Are there growth spurts during pregnancy

This phenomenon is called quickening. A fetus born at the end of 24 weeks may survive in a neonatal intensive care unit. During your second and third trimester prenatal visits, your health care provider may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the health of the fetus:. Urine test. This is done to find albumin, a protein that may indicate pre-eclampsia or toxemia, and glucose which may indicate hyperglycemia.

Size of the uterus. After approximately 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus can be felt through the abdominal wall. The second trimester marks a turning point for the mother and fetus. You will usually begin to feel better and start showing the pregnancy more.

Your fetus has now developed all its organs and systems and will now begin growing in length and weight. During the second trimester, the umbilical cord continues to thicken as it carries nourishment to the fetus. However, harmful substances also pass through the umbilical cord to the fetus, so care should be taken to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other known hazards. This designation is given to hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding.

These changes can be attributed to a decrease in levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone and an adjustment to the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. You may be able to feel the movement of the fetus for the first time around 20 weeks. Maternal weight gain continues at pounds per week. Your breasts may no longer feel achy like during the first trimester, but they also may grow anywhere from inches or cup sizes in the second trimester.

There are ways to ease this pressure, such as sitting in chairs that provide good back support and sleeping on your side with a pillow tucked between your legs.

This is a good time to ask for some support from your partner, family, and friends—and that support may come in the form of a good back rub! Bleeding gums: Some women will find that during the second trimester, their gums begin to bleed. This is caused by hormonal changes taking place within your body, but it should go back to normal once your baby is born. With so much to think about, you may not realize that dental hygiene is as critical as it is. Digestive changes: Two-thirds of pregnant women will experience some heartburn by the time the second trimester rolls around, although it may rear its ugly head right away.

The combination of a growing uterus increasing pressure on the stomach and pregnancy hormones may lead to dyspepsia, acid reflux, and heartburn. These same hormones slow down bowel movements, potentially causing constipation and gas. Discharge: You may notice a thick, milky, white vaginal discharge; this is normal. If you feel uncomfortable, using a thin pad or panty liner may help. Frequent urination: The urge to go will likely become more frequent during the second trimester because the growing uterus places more pressure on your bladder.

Urinary tract infections are more common if the baby puts too much pressure on the uterus, causing a blockage. Skin changes: Moms may undergo some or no pregnancy skin changes. Some common changes are silvery stretch marks, darkening skin on the forehead and cheeks , and a dark line from the navel down the abdomen. Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to slather on the SPF before going outside.

Your abdomen may feel dry and itchy as your skin stretches, so use a good moisturizer to ease any sensitivity that might develop. Hormone changes: In addition to all the other things they impact, hormone fluctuations can also increase perspiration and feelings of apprehension or irritability. Circulatory changes: Slower blood circulation and increasing fluid production can cause the ankles, hands, and face to swell. Now that you know what to expect for you and your baby during the second trimester, here are some things you may want to do in preparation for the last stage of pregnancy:.

This could be a great time to call on your friends and family to ask if they have any clothes they are no longer wearing. But with all the energy you may be feeling now, it could be a fun time for a shopping spree just for you. Some new clothing can make you feel great as your body changes shape. Slather your belly with moisturizing cream. That belly is growing! It can be itchy and dry, and, yes, you may develop stretch marks.

If you want one, start searching for a doula. Having a doctor or midwife you trust will get you through the technical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, but a doula is there just for you. It is by no means necessary, but those who use a doula often feel comforted by having someone at their side who is solely concerned about them and their body.

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You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. Your baby is enjoying kicking and stretching, and their movements are becoming less jerky and more fluid. During week 11, your baby is preparing for a growth spurt. A healthy diet supplemented with prenatal vitamins supports this growth and lays the foundations for a healthy future. As well as supporting your own health, your diet is the main source of nutrition for your growing baby.

Multivitamin supplements make up for any shortfall of nutrients in your diet. Please Note: These pregnancy week-by-week articles, are meant to give you a general sense of the growth and development going on within you. Folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iron, calcium and iodine are essential nutrients for your baby. Some supplements are recommended in pregnancy. Exercising during your pregnancy can boost your physical and mental wellbeing.