Second trimester of pregnancy

From 14 to 16 weeks - Gestational Age (Fetal Age - from 12 to 14 weeks)

The skin of the fetus is translucent, and thin hairs called lanugo begin to form on the head. The fetus begins to suckle at the breast and swallows particles of amniotic fluid. Fingerprints, which individualize each person, have now developed on the little fingers of the fetus. Meconium is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and accumulates when a child first has a bowel movement. Fluttering may be felt in the mother's growing belly as the fetus begins to move more. Sweat glands have developed, and the liver and pancreas produce liquid secretions. The fruit has reached 15 cm in length and weighs about 120 grams.

From 17 to 20 weeks - Gestational Age (Fetal Age - from 15 to 18 weeks)

The infant has reached a point where his movements are more often felt by the mother. Eyebrows and eyelashes are growing, and tiny nails have begun to grow on the fingers and toes. The skin of the fetus undergoes many changes and begins to produce primordial lubrication at the twentieth week. Vernix is a white, pasty substance that coats the skin of the fetus, protecting it from amniotic fluid. The fetal heartbeat can now be heard with a stethoscope. The fruit has reached a length of 20 cm and weighs about 350 grams.

Weeks 21 to 23 - Gestational Age (Fetal Age - weeks 19 to 21)

Lanugo now covers the entire body of the fetus. The fetus begins to look like a newborn as the skin becomes less transparent and fat begins to grow. All components of the eye are developed. The liver and pancreas work hard to develop fully. The fruit has reached about 25-30 cm in length and weighs about 500-600 grams.

From 24 to 26 weeks - Gestational Age (Fetal Age - from 22 to 24 weeks) -
Beginning of the third trimester

If your baby is born now, he will be able to survive with the help of medical technology. The fetus has developed cycles of sleep and wakefulness, and the mother will begin to notice when each of these cycles occurs. The fetus has a startle reflex, and air sacs have begun to form in the lungs. The brain will develop rapidly over the next few weeks. The nervous system is sufficiently developed to control certain functions. The fruit has reached about 35 cm in length and weighs about 1 kg.