This overview offers clear, cautious guidance to help you plan. For individual concerns, seek clinical advice.

The second trimester may bring small reliefs and new questions. What should you expect, which scans are due, and how can you stay comfortable? This overview offers clear, cautious guidance to help you plan. For individual concerns, seek clinical advice.

What you may notice in trimester two

Nausea may reduce; appetite often improves.
A growing bump; clothes and sleep positions may need a rethink.
Energy and mood can feel more stable for many; pacing still matters.
During the second trimester, skin can become more sensitive. A simple routine with minimal, gentle ingredients is often the most supportive for your changing skin barrier.

Key appointments and checks

Many parents are offered a mid-pregnancy ultrasound around weeks 18–21 to review growth and screen for specified conditions. Your care team can confirm the timetable in your area. ¹

Everyday habits that may help

Balanced plate. Regular meals with fruit and veg, whole grains and iron-containing foods, plus calcium-containing options.

Hydration. Keeping a water bottle handy may help.

Movement. Many feel able to walk, swim or do a prenatal class in T2. Stop with pain, dizziness, bleeding or unusual symptoms, and seek advice. ²

Rest and sleep. Side-lying with pillow support is often more comfortable. From 28 weeks, going to sleep on your side is advised; if you wake on your back, just roll onto your side again. ³

Vitamins and medicines. Continue anything recommended by your clinician unless advised otherwise.

Travel and work: planning for comfort

If you’re travelling, check provider and airline policies, plan movement breaks, and keep insurance details handy. At work, small adjustments may help: a supportive chair, short walks, and flexible breaks where possible.

Skin and self-care, kept gentle

Fragrance-heavy products and potent actives can overwhelm reactive skin. A simple cleanser, bland moisturiser and sun protection are sensible defaults. If you use wipes on hands or on-the-go, choose options designed for sensitive skin and avoid vigorous rubbing.

Getting ready for the third trimester

A light start now can save headspace later. Sketch a hospital-bag list, read up on newborn nappy changes, and note questions for your next appointment. Popular antenatal classes often book up quickly.

FAQs

When is the anomaly or mid-pregnancy scan usually offered?
Commonly between 18 and 21 weeks, depending on local pathways.¹

Is exercise safe in trimester two?
Many can continue or begin gentle activity if pregnancy is uncomplicated. Stop with red-flag symptoms and seek advice. ²

Which sleep position is best later on?
From 28 weeks, aim to go to sleep on your side; if you wake on your back, simply settle again on your side. ³

1. NHS England, Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme. 20-week screening scan (offer typically between 18+0 and 20+6 weeks; pathway to 23+0).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fetal-anomaly-screening-programme-handbook/20-week-screening-scan?

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 804: Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period.

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/physical-activity-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period?

Accessed: nhs.uk

3. NHS. Reducing the risk of stillbirth: go to sleep on your side after 28 weeks.

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/reducing-the-risk-of-stillbirth/