Second Trimester

14-27 Weeks

In the Middle of Your Pregnancy Journey

  • Checking Your Own Blood Pressure

    We encourage all of our patients to monitor their blood pressure at home, at least once a week, beginning in the second trimester. Learn the five simple steps to use an automated home blood pressure cuff.

  • Air Travel with Dr. DaCarla Albright

    Here are some tips for your safety while travelling by air during pregnancy from Dr. DaCarla Albright, associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology.

  • Pregnancy and Childbirth Education Classes

    Pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming experiences. Childbirth education classes can help give you the tools you need to be confident in your pregnancy journey.

  • Breastfeeding: Getting off to the Right Start

    Are you planning to breastfeed? If you choose to breastfeed, we will do everything we can to help you and your baby succeed!

  • Maggie Power, CNM: Do You Need a Birth Plan?

    What is a birth plan? Do I need one? Get answers to these questions and more with certified nurse midwife Maggie Power.

  • Ways to Ease Back Pain During Pregnancy

    Is your back bugging you? The rapid changes to your body in pregnancy can cause back pain. Don’t dismiss the aches and pain as simply part of your condition. Consider the many things you can do to avoid or relieve back pain during pregnancy.

  • Work During Pregnancy and Planning for Parental Leave

    Most people are able to continue working during pregnancy. However, a Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA) or disability benefits from your job can be used for pregnancy complications or postpartum recovery.

  • Pre-eclampsia with Dr. Elizabeth Clement

    You may notice that we take your blood pressure at every prenatal visit. This is important to screen for preeclampsia. Learn more about this condition, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment here, from Dr. Elizabeth Clement, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology.

  • Gestational Diabetes with Dr. Michael Kinson

    About 1 in every 20 pregnant people will develop diabetes during pregnancy. Most won't feel any symptoms, which is why screening at 26-28 weeks is important. The screening involves a "glucose challenge" where you will be asked to drink a sugary drink and then have your blood drawn 1 hour later. For more information about screening check out this video with Dr. Michael Kinson, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology.

  • Dr. Kirstin Leitner: A Team Approach to Labor and Delivery

    Our labor floor has a team of skilled obstetricians, midwives, nurses, anesthesiologists, and residents 24/7. Learn more from Dr. Kirstin Leitner, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology, about how this team works together to care for you and your baby here at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

  • Dr. Holly Cummings: Breastfeeding at HUP

    Questions about breastfeeding? Not sure if it's for you? Learn more from Dr. Holly Cummings, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology.

  • Why Choosing Where to Give Birth Matters

    At the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, we continue to set the standard for collaborative obstetrical care - with physicians, certified nurse-midwives, residents, nurses and staff all working together to ensure the best possible care for both you and baby.

  • Sleep in Pregnancy

    Sleep can be a challenge during pregnancy – and there are many myths about what’s safe.