Trimester 2
5th month of pregnancy
Weeks 18 to 22. By the end of this month your baby is about the size of a papaya.
Week 18
Baby's ears are in their final position. Many mothers feel the first flutters (quickening).
Practice: Add gentle prenatal yoga (with your doctor's approval) and read uplifting stories aloud.
Week 19
A protective coating called vernix forms on the skin. Senses are developing quickly.
Practice: Add gentle prenatal yoga (with your doctor's approval) and read uplifting stories aloud.
Week 20
Halfway. Baby swallows amniotic fluid and is increasingly active.
Practice: Add gentle prenatal yoga (with your doctor's approval) and read uplifting stories aloud.
Week 21
Movements become stronger and more coordinated. Taste buds are forming.
Practice: Baby can hear now — read stories aloud, hum, or chant softly. Invite your partner to speak to the bump.
Week 22
Baby's sense of touch grows. Eyebrows and eyelids are well formed.
Practice: Baby can hear now — read stories aloud, hum, or chant softly. Invite your partner to speak to the bump.