During your second and third trimester prenatal visits, your health care provider may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the health of the foetus:

• Any current symptoms or discomforts

• Your weight

• Your blood pressure

• Urine test. This is done to find urine proteins that may indicate pre-eclampsia or toxemia, and glucose (which may indicate hyperglycemia).

• Growth, size and development of the foetus

• Size of the uterus. After approximately 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus can be felt through the abdominal wall.

• Height of the fundus (top of the uterus), starting at 20 weeks of gestation

• Fetal heartbeat.

The second trimester marks a turning point for the mother and foetus. You will usually begin to feel better and start showing the pregnancy more. Your foetus has now developed all its organs and systems and will now begin growing in length and weight.

During the second trimester, the umbilical cord continues to thicken as it carries nourishment to the foetus. However, harmful substances also pass through the umbilical cord to the foetus, so care should be taken to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other known hazards.

During the second trimester, both your body and the foetus continue to grow.

SOURCE : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

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