The second trimester is an important time of growth and development for your fetus. The baby develops this trimester and takes on the appearance he or she will have after birth. All major organs finish forming this trimester and your baby increases in length. By the end of the second trimester, your baby will look like a small version of a fully formed, newborn infant.
The Fourth Month:
Until this time, the baby’s head has been disproportionately large compared to the body. Things start to catch up this month, as the body begins to grow more rapidly. The neck is gaining strength and the baby can now lift the head from the chest. The legs are lengthening and the fingers and toes now resemble those of a newborn. The fingers begin to form unique fingerprints. The eyelids are completely formed and are fused shut. The facial features are distinct and take on the appearance of a new baby.
The sex organs of the baby become distinctly male or female this month. The inner ear begins to form and sometime this month the baby will begin to hear the sounds of the mother’s body, but won’t yet hear external sounds. A very fine hair called lanugo begins to cover the body and face of the baby. The reflexes are becoming stronger, including the important sucking reflex your baby will need for nursing after birth.
The Fifth Month:
As your baby grows bigger this month, you will become aware of his or her presence when you feel the first fetal movements this month. This is known as quickening. Although the baby has been moving for quite a few weeks, he is only now large enough for those movements to be felt. Your baby begins to plump up this month as fat deposits begin to form under the skin.
The hair follicles are formed this month and hair begins to grow on baby’s head. Fingernails and toe nails begin to grow longer, but remain soft as do her bones. The outer ear begins to form and your baby may begin to hear your voice during this month. He won’t yet be able to hear outside noises. Reflexes continue to become stronger, including the sucking reflex. Your baby may begin to suck her thumb this month.
The Sixth Month:
This month, your baby takes on the appearance she will have at birth. The facial features are formed, including the eyebrows. The skin is covered with a white, waxy substance known as vernix. This protects the skin from exposure to the amniotic fluid. The bones become stronger and harder this month. The movements become even more noticeable. You may be able to distinguish a hand, foot or elbow this month when baby kicks. If you push on the foot, you may discover your baby will push back.
The brain continues to grow and develop. The heartbeat is stronger and can now be heard with a stethoscope. A fetal heartbeat is between 120 and 160 beats per minute, much faster than an adult’s. The hearing improves this month and baby will hear noises from outside the mother’s body. The lungs begin to develop and prepare for breathing, but won’t function until after birth.