Second Trimester
21 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 10.5 inches long and weighs around 12.5 ounces, about the size of a pomegranate. Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn. Her lips are becoming more distinct and her eyes have developed. Baby’s eyebrows and eyelids are in place. Her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily. The first signs of teeth are even showing below her gum line. Baby is probably sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per day.
22 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 11 inches long and weighs around 15 ounces, about the size of a grapefruit.
23 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 12 inches long and weighs around 15 ounces, about the size of a papaya.
24 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 13 inches long and weighs around 1 ¼ pounds, about the size of a papaya.
Common pregnancy symptoms during these weeks include:
Your breasts may start to produce colostrum, the rich first milk, full of protein and antibodies, which your baby will need in her first few days.
Increased vaginal discharge due to hormones.
Round ligament pain or spasms. This is the ligament that supports your uterus, and it may hurt as it stretches to accommodate your growing belly. A heating pad, bending at the knees instead of the waist when lifting heavy items, use of a belly support band, and chiropractic care will help.
What you should do:
Make sure you're getting enough iron. Your baby needs it to make red blood cells, among other things. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified cereals.
25 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 13.5 inches long and weighs around 1.75 pounds, about the size of a head of cauliflower. Baby now responds to touch. Baby now has a sense of equilibrium -- she now knows which way is up and which is down. She is growing more fat and more hair and now has eyelashes. He is practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs. At this point, baby is also showing brain activity, although his brain will continue getting more complex as he grows. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers.
26 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 13.7 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds, about the size of a head of cauliflower.
27 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 14 inches long and weighs around 2.5 pounds, about the size of a head of iceberg lettuce. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by week 28. During this week it is very common for your baby to begin having short spells of the hiccups. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers.
Common pregnancy symptoms during these weeks include:
Toning contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These are your uterus preparing for the hard work of labor. You will feel a tightening sensation in your lower back or uterus. These may be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. If they become regular and painful, let me know.
Leg cramps, backaches, constipation, and hemorrhoids.
Skin, hair, and nail changes. They may be thicker, grow faster, or be more brittle.
What you should do:
Swelling in your feet and ankles is normal, but watch for swelling in your hands or face, and visual disturbances. Your sense of balance may change as your stomach grows bigger. Be careful when doing activities that may cause you to lose your balance. Try to eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids to help your baby’s brain development, such as fish and fish oil, flax seeds and flax oil, chia seeds, and walnuts.