Second Trimester 1^stTrimester     3^rd Trimester

The expanding uterus is now pushing up against your other abdominal organs.

The baby's rapid heartbeat, easily distinguished from your own, may be strong enough for a doctor to detect with a handheld probe.

The mouth opens and shuts regularly, and your baby can swallow, may yawn, and occasionally hiccups.

At 17 weeks the average crown to rump length is 4 in (10.1 cm) and the average weight is 2.5 oz (70 g).

Curling and stretching, arms and legs flailing, the baby is constantly changing position, lying first head-up and then head-down.

Fluid is pushed out of the lungs as the baby practices breathing movements.

Things are becoming lively in your uterus. Your baby has plenty of room to move around and he's making the most of it, stretching and turning. All the activity is good for his future physical and mental development. You might feel like some relaxation, so think about taking a break. The second trimester is usually regarded as the best time in pregnancy for traveling and getting out and about.

Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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