Second Trimester
Your fourth month:
Your baby, now we ighing about 6 ounces, is growing very fast and is about 8 to 10 inches long by the end of this month. The umbilical cord continues to grow and thicken in order to carry enough blood and nourishment. Morning sickness, fatigue, and many other things that might have bothered you during the first 3 months might disappear as your body adapts to the growing baby.
You will begin to put on weight now. You should gain 3 to 4 pounds, and the majority of it will be gained during these next three months. The recognized average total gain throughout pregnancy is approximately 25-35 pounds, although you may gain slightly more or less. Maternity clothes and a maternity bra may now be more comfortable.
You may start to feel the baby`s movement now. Don`t worry if you can`t, But if there is still no movement by the beginning of your five month see your doctor.
Your fifth month:
By the end of this month, your baby will weigh about 1 pound and be about 12 inches long. The doctor will now be able to hear the baby's heartbeat and you will begin to feel more definite movements. This month you may gain 3 or 4 pounds and begin to breathe deeper and more frequently.
Eyes, eyelids, and ears are now fully developed. A fine hair, known as lanugo covers your baby's body.
Your baby will be able to hear your heart beating. Sounds from outside the uterus will also be audible, although they will be slightly muffled. Your baby will respond to music and speech.
You will be seeing your doctor about every four weeks during this trimester. She will listen to your baby`s heartbeat, see the baby's development and determine the baby's age. Your urine and blood pressure will be tested every visit.
Your sixth month:
You are now carrying a fully formed miniature baby except that the skin is wrinkled and red and there is practically no fat under the skin. The baby still needs to grow, being now only about 14 inches long and weighing only about 1 1/2 pounds. By the end of this trimester, your baby may be sucking his/her thumb and can cry. Subcutaneous fat is building up under his skin, and eyelids have opened, allowing the fetus to develop focus. Brain tissue is also increasing at this time. If your baby has hair on his head, it may be growing as well.
By the end of the fifth month, the begining of this month you will have an ultrasound scan also known as a sonogram. This is a test that uses sound waves to draw a picture of your baby inside your uterus. From this test you will be able to see your baby`s movement and see his?her heart beating and evaluate the size and development of your baby. Your doctor may also be able to determine your baby's sex at this time, although results have been known to be inaccurate.
A few symptoms you may experience during the second trimester:
Swelling of the hands and feet
Backache
Nosebleeds
High blood pressure
Check out these other articles in the Parenting category:
Baby Shower for Twins (Or More) Peas in a Pod
Baby Shower Games to Make Your Baby Shower Exciting
Potty/Toilet Training Your Child
Prenatal Workout No-No's
Sex During Pregnancy
Take Note!