Stay hydrated and move every 1-2 hours during long trips
Pregnancy increases blood clot risk by 4-5 times. On flights, request an aisle seat for easy movement, wear compression socks, and drink at least 8 ounces of water per hour of travel.
Baby Names and Registry
Start a shared baby name list with your partner
Keep a running list on your phone and review it together every 2-3 weeks. Say each name out loud with your last name to check the flow. Check the Social Security Administration's name database for popularity trends over the past 10 years.
Create your baby registry between weeks 16 and 20
Register at 1-2 stores maximum. Most registries offer a 10-15% completion discount on remaining items close to your due date. Focus on essentials first: car seat, crib, diapers, and feeding supplies.
Research car seats and strollers before adding them to the registry
Infant car seats are rear-facing and typically fit babies from 4 to 35 pounds. A convertible car seat lasts longer (up to 65 pounds) but can't be carried as a bucket seat. Read crash test ratings from independent testing organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prenatal tests are done during the second trimester?
Between weeks 15-20, most providers offer the quad screen blood test and an anatomy ultrasound at 18-22 weeks. The anatomy scan takes 30-45 minutes and checks the baby's organs, spine, and growth measurements. If you're over 35 or have risk factors, amniocentesis may be offered between weeks 15-20, with results typically ready in 10-14 days.
When do you start feeling the baby move for the first time?
First-time mothers usually feel movement (called quickening) between weeks 18-25, while those who've been pregnant before may notice it as early as week 13-16. Early movements feel like flutters, bubbles, or a light tapping. By week 28, doctors recommend doing daily kick counts — you should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours.
How much weight should you gain during the second trimester?
For a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9), the recommended weight gain during the second trimester is about 1 pound per week, or roughly 12-14 pounds total for this trimester. Those starting underweight may need to gain slightly more (up to 1.3 lbs/week), while those with a higher BMI should aim for about 0.5-0.7 lbs/week.
Is it safe to travel during the second trimester?
The second trimester (weeks 14-27) is generally considered the safest and most comfortable time to travel. Most airlines allow flying up to 36 weeks for domestic flights. For international trips, check destination-specific health advisories, and carry copies of your prenatal records. Aim to walk every 1-2 hours on long flights to reduce blood clot risk.
What symptoms are normal vs. concerning in the second trimester?
Normal symptoms include round ligament pain (sharp side pains), mild swelling in feet and ankles, Braxton Hicks contractions after week 20, and a dark line on your belly (linea nigra). Contact your provider immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, persistent abdominal pain, or fluid leaking from the vagina, as these could signal preterm labor or preeclampsia.