Your physical and emotional health continues to change as pregnancy progresses. These and other symptoms can appear during the second trimester:¹

You may develop a “baby bump” from the rapid growth that happens in the second trimester.
A "pregnancy glow" could give you rosier cheeks from the higher blood volume that supplies nutrients to the fetus.
Anxiety can stem from awaiting test results and thinking more about this major life change. Talk to your doctor if your anxiety is severe enough to make it difficult to sleep or enjoy your life.
Heartburn may start earlier but increase in the second trimester as the uterus grows, puts pressure on the stomach, and pushes stomach acid up the esophagus. Hormones cause the esophagus muscles to relax more and let acid bubble up.
An increased appetite will make you want to eat more to support your baby's growth. Talk to your health care provider about how many calories you need each day during your second trimester.
Feeling fetal movement around 16 to 20 weeks resembles a flutter, like gas, or air bubbles bursting.
You breasts will become larger as your body continues to grow and prepare for breastfeeding.
Sore hips and an achy back can happen when hormones and weight gain throw off your balance. Your ligaments are also starting to relax to help your body stretch and widen your pelvis for birth. This can also reduce the stability of your joints and lead to pain.
Stretch marks can show up as stripes on your belly, hips, or other areas as your skin stretches.
Itchy skin can happen as your skin stretches and expands.

It’s important to be aware of your overall health throughout pregnancy. Here are some serious symptoms to be on the lookout for during the second trimester:

A severe headache that doesn't go away or comes with blurred vision, nausea, and swelling of the face and hands. It could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Difficulty breathing and having chest pain after eating or getting an insect bite can be dangerous.
A fast-beating heart or chest pain caused by your blood supply increasing can strain your heart and cause heart palpitations (serious complications can cause chest pain).
A fever above 100.4 could be a sign of an infection that could be dangerous to you and your baby.
Pain when urinating could mean you have a urinary tract infection.
Severe stomach pain could be contractions and preterm labor.
Swelling, redness, and warmth in one leg that occur together could be signs of a blood clot.
Thoughts of harming yourself can happen if you have depression in pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding could signal an issue with the placenta.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.

Planning for Pregnancy

During Pregnancy

Postpartum

Health insurance for your new baby

Maternity Care Management

What to expect during your second trimester

What else can I do during the second trimester to be prepare for my baby?

What is a birth plan?

What symptoms can happen during the second trimester of pregnancy?

What’s a Lamaze or prepared childbirth class? When would I take one?

Which classes should I take?

What are prenatal visits like in the second trimester?