The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the “honeymoon period” because many of the unpleasant effects of early pregnancy have ended. In the second trimester, you’re likely to experience less nausea, better sleep patterns and increased energy levels.

Second trimester: time to tell your boss you’re pregnant

However, during this period you may experience a whole new set of symptoms and feelings, such as back pain, abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation and heartburn.
You will probably hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time at around 12 weeks. And, somewhere between weeks 16 and 20, you may feel your baby’s first fluttering movements.

By law, you need to have given your employer written notification of your pregnancy by the end of the 15th week before your baby is born, so if you haven?t told your employer by now, time is running out.

Once you have told your employer, you are covered against sex discrimination because of your pregnancy and your employer will need to conduct a health and safety assessment of your work area, to make sure that there are no hazards to you and your baby during your pregnancy .

This trimester, you will also have an ultrasound scan. You will also have regular appointments with your midwife or doctor to make sure that you and your baby are doing well. By law, you are entitled attend your antenatal appointments, but your employer has the right to refuse this if you cannot supply evidence of this.

At around 20 weeks you should get your MATB1 form, which is the evidence that you are pregnant. You should also have filled in a form to get a maternity certificate, which entitles you to things like free prescriptions and free dental care.