Second trimester
Weeks 14–27
Everything about the Second trimester: your baby's development, how you may feel, and what to expect week by week.
The Second trimester month by month
Month 4Weeks 14–17
Everything about month 4 of pregnancy: weeks 14 to 17, your baby’s development, the changes you may notice, and practical tips for each week.
By the end of the month your baby is about the size of a pear, around 13 cm and 140 g.
- Week 14peachWelcome to the second trimester! Your baby is now about the size of a peach, and the face is gaining more expression…
- Week 15appleYour baby is now about the size of an apple and keeps growing at a noticeable pace. Your baby can begin to sense light…
- Week 16avocadoYour baby is now about the size of an avocado, with the head held more upright and steady on the neck. The facial…
- Week 17a pearThis week your baby begins building brown fat, a special tissue that will help regulate body temperature after birth…
Month 5Weeks 18–22
Everything about month 5 of pregnancy: weeks 18 to 22, your baby’s development, the changes you may notice, and practical tips for each week.
By the end of the month your baby is about the size of a papaya, around 27.8 cm and 430 g.
- Week 18a bell pepperYour baby is more active this week, yawning, stretching, and moving hands and feet freely inside the womb. Unique…
- Week 19a mangoYour baby's brain is developing quickly this week, with areas dedicated to the senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch…
- Week 20a bananaYou've reached the halfway point, and your baby is growing steadily and swallowing small amounts of fluid, useful…
- Week 21a carrotYour baby is steadily gaining weight this week, and the digestive system is starting to absorb small amounts of sugar…
- Week 22a papayaYour baby now looks more and more like a tiny newborn, with clearer facial features, lips, and defined eyebrows. Buds…
Month 6Weeks 23–27
Everything about month 6 of pregnancy: weeks 23 to 27, your baby’s development, the changes you may notice, and practical tips for each week.
By the end of the month your baby is about the size of cauliflower, around 36.6 cm and 875 g.
- Week 23a grapefruitYour baby's skin is gradually filling out as more fat is added, though it still looks a little wrinkled and…
- Week 24an ear of cornYour baby reaches an important milestone this week, as the lungs begin producing a substance called surfactant that…
- Week 25rutabagaYour baby is now about the size of a rutabaga, and the skin is filling out as fat builds up underneath, smoothing away…
- Week 26head of lettuceThis week your baby is close to the size of a head of lettuce, and those tiny eyes are beginning to open after months…
- Week 27cauliflowerAs the second trimester draws to a close, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower, and the brain is growing…
This guide is for general information and reassurance — it isn't medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife for your own pregnancy.