2nd Trimester: Foetal Development | Week-by-Week Development

Hey Everyone!

Welcome back to HEALTH HUB, your go-to source for women's health!

I'm Dr. Madhu Goel, your trusted guide on this journey. Week by week we dig deep into topics that matter most to you—from managing high-risk pregnancies to the latest advancements in infertility treatments.

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and support for a healthier, happier life. Stay tuned for expert insights, personal stories, and practical tips designed to enhance your well-being. Being informed about a healthy pregnancy means understanding essential prenatal care, recognizing signs of potential complications, following a balanced diet, staying active, and having regular medical check-ups to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

This month, we'll be focusing on the second trimester, those initial crucial months that lay the foundation for your growing baby. This trimester is often shrouded in mystery and anticipation, filled with a whirlwind of emotions.

It's also a time of immense change for your body as it adapts to nurture new life. But fear not, mamas-to-be!

I'm here to guide you through this exciting yet sometimes overwhelming period.

Week-by-Week Development

As your pregnancy progresses, your baby might begin to seem more real. Two months ago, your baby was a cluster of cells. Now he or she has functioning organs, nerves, and muscles. Find out what happens during the second trimester by checking out this week by week development. Keep in mind that measurements may vary for every pregnancy.

Week 14

At week 14, the foetus measures about 4.75 inches from head to rump and weighs around 0.113 kg (4 ounces). The head is erect, and the arms and legs are well-developed. The eyes are now facing forward, and significant internal developments are happening, including the kidneys starting to produce urine and the liver producing bile.

Week 15

By week 15, the foetus measures about 4 inches long and weighs around 0.07 kg (2.5 ounces). The baby’s skin is still thin, but it’s developing the ability to sense light. The baby’s legs are growing longer than the arms, and all the joints and limbs can move.

Week 16

At week 16, the foetus measures about 5 inches from head to rump and weighs around 0.142 kg (5 ounces). The baby’s head is more erect, and the eyes have moved closer to the front of the head. The baby might be able to make some simple facial expressions, and the patterning of the scalp has begun, though hair is not yet visible.

Week 17

By week 17, the foetus grows to about 5.5 inches and weighs approximately 0.142 kg (5 ounces). The skeleton begins to harden from soft cartilage to bone. Fat accumulation starts under the skin, preparing for life outside the womb, and the baby's hearing starts to develop, making it an essential period for auditory growth.

Week 18

At week 18, the foetus measures about 6 inches long and weighs around 0.19 kg (6.7 ounces). The baby’s ears start to stand out on the sides of the head, and the baby might begin to hear sounds. The digestive system is practicing movements and can swallow amniotic fluid.

Week 19

By week 19, the foetus is about 6.5 inches long and weighs around 0.23 kg (8 ounces). The baby’s skin is developing a protective coating called vernix caseosa. The sensory development is making significant progress, including the brain areas dedicated to the senses of taste, smell, hearing, and vision.

Week 20

Midway mark of pregnancy. At week 20, the foetus measures about 7.5 inches and weighs about 0.454 kg (1 pound). Nails have formed on the fingers and toes, and the baby may have some hair on the head and body. The digestive system is beginning to function, and the foetal heartbeat can be heard using a stethoscope, marking an essential milestone in the baby’s development.

Week 21

By week 21, the foetus is about 10.5 inches long and weighs around 0.34 kg (12 ounces). The baby starts to absorb small amounts of sugar from the amniotic fluid, and the taste buds continue to develop. The baby’s movements might become more noticeable to the mother.

Week 22

At week 22, the foetus measures about 11 inches long and weighs approximately 0.45 kg (1 pound). The baby’s lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and the eyes have fully formed. The pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

Week 23

By week 23, the foetus is about 11.4 inches long and weighs around 0.5 kg (1.1 pounds). The baby’s skin is still wrinkled, but it’s beginning to plump up as fat deposits form. The bones are becoming more solid, and the baby can make movements like grasping.

Week 24

In week 24, the foetus measures about 8.5 inches from head to rump (or about 12 inches in total length) and weighs approximately 0.680 kg (1.5 pounds). The skin, which is still somewhat translucent, is becoming more opaque. The lungs are developing and starting to produce surfactant, a substance crucial for breathing after birth. Taste buds are also forming, adding to the baby's sensory development.

Week 25

At week 25, the foetus is about 13.6 inches long and weighs around 0.68 kg (1.5 pounds). The baby’s hair is beginning to grow, and the baby’s skin is starting to smooth out as it accumulates fat. The baby’s sense of equilibrium is developing, and they can sense which way is up and down.

Week 26

By week 26, the foetus measures about 14 inches long and weighs around 0.76 kg (1.7 pounds). The nerves in the ears are developing, making the baby more responsive to sounds. The eyes are forming, and the baby can now open their eyes.

Week 27

By week 27, the foetus measures around 14.5 inches and weighs about 0.875 kg (1.93 pounds). The baby's eyes begin to open, and brain activity is increasing. The lungs and respiratory system continue to mature, and the baby starts to establish sleep and wake cycles, preparing for life outside the womb.

Knowledge about foetal development empowers the mother. Being aware reduces anxiety, promotes healthy habits, and enables early detection of potential issues. Ensuring both her and the baby's optimal health throughout pregnancy.

Join Our Thriving Pregnancy Community!

This newsletter is just the beginning of your incredible journey. We invite you to join our vibrant online community, specifically for expectant mothers. Here, you'll connect with other moms-to-be, share experiences, exchange tips and resources, and celebrate milestones together.

In our online community, you can:

• Connect with women facing similar experiences during each trimester.
• Ask questions and receive support from other moms and healthcare professionals.
• Share your experiences and offer advice to other expecting mothers.
• Find a network of empowered women on the path to parenthood.

Don't hesitate to join us and find the support you deserve! Together, let's create a village where expecting mothers can thrive. Sign up for our online community today and embark on this exciting journey with confidence!

Stay Healthy,

Dr. Madhu Goel,

Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Director, Fortis La Femme

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