What to Expect in the Second Trimester: Guide for Gestational Carriers

Weeks 13 to 27

The second trimester of pregnancy is often considered the most comfortable stage. As a gestational carrier, you’re entering a time of significant development for the baby and increased visibility of your pregnancy. This guide will help you understand what to expect, how to care for yourself and the baby, and how to stay connected with the intended parents during this crucial stage.

Physical Changes and Symptoms

During the second trimester, many early pregnancy symptoms begin to ease, but new changes emerge. These can include:

• Decreased nausea and fatigue 
• Growing belly and weight gain
• Round ligament pain – mild cramping or sharp pain due to stretching uterus 
• Breast changes – fullness or tenderness continues
• Skin changes – including darkening of the areolas, linea nigra, and increased pigmentation 
• Nasal congestion and mild shortness of breath
• Increased appetite 

Braxton Hicks contractions – mild and irregular “practice” contractions later in the trimester

Medical Appointments and Monitoring

Expect several prenatal visits during this trimester, typically every 4 weeks unless otherwise advised. These visits may include:

• Measuring uterine growth and monitoring fetal heart rate 
• Gestational diabetes screening (typically between weeks 24–28) 
• Anatomy scan ultrasound (around week 20) to assess fetal development
• Blood tests and urine tests for maternal health markers
• Cervical checks if there’s a risk of preterm labor

As a gestational carrier, your fertility clinic or OB/midwife will coordinate closely with the intended parents, who may attend some of these appointments virtually or in person depending on arrangements.

Emotional Wellbeing and Communication

Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Common emotional experiences during this trimester may include: 

• Feeling more connected to the pregnancy due to fetal movements 
• Navigating personal boundaries and expectations with intended parents 
• Managing your own family’s response to your role as a gestational carrier

Tips: 

• Schedule regular check-ins with the intended parents to maintain open communication.
• Consider journaling your experience or joining a support group for gestational carriers. 
• Don’t hesitate to ask your agency or coordinator for mental health support if needed. 

Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips

Nutrition continues to be a key part of a healthy pregnancy. Aim for a well-balanced diet including: 

• Fruits and vegetables 
• Whole grains and lean proteins 
• Calcium-rich foods 
• Plenty of water 

Also important: 

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins
• Limit caffeine intake (no more than 200mg per day) 
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and any non-approved medications
• Engage in safe physical activity such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga
• Get adequate rest and listen to your body’s signals

Planning Ahead

The second trimester is a great time to start preparing for the third trimester and delivery. You may want to: 

• Discuss and document birth preferences with your provider and the intended parents
• Coordinate any travel or logistics for the intended parents, especially if they live far away 
• Begin any legal or hospital pre-registration processes if applicable 
• Continue regular communication with your surrogacy agency or support coordinator 

Second Trimester Checklist for Gestational Carriers

Medical & Physical Care 

• Schedule and attend monthly prenatal appointments 
• Complete anatomy scan (usually around 18–20 weeks) 
• Take gestational diabetes screening (between 24–28 weeks)
• Monitor fetal movements as they become more noticeable
• Continue taking prenatal vitamins 
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat balanced meals 
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule

Emotional and Practical Preparation

• Maintain open communication with intended parents 
• Journal thoughts or join a support group 
• Review and confirm birth plan preferences 
• Inform your employer of any updated time-off needs 
• Check in with your surrogacy coordinator regularly

Legal & Logistical

• Begin hospital pre-registration if required
• Confirm legal documents and parentage paperwork are in process
• Review third-trimester and delivery logistics with intended parents 
• Begin considering childcare plans (if applicable) for your own family during labor