The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Second Trimester: What to Expect & How to Thrive

by Andrea Madril February 04, 2026 7 min read

Pregnancy second trimester — weeks 13 to 27 — is often called the “golden period” of pregnancy. Many early discomforts fade while energy and appetite return. Common pregnancy second-trimester symptoms include a growing belly, baby movement, and hormonal balance. With thoughtful care and essentials like a pregnancy package, moms truly thrive during this stage.

If the first trimester feels like a whirlwind of fatigue, nausea, and adjusting to big news, pregnancy second trimester usually brings brighter days. The second trimester is often when moms-to-be find their rhythm again — energy returns, appetites improve, and baby bumps begin to blossom.

But even though this stage is smoother, it’s also filled with new changes, sensations, and emotions. Understanding what’s happening in your body and knowing how to care for yourself make these months more enjoyable and memorable.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through everything you expect physically and emotionally, share ways to thrive each week, and highlight comforting items to include in yourpregnancy package for extra support.

What is pregnancy second trimester?

Pregnancy second trimester runs from week 13 through week 27. It’s marked by growing stability — both physically and emotionally. Most mothers begin to experience relief from early symptoms likemorning sickness and fatigue, and finally focus on enjoying their growing connection with their baby.

Inside your body, the placenta has fully developed, hormones have leveled out, and your baby begins to grow rapidly, developing facial features, fingerprints, and movement patterns. It’s also the stage when many parents get their first ultrasound glimpse of their baby’s personality (and possibly find out the gender!).

A pregnant woman wearing a white robe gently cradling her belly with a serene expression

Typical second-trimester symptoms and body changes

While the first trimester’s exhaustion usually eases, new pregnancy second trimester symptoms appear as your body adjusts to a growing baby:

Visible baby bump: Your belly expands as your uterus rises above your pelvic bone.
Increased energy: Most moms feel renewed vitality — often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy.
Aches and pains:Stretching ligaments causes belly or back discomfort; gentle movement helps relieve it.
Skin and hair changes: Hormones may create a “pregnancy glow,” but also bring itchiness or sensitivity.
Baby movement:Between weeks 18–22, you may feel “quickening” — tiny baby flutters that soon grow stronger.
Digestive shifts: Constipation, heartburn, or cravings may appear as your digestion slows.

Understanding these pregnancy second-trimester symptoms is key to caring for your body with kindness. A well-prepared pregnancy package makes comfort effortless, with items likebelly oil, snacks, water bottles, and soft clothing for a body that’s constantly changing.

Step-by-step: how to thrive during the second trimester

Pregnancy is more than symptoms — it’s a time to care intentionally for your growing body, baby, and emotional well-being. Here’s how to thrive during the pregnancy second trimester:

Nourish your body

If morning sickness has alleviated, now is the time to keep your meals balanced and colorful. Protein, leafy greens, healthy fats, and hydration all support your baby’s rapid growth. Pack energizing snacks — like nuts or dried fruit — for work or errands.

Stay active safely

Your pre-pregnancy activity level is safe to continue maintaining. Gentle exercise — such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga — builds strength and eases aches. Always check with your provider before beginning something new, and focus on movement that feels refreshing, not exhausting.

Focus on emotional health

Hormonal changes may still cause mood dips or anxiety. Create quiet moments daily — through journaling, mindfulness, or affirmations. Emotional wellness supports healthy pregnancy outcomes as much as diet and exercise do.

Prepare for physical changes

This is the perfect time to start using body oils or belly butter to support skin elasticity. Comfortable bras, maternity leggings, and a cozy support pillow are must-haves for growing with grace.

Connect with your baby

Read aloud, play gentle music, or talk to your baby during quiet moments. These routines foster connection and lower stress for both of you.

Schedule key checkups

Around 20 weeks, you’ll have an anatomy scan that checks the baby’s organs and growth. Use it as a milestone moment to celebrate and to ask your provider questions about upcoming changes in the pregnancy second trimester.

A pregnant woman practicing a yoga pose on a mat focusing on her balance and relaxation

An example scenario

At 16 weeks pregnant, Leah described feeling “like herself again” after months of exhaustion and nausea. But soon she began noticing pregnancy second-trimester symptoms like round ligament pain and dry skin.

After speaking with her doctor, Leah started doing light stretching, drinking more water, and using the belly oil gifted in her pregnancy package to ease itching. She also joined a localprenatal yoga group, which helped her connect with other moms and build confidence in her changing body.

By 26 weeks, Leah said she felt “grateful, strong, and more prepared than ever.” Her story shows how prioritizing rest, movement, hydration, and emotional care makes the second trimester empowering rather than overwhelming.

Why this stage matters for you and your baby

Pregnancy second trimester is one of the most crucial times for fetal development — and one of the most rewarding for parents.

Here’s why this phase matters:

It’s the period when a baby’s organs, bones, and senses mature rapidly.
You build essential habits that support energy, mood, and sleep.
Emotional bonding begins as you start tofeel your baby move.
It’s the ideal window to prepare your space and gather essentials like a personalized pregnancy package.

Taking care of yourself during this season doesn’t only make you feel better — it sets the foundation for a calmer, healthier third trimester ahead.

Common mistakes to avoid in the second trimester

Even with renewed energy, it’s easy to overlook key needs in this stage. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Skipping hydration: Staying hydrated supports healthyamniotic fluid and blood volume.
Ignoring posture or back pain:Simple stretches minimize discomfort as your bump grows.
Neglecting rest:Energy returns, but overdoing it still leads to exhaustion.
Not preparing essentials early: Use your planning time now, before the third trimester slows you down.
Skipping provider visits: Mid-trimester checkups help monitor growth and identify any concerns early.

The second trimester is often easier — but balance remains key. Listen to your body, and pace yourself.

Key pregnancy data and insights

Average length of the second trimester: 13 to 14 weeks (weeks 13–27).
Energy levels: Many mothers report better sleep and greater vitality than in the first trimester.
Baby growth: Byweek 27, the baby measures about 14 inches long and weighs close to 2 pounds.
Nutrition impact: Followingprenatal vitamin regimens reduces the risk of disability in your growing baby.

Understanding this data underscores why gentle routines, quality prenatal care, and practical resources matter so much for long-term health.

Recommended tools and products

A pregnant woman wearing pajamas places her hands on her belly exuding a sense of calm and anticipation

Body and skin care: Belly butter, perineal spray, gentle cleanser, and unscented lotion help soothe sensitive skin.
Comfort essentials:A maternity pillow, compressionsocks, and a supportive bra ease growing pains.
Hydration and nutrition: Herbal teas, high-protein snacks, prenatal vitamins, and a reusable water bottle.
Emotional wellness:Affirmation cards, pregnancy journals, calmingcandles, and cozy socks.
Education and keepsakes:A week-by-week guidebook, baby milestone journal, or beautiful photo album.

If you’d rather skip the prep, Sunflower Motherhood's curated pregnancy packages deliver ready-to-use comfort, blending wellness, body care, and emotional support in one thoughtful bundle.

Frequently asked questions about the second trimester

Q: When does the pregnancy second trimester start and end?

Pregnancy second trimester begins at week 13 and lasts until week 27. It’s often the most comfortable phase of pregnancy as energy returns and nausea fades. During this time, key developmental milestones occur, like feeling baby movements and hearing the heartbeat during prenatal visits.

Q: What are common pregnancy second-trimester symptoms?

Typical symptoms include mild back pain, breast growth, skin changes, and increased appetite. Some women also experience nasal congestion or occasional headaches. Because energy levels rise, it’s a great time to exercise gently and enjoy activities that felt difficult earlier in pregnancy.

Q: What do I do to relieve discomfort?

Stay hydrated and stretch daily. Use body oils and supportive clothing to ease skin or ligament tension. Adding belly balm and body pillows to your pregnancy package helps minimize discomfort while encouraging relaxation and better sleep. Always consult your provider before new exercises or treatments.

Q: Should I start preparing for the baby during the second trimester?

Yes! The second trimester is ideal for nursery planning, budgeting, and registering for prenatal classes. You’ll have more energy and fewer physical restrictions now. Consider assembling a pregnancy package filled with self-care items to stay comfortable as your bump — and excitement — grows.

Q: I travel during my second trimester?

With your provider’s approval, travel is usually safest between weeks 14–28. Keep compression socks, snacks, and water handy, and take frequent movement breaks if on long trips. Adding these essentials to your pregnancy package helps ensure comfort even when you’re on the go.

A pregnant woman sitting on a bed looking contemplative and relaxed with soft lighting in the room

A gentle way to nurture your pregnancy with Sunflower Motherhood

Every stage of pregnancy deserves comfort, care, and celebration — especially yours. The second trimester often brings renewed energy and excitement, but it also comes with new sensations and changes that deserve extra tenderness.

Whether you’re soothing common second-trimester pregnancy symptoms or simply seeking small moments of rest, a thoughtfully curated pregnancy pack makes every day feel a little bit lighter.

At Sunflower Motherhood, we create beautifully assembled pregnancy packages designed to nurture your body and heart. Each collection combines comforting essentials, gentle self-care products, and meaningful keepsakes that bring calm, confidence, and connection to your journey.

We choose every item in our pregnancy packages with intention — from soft belly butter and cozy socks to soothing teas and affirmation cards — so you rest more deeply, care more fully, and celebrate the miracle growing within you. These gifts are emotional reminders that you deserve love and care, too.

Explore our complete collection today to find the perfect pregnancy package that helps you relax, reconnect, and truly thrive through every trimester. Because when a mother feels supported, her whole journey blossoms in the gentlest way.