Building Reserves

Baby is gaining weight steadily and developing the fat reserves needed for life after birth. You're entering the final stretch of the second trimester.

This week's tip

💡 Wrist pain or numbness? Sleep with your wrists in a neutral position or try a light wrist brace at night — carpal tunnel is common in pregnancy and very manageable.

Baby this week

🥦

About the size of

a head of broccoli

Length

34.6 cm

Weight

660 g

Development

Fat reserves are accumulating under the skin.
Capillaries are forming under the skin, giving it a pink hue.
Lungs continue developing — air sacs (alveoli) are forming.
Baby's nostrils are beginning to open.
Hand coordination is improving — baby can grasp its own feet.

How you might feel

Hemorrhoids may appear due to increased pelvic pressure.
Snoring may start or worsen due to nasal congestion.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist pain and numbness) is common in pregnancy.
Your bump may feel heavy and low by end of day.

Things to do this week

Discuss any new symptoms like wrist pain or hemorrhoids with your care team
Sleep with wrists in a neutral position if carpal tunnel is a concern
Finalize your maternity leave timeline
Continue pelvic floor exercises

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if hemorrhoids are very painful or bleeding heavily.

Partner tip

Take over any tasks that require heavy lifting, bending, or long periods of standing — your partner's body is working hard.