When will I start to feel my baby move?

Your baby is moving almost all the time, but you probably won’t feel anything until about the 20th week of pregnancy. At first, you'll just notice a fluttering feeling and may not even be sure if it’s your baby or not. Soon enough, the movements will become very noticeable. Other people might even be able to see your belly move when your baby “kicks.”

Your baby’s movements are helping him or her practice for life outside your body. Muscles grow stronger as your baby learns to kick, suck and open and close his or her hands. Your baby is also practicing making faces, such as frowning, smiling and squinting.

When will I know my baby's sex?

An ultrasound may be able to reveal your baby's sex a few weeks into the second trimester. If you have an ultrasound then, you may be able learn your baby's sex, if you want to, but keep in mind your baby has to be in an ideal position for the doctor or technician to see the sex organs.

Other highlights of the second trimester

• Your baby starts hearing certain sounds, such as your heartbeat, by about the 18th week of pregnancy. After the 18th week, the baby’s hearing improves and he or she will be able to hear your voice.
• Your baby’s eyes may open as early as the 20th week. Before this, the eyelids have been sealed shut. However, your baby’s eyes can't see anything until the third trimester.
• Fingerprints and footprints are well established by the middle of the second trimester. They appear on the hands first, then the feet. Fingerprints improve the baby's grip.
• Fine hair and a white waxy substance cover and protect your baby’s skin. The skin is very thin, loose and wrinkled. In the third trimester, some fat will start to show up under the skin to fill it in a little.