Pregnancy is a time full of changes affecting both your body and your baby. Throughout the second trimester, the body is working hard to remain healthy, all while supporting the growth of a baby.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in your growing belly.

The inside of your body is changing

The Uterus

During the second trimester, your uterus is growing quickly to accommodate your baby. It ends up being about 14-times bigger than pre-pregnancy size. It becomes this large to accommodate for the baby, as well as necessary fluids that cradle them for protection. But don’t worry, the uterus will shrink back to normal size post-pregnancy.

The Placenta

Once you’re in the second trimester, it means the placenta has generated in your body. This vital new organ is doing four very important jobs to keep your baby healthy:

Feeding the baby
Carefully filtering any bad substances out of the food
Supplying blood
Eliminating waste

The Heart

While the body works hard to support two life forms, your heart works harder. This means it’s pumping about 40-50% more blood, and for that to be possible, it must pump 10-20 times faster than normal. The heart is working diligently to support your baby by fueling their umbilical cord and placenta, and is crucial for your healthy pregnancy.

Your baby is also going through some changes

The senses are developing

During this time, your baby is becoming aware of their surroundings. This is an exciting time because they can hear you. Try talking and playing music for them. In some cases, people even say that the baby responds to the music by moving around. Babies can also hear your heartbeat loud and clear, and find relaxation in listening to it.

Something else that your baby recently developed are irises. Now they can see light. Sitting in the sunlight could make you feel movement in your belly, likely because the baby is trying to shield their eyes!

Taste is another important sense developed in the second trimester, and it means your baby is starting to taste their food. It is even theorized that the baby is developing their taste buds for the future, and that it can be wise for a mommy-to-be to choose a side of brussels sprouts over potato chips. However, this theory has not been completely proven.

Your baby’s body is also developing

Your baby is finally developing their own identity through unique fingerprints and footprints in the second trimester. Besides that, they are

experiencing the most growth, which can be an exciting time for baby, and mommy-to-be. It’s important to know what’s happening inside your body to keep not only your baby healthy, but yourself too. Make sure to keep up on appointments and ask your doctor any questions that concern you, to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

https://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-second-trimester-whats-happening-in-your-body/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/second-trimester#body-changes

https://www.thebump.com/a/things-happening-in-your-body-right-now