Second trimester: Physical changes and common discomforts

The second trimester is often considered the most enjoyable period of pregnancy. Morning sickness usually subsides, you have more energy, and your mood is more stable. The risk of miscarriage decreases, and your pregnancy becomes more and more noticeable.

What physical changes occur during the second trimester?

Here are the main physical changes you’ll notice during the second trimester (weeks 15 to 28 of pregnancy). Remember that every pregnancy is different, so these changes vary from one woman to another. For some, these symptoms may only appear in the third trimester.

• Your belly gets rounder. Stretch marks may appear on your stomach.
• Your uterus continues to expand (4 cm in height per month). By the sixth month of pregnancy, it’s about 24 cm high.
• Your pelvis adjusts to prepare for the baby’s passage. This shifts your centre of gravity. This change may cause an occasional loss of balance.
• Certain areas of your body will darken, like your nipples and scars, if this hasn’t already happened during the first trimester. A brownish vertical line, known as the linea nigra, may appear between your pelvic region and navel. It will disappear several months after childbirth. Irregular spots may also develop on your face. This is known as melasma or the “mask of pregnancy.” It will fade or disappear after childbirth, as pregnancy hormones subside.
• Your heart rate increases by about 10 to 15 beats per minute between the 14th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, because some of your blood flow is directed toward the fetus to meet its needs. Your heart rate will remain higher until the end of your pregnancy.
• Varicose veins may appear on your legs, and you may notice bluish veins on your breasts. This is caused by an increase in blood volume, which causes your veins to dilate.
• Your breasts may grow, and a fluid called colostrum may leak from your nipples.
• You gradually gain weight. During the second trimester, you may gain between 225 and 500 g (0.5 to 1 lb) per week. Weight gain can vary, however, from one woman to another and from one pregnancy to another.
• Your teeth and gums are more sensitive and may bleed more easily.
• Your moods are likely more stable.
• Your complexion may become more radiant due to hormonal changes. Your hair may also become shinier and your nails may become stronger.
• You feel the first movements of your fetus (between the 18th and 20th week). If you’ve been pregnant before, you may feel movement earlier (around week 16).

What are some common second-trimester pregnancy discomforts?

Pregnancy affects a woman’s entire body. The cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, and urinary systems are impacted. That means it’s normal to feel various aches and pains over the next few months.

Below is a list of the most common discomforts experienced in the second trimester. To learn more about a specific discomfort, click on its name and consult the fact sheet.

• Back pain
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Constipation and hemorrhoids
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Groin pain
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Leg cramps
• Nasal congestion and nosebleeds
• Numbness and pain in the hands (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Pregnancy gingivitis
• Rashes
• Stretch marks
• Swelling of the legs and feet
• Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
• Vaginal discharge
• Varicose veins in the legs

Some over-the-counter medications can relieve certain second-trimester discomforts, but be sure to speak to your prenatal care provider or pharmacist before taking any.

If you’re concerned about any symptoms, make a note of them and discuss them with your prenatal care provider. Feel free to contact them between appointments. You can also call Info-Santé 811 if you have any concerns.

Things to keep in mind

• The second trimester is often considered the most enjoyable period of pregnancy.
• Changes that occur in the second trimester affect your entire body.
• If you’re concerned about any of your symptoms, discuss them with your prenatal care provider.

Scientific review: Paméla Farman, M.Sc., nurse clinician and lecturer at the Université Laval faculty of nursing Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: May 2026

Photo: 123rf.com/feedough