An error has occurred in processing the XSLT stylesheet

content supplied by nhs choices

The middle months of pregnancy


 

These middle months of pregnancy, after around week 12, are the most enjoyable for many women. The sickness stops and your energy returns.

Week 13 to 16

You

Some women start to feel sexy around this time, probably due to the extra hormones and increased blood and fluid in the pelvic area. Don’t worry if you don’t, as some pregnant women go off sex completely.

You’ll notice a small bump developing as your womb grows and moves upwards. If you've felt a desperate urge to urinate over the last few months, it's because your womb was pressing on your bladder. This should now ease off.

If you notice any pain when you urinate, see your doctor. Urinary infections can happen in pregnancy, and it's important to treat them quickly because they can cause low birth weight or premature birth.

Baby

Your baby may only be tiny, about 16cm to 18cm (6in to 7in) long, but they're already twisting, turning and kicking.


Tip

If you dye your hair, the results may be unpredictable. This is because your hair may be more porous than normal, which can affect the way it reacts to hair products.


Weeks 17 to 21

You

You’re halfway there. During this time, you'll probably feel the baby move. Most first-time mums notice the first movements at between 18 and 20 weeks.

You may notice your skin becoming drier or smoother, and your nipples get darker. You may develop a dark line down the middle of your chest and stomach. Normal hair loss slows down, so your hair may look thicker and shinier.

Depending on where you live, you may be offered a second scan at around week 20. If you want to know the sex of your baby, and the hospital is prepared to tell you (some don't), this scan can identify the sex.

Baby

Your baby is growing faster that at any other time in its life. The body gets bigger, making the head and body more in proportion, and the face begins to look more human. Hair, eyelashes and eyebrows are beginning to grow, but the eyes stay closed. Your baby has its own individual fingerprints now that the lines on the skin of the fingers have formed.


Tip

To avoid puffy feet and ankles, rotate your feet on your ankles when sitting down, and avoid crossing your legs. Put your feet up whenever you can.


Weeks 22 to 26

You

Your bump is growing, you’re gaining about 450g (1lb) a week, and your heart has enlarged to cope with the extra blood circulating around your body.

If you get stretch marks on your stomach, breasts and thighs, you’ll probably notice them now. At first, they look red and then fade to silver-grey, although they never disappear completely. Don’t be alarmed if your breasts start to leak a little pre-milk. This is normal.

Baby

The baby weighs about 450g (1lb), has very fragile, wrinkled skin, and not much body fat. Although the organs are quite mature by 24 weeks, and the brain is growing rapidly, the lungs are still developing to prepare for breathing. At around 22 weeks, your baby becomes covered in a fine, soft hair called lanugo. This is thought to keep the baby at the right temperature.


Tip

Exercise your pelvic floor muscles to prevent stress incontinence (which means you can’t control your wee stream) after the birth. Squeeze the muscles you would use to stop yourself peeing, hold for 10 seconds then relax. Do this in sets of 10 at a time, regularly throughout the day.


Tip

Piles (haemorrhoids) are a common problem during pregnancy. Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruit and vegetables. Don’t take laxatives without consulting your midwife or GP.




Tell your doctor or midwife if, at any stage of pregnancy, you get:

  • flashes before your eyes, 
  • itchy or very swollen hands or feet, 
  • pain in your pelvis, abdomen or legs, 
  • nausea and vomiting that doesn't stop, or 
  • bleeding. 


Last reviewed: 08/09/2010

Skip to top