Many mothers describe the second trimester as the “golden trimester” — energy returns, most of the nausea fades, and you begin to feel your baby move. It’s also when the pregnancy becomes visible, the anatomy scan happens, and gentle practical planning starts to feel real. This guide walks you through weeks 14 to 27 week-by-week, with medical milestones and Sunnah-aligned practice.
Weeks 14–16: Nausea lifts, appetite returns
By week 14, most mothers’ HCG has settled, and placental hormones take over. You may suddenly crave food again. This is a good moment to:
- Reset your halal prenatal vitamin routine (if you stopped in the sickness).
- Start 150 minutes/week of gentle movement — walking, swimming, prenatal yoga.
- Add an extra 300 kcal/day, mostly from protein and complex carbs.
Weeks 18–22: The anatomy scan
A standard “20-week scan” is usually offered between weeks 18 and 21. It’s the most detailed scan of the pregnancy — it checks the baby’s organs, spine, brain structures, placenta position, and (if you ask) the sex.
Islamic perspective: discovering the sex is entirely permissible and many scholars recommend it to help with the name selection for the 7th-day naming. See our boys’ names list and girls’ names list.
Weeks 18–22: First kicks (quickening)
Most first-time mothers feel flutters between weeks 18 and 22; mothers on their second or third pregnancy may feel them from 14–16. The sensation starts like popcorn or bubbles. Don’t panic if you haven’t felt anything by week 22 — placenta position can mute movement. Mention it at your next appointment.
Weeks 22–24: Viability line
From around 24 weeks, if a baby is born prematurely, modern NICU care can usually support survival. Contractions or leakage after 24 weeks are taken more seriously by hospitals.
Weeks 24–28: Glucose test & whooping cough
The glucose tolerance test (for gestational diabetes) is typically offered between weeks 24 and 28. Around the same time, your local health service offers the whooping cough vaccine; it is recommended for all pregnant women from week 20 onwards and is fully halal.
Spiritual anchor: dua for a healthy baby
Beautiful duas from the Qur’an for this phase:
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
“Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes, and make us an example for the righteous.” (Qur’an 25:74.)
Many mothers also increase in reciting Surah Maryam in this trimester — it tells the story of pregnancy, birth, and Allah’s tender care of Maryam ʬ•. See our Islamic pregnancy tips guide for the full list of recommended surahs.
Common second-trimester symptoms
- Round ligament pain: sharp twinges when you move quickly. Normal, uncomfortable, temporary.
- Heartburn: progesterone relaxes the oesophageal sphincter. Smaller meals, sleep slightly propped up.
- Braxton Hicks: practice contractions from ~20 weeks. Irregular, painless. Drink water and rest.
- Nasal congestion: extra blood flow to mucous membranes. Saline spray is safe.
- Vivid dreams: hormonal and normal.
Islamic rulings specific to this trimester
- Salah: Still prayed normally. If lying down is needed for medical reasons, prayer can be prayed lying down — Islam accommodates.
- Umrah: Generally safer in this trimester than the first or third, but consult your doctor and airline. Many airlines allow travel up to week 28.
- Ramadan: See our Ramadan & pregnancy guide.
Gentle planning to start
- Decide where you’ll give birth (home, birthing centre, hospital).
- Start a rough shortlist of baby names — names to be finalised by day 7.
- Begin thinking about aqiqah (see our aqiqah guide).
- Book antenatal classes — most start from week 28.
Red flags — call your doctor
- Any bleeding.
- Severe one-sided pain or shoulder pain.
- Persistent headaches with visual changes (rule out pre-eclampsia).
- Reduced movements once you’ve been feeling them consistently.
- Any suspected leaking fluid.
Related guides
Every pregnancy is unique. This guide is general education — your doctor or obstetrician has the full picture for you. Download Sakina for personalised week-by-week guidance.