Trimester 2 – Weeks 12-16

Your Baby

The baby is still too tiny for you to feel movement.

Ears, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes are completely formed.

The taste buds are forming.

The head can be held up.

Reflex movements allow your baby’s elbows to bend, legs to kick and fingers to form a fist.

The heartbeat is 120 to 160 beats a minute.

Blood goes through the cord to the baby.

About 1 cup of amniotic fluid surrounds your baby in the sac.

Baby’s kidney’s circulate the fluid swallowed by the baby back into the amniotic sac.

Baby will weigh about 1/4 lb and is about 2 1/4 in. long.

Your Body

You will usually begin to feel better by week 16.

You generally will be less sick to your stomach and usually will have more energy.

You may have gained a total of about 2 to 3 lbs.

You may begin to feel more hungry.

The placenta is formed and hormones are keeping your pregnancy healthy.  You may be able to feel your uterus above the public bone, and your uterus may harden from contractions.

You may have trouble with constipation.

You may sweat more.

You may have mood swings such as being happy or sad for no reason.

Your Responsibilities

Get your prenatal checkup.  Ask about the body changes that worry you.  Ask about your tests.

Eat balanced meals (whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables).  Drink 6 – 8 glasses of water per day.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.  Avoid second-hand smoke.

Take only medications prescribed by your doctor.

Avoid using paints, pesticides and spray cans.

Exercise each day by walking, swimming or biking for 15 minutes a day.

Share good or bad feelings about having the baby with friends and family.

Check your budget and begin to set aside some money for baby items.