Second Trimester Honeymoon Period: Why It's Called That
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: The second trimester honeymoon period is the nickname for weeks 14 to 27, when many people feel their best. Morning sickness and exhaustion usually ease, energy and appetite come back, your bump starts to show and you'll feel your baby's first movements. Not everyone gets the honeymoon, and new aches can still appear.
The second trimester begins at 14 weeks by ACOG's count (week 13 in NHS guides). See when does the second trimester start? for the exact dates, or check your week with How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I?.
Energy comes back
The biggest reason for the nickname is relief. In the first trimester, rising hormones cause nausea, vomiting and deep tiredness for many people. ACOG says morning sickness usually starts before 9 weeks and is gone by 14 weeks for most. The NHS says it usually clears up by 16 to 20 weeks.
As those symptoms fade, Mayo Clinic notes that many people find the second trimester easier. Typical changes include:
- More energy, so work, exercise and plans feel doable again
- Better appetite, with fewer food aversions
- Fewer trips to the toilet for a while, as your uterus rises out of the pelvis
- A more settled mood for many, as hormone levels steady
It's a good time to stay active if your provider agrees. ACOG says pregnant women should ideally get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.
Your bump starts to show
Your uterus grows above your pelvis, and most people start to show at some point in the second trimester. People in a second or later pregnancy often show earlier. Many people find this is when the pregnancy starts to feel real, and when they share their news more widely.
The anatomy scan
The second trimester includes one of the most exciting appointments: the anatomy (or 20-week) scan.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| When | 18 to 21 weeks (NHS); 18 to 22 weeks (ACOG) |
| What it checks | Your baby's growth, brain and spine, face, heart, abdomen and limbs; the placenta |
| NHS checks for | 11 specific conditions, including open spina bifida, cleft lip and serious heart conditions |
| The sex | You may be asked if you'd like to know, if it can be seen |
| Is it optional? | Yes; the NHS says it's your choice |
Most people are told their baby shows no signs of a condition. If something is found, you'll be offered more scans or tests and support. Many people also have a glucose test for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks.
Feeling your baby's first movements
"Quickening", the first time you feel your baby move, is a highlight of the second trimester.
- When: the NHS says between 16 and 24 weeks. In a first pregnancy you might not notice movements until after 20 weeks.
- What it feels like: fluttering, bubbles, a "swimming" feeling or tiny taps, which become clearer kicks and rolls over time.
- If you haven't felt movements by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. They'll check your baby's heartbeat and movements.
An anterior placenta (at the front of the uterus) can cushion kicks, so movements may be felt later. See kick counts with an anterior placenta. Later in pregnancy it's important to know your baby's pattern: read how to track fetal movement.
Common second trimester discomforts
The honeymoon isn't symptom-free. As your bump grows, you may get:
| Symptom | Tips |
|---|---|
| Backache | Good posture, flat shoes, bending your knees to lift |
| Heartburn and indigestion | Smaller meals, not eating close to bedtime |
| Round ligament pain | Brief, sharp pains low in the tummy or groin as ligaments stretch; change position slowly |
| Leg cramps | Stretching your calves; see pregnancy leg cramps |
| Skin changes | Stretch marks, a dark line on the belly, darker patches on the face |
| Blocked nose or nosebleeds | Increased blood flow; usually harmless |
| Swollen feet and ankles | Rest with feet up; report sudden swelling |
| Braxton Hicks | Irregular tightenings; see Braxton Hicks vs real contractions |
Call your provider urgently for vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, regular painful contractions before 37 weeks, severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, or if your baby's movements slow down or change once you've started feeling them regularly.
Making the most of the second trimester
Many people use these weeks to:
- book antenatal classes and plan for leave
- go on a babymoon (check with your provider and your airline first; see can you fly while pregnant?)
- prepare the nursery and buy essentials while energy is good
- start a pregnancy journal or weekly bump photos
How Momi helps
Momi shows your week, trimester and baby size on a progress ring, with tips for each stage. Save your anatomy scan picture with your weekly bump photos, add appointments with reminders and log your weight. Write in the diary as the movements start, and Dad can add his own entries on the same phone.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic, 2nd trimester pregnancy: What to expect
- ACOG, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy
- NHS, 20-week scan
- NHS, Your baby's movements
- NHS, Common health problems in pregnancy
- ACOG, Changes During Pregnancy (infographic)
- ACOG, Travel During Pregnancy
- ACOG, Exercise During Pregnancy
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
Why is the second trimester called the honeymoon period?
Because many people feel their best in these middle months. Nausea and tiredness from the first trimester usually ease, energy and appetite return, and the bump isn't yet big enough to make everyday life hard. It's a nickname, not a medical term, and not everyone feels this way.
When does the honeymoon phase of pregnancy start?
Usually around 13 to 16 weeks, when first trimester nausea fades for most people. ACOG says morning sickness is gone by 14 weeks for most, while the NHS says it can last until 16 to 20 weeks. The feeling often lasts until the third trimester starts at 28 weeks.
What if I don't feel better in the second trimester?
That's common and doesn't mean something is wrong. Some people keep feeling sick for longer, and others find backache, heartburn or poor sleep start early. If you're still vomiting a lot, losing weight or feeling low, talk to your midwife or doctor, as treatment and support are available.
When will I feel my baby move?
The NHS says between 16 and 24 weeks. In a first pregnancy, you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks. Early movements can feel like fluttering or bubbles. If you haven't felt your baby move by 24 weeks, tell your midwife.
Is the second trimester the safest time to travel?
For many people, yes. ACOG says the best time to travel is mid-pregnancy, 14 to 28 weeks, when energy has returned and morning sickness has improved. Check with your provider first, especially if you have any complications, and look at airline or insurance rules before you book.
Related guides
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