The Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts nine months and is divided into three stages known as “trimesters”. The second trimester refers to the time lasting from week 14 to week 27. For many expectant mothers, this is the best pregnancy stage. Not only are challenging symptoms such as nausea and fatigue gone, but they also experience the famous “pregnancy glow” and a state of well-being. Your baby is also making incredible progress and achieving crucial developmental milestones. You may even feel them move inside your belly!
So what exactly happens during the second trimester of pregnancy? Here’s what you can expect.
Your body
The most notorious physical change is your growing belly! But, if this is not the case, don’t worry. After all, every pregnancy is different. It’s likely that you’ll experience a greater sense of well-being as the challenging symptoms of the first trimester will likely disappear. This may be because the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone are decreasing and you are adjusting to the higher levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. So say goodbye to morning sickness and fatigue!
Some of the physical changes that you might experience during the second trimester include:
● Bigger belly and breasts. Your uterus expands to make room for your little one. Around two weeks’ time, it grows to the height of your belly button, making pregnancy visible. Because the skin on your belly also grows, it may cause itchiness and pain down the sides. Your breasts also continue growing in preparation for feeding your baby. Luckily, the tenderness you may have experienced in the first trimester should wear off.
● Backache. The extra weight you gain during this semester may start putting pressure on your back. You may feel achy and sore. Try sleeping on your side and avoid picking up or carrying anything too heavy.
● Skin changes. Changing hormonal levels can make the skin appear flushed, giving you a “pregnancy glow” look. An increase in pigment-bearing cells (melanin) can also stimulate changes in your skin. You may notice, for example, brown marks on your face known as “the mask of pregnancy”. Or, it can also be that you notice a dark line or “linea nigra” in the middle of the abdomen. Such pigmentation changes typically fade away after pregnancy. As your skin is more sensitive to the sun right now, make sure to apply sunscreen before going out. Finally, as your skin expands to accommodate your growing baby, stretch marks emerge. These also usually fade away after your little one is born.
● Hair growth. The hair on your head may become thicker. And, while you may sport lustrous locks, hair may also grow in undesired areas. Expect hair on your face, arms, and back.
● Increasing appetite. Morning sickness is finally gone! So food is looking tastier. You may even develop an increased appetite. But, beware: you shouldn’t be really “eating for two”. You just need 300 to 500 extra calories a day at this stage of pregnancy.
● Urination. Your uterus will give you a break from frequent urination. But don’t get too comfortable! The frequent urge to pee will be back by the final trimester. Also, it’s important to bear in mind that pregnant women are at high risk of developing urinary tract infections. Contact your health provider if you’re experiencing a strong urge to pee, sharp pain when you pee, smelly and cloudy pee, and fever.
● Vaginal discharge. You may notice a white, sticky, or clear discharge known as leukorrhea. Contact your doctor if the discharge turns green, yellow, bloody, or abundant as it can be a sign of a vaginal infection.
● Nasal problems. Rising hormone levels can lead to swelling and bleeding of your mucous membranes. In other words, your nose may become easily congested and you may experience nosebleeds.
● Dental issues. It’s not just your nose! About 50% of pregnant women develop swollen and sensitive gums. So it’s possible to develop minor bleeding.
● Dizziness. Your expanding uterus may press against your blood vessels, causing dizziness. Dizziness is also the result of hormonal changes.
● Leg cramps. It’s common for your leg muscles to contract and cramp, especially at night. It’s not clear why this happens though.
● Heartburn and constipation. During pregnancy, your body produces more progesterone. This hormone relaxes the ring of muscles in the lower esophagus, which is in charge of keeping food and acids down your stomach. More progesterone also relaxes the muscles that move digested food through your intestines. The results? Heartburn and constipation.
● Braxton-Hicks contractions. The muscles in your uterus may tighten for a minute or two. These are not real contractions or a sign of labor. They may be triggered by certain activities such as dehydration, a full bladder, intense physical activity, or sex. However, if the contractions become regular and increase in intensity, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible — it can be a sign of preterm labor.
Emergency symptoms
During your second trimester, most of your symptoms should be bearable. However, get in touch with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
● bleeding;
● severe abdominal pain and cramping;
● severe dizziness;
● rapid weight gain or weight loss;
● vomiting;
● and excessive sweating.
Your emotions
You may be more emotionally and mentally ready for the next months. And now that some of the challenging symptoms of early pregnancy have faded away, you can muster the energy to take important steps in your motherhood journey.
Or, perhaps, you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. After all, bringing a baby into the world is a huge deal. There’s also the question of how your labor and delivery will turn out to be.
In any case, spend this time educating yourself and learning as much as possible about pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Enroll in antenatal classes, learn as much as you can, and ask veteran mothers about their own experiences. All of this can give you the peace of mind you need!
Baby’s growth
Your baby is going through numerous exciting changes during the second trimester of pregnancy. Now that the major organs and systems are fully formed, it’s time to pack on the pounds. In fact, your little one’s weight will multiply more than seven times over the next months! At this stage of pregnancy, you may even be able to feel your baby move and kick inside the womb.
During your second trimester, your baby:
● weighs approximately 3 pounds and measures 16 inches in length;
● is going through a period of significant brain development, especially from the fifth month on;
● looks more human now with his or her eyes gradually moving to the front of the face, and the ears moving from the neck to both sides of the head. By now, your little one opens and closes their eyelids and is able to hear your voice;
● has hair growing on her or his head and a fine, downy hair called “lanugo” is sprouting all over. The body is covered by a white, creamy coating known as vernix caseosa which protects them and will eventually be absorbed into the skin;
● has a fully formed digestive system and is starting to suck and swallow in preparation for life outside the womb. He or she may even get to taste the foods you eat via your amniotic fluid;
● moves, kicks, turns, and makes faces.
If your baby is born at the end of 24 weeks, they might survive in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Prenatal care
Second trimester prenatal visits focus on your baby’s growth and any potential heart problems. Depending on your medical condition and your baby’s health, your doctor will check the following:
● your weight and blood pressure;
● your uterus’ size;
● any symptoms or discomfort;
● fetal growth, size, and development;
● and fetal heartbeat.
At this stage of pregnancy, you’ll be screened for a couple of things. Expect the following tests:
● Urine test. Urine tests are conducted to find albumin, a protein that may indicate a condition known as preeclampsia. Such tests also detect glucose, which may be a sign of hyperglycemia.
● Oral glucose screening test. By the end of your second trimester, your doctor may conduct this test to see if you’re developing gestational diabetes.
● Ultrasound. Doctors use ultrasounds for several reasons such as checking fetal growth and position, checking fetal heartrate, seeing if you are carrying more than 1 baby, checking for any birth differences, and seeing your baby’s sex (if you wish to).
Tips for staying healthy
You should continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the second trimester. This will benefit both you and your baby greatly. Consider the following tips.
● Exercise for about 20 minutes a day. For expecting moms, swimming and walking are some of the best and safest exercises. You should avoid any exercise with the potential of causing abdominal trauma and activities with jarring motions. If you’re unsure what type of exercise to try, please consult your doctor.
● Try Kegel exercises. As your baby keeps on packing on the pounds inside your uterus, your pelvic floor muscles have to support that extra weight. Kegel exercises are excellent for decreasing the risk of having pelvic floor issues.
● Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fiber. A healthy diet can help you cope with some of the physical symptoms of the second trimester as well. For example, eating fiber (broccoli, pear, oats, brown rice, beans, and lentils) can alleviate constipation.
● Avoid certain foods and beverages. You should stay away from seafood that contains mercury, uncooked shellfish, uncooked or partially cooked meals, raw eggs, soft cheese, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.
● Drink plenty of water throughout the day — 8 to 12 cups should do. Not only does water aid digestion, but it also helps to form the amniotic fluid around your growing baby.
● Don’t keep on your feet for too long. Standing for long periods of time puts a strain on your back and legs. In the last half o pregnancy, standing for hours can disrupt blood and increase your chances of developing high blood pressure and premature birth.
● Don’t lift heavy items. Pregnant women can lift items that weigh 25 pounds or under. They can also lift items that weigh 50 pounds occasionally.
● Avoid any activities that raise your body temperature such as hot yoga, hot tubs, and saunas.
● Keep your dental care during pregnancy, especially if you develop sensitive and bleeding gums.
● Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Even if it’s not too sunny, you should apply a good amount of it.
Your to-do list
Your priorities should be attending your antenatal appointments and doing your best to stay safe and healthy. However, there are a few things you may want to consider in preparation for your baby’s birth and their first weeks on earth.
- Schedule your second trimester ultrasound.
- Decide whether you would like to know your baby’s sex before birth and make sure to inform your doctor of your decision before the ultrasound.
- Schedule regular workouts if you haven’t yet.
- Get immunized against the flu and coronavirus if you haven’t yet. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that immunization harms babies so this will be totally safe.
- Track your weight gain according to your doctor’s recommendations.
- Enroll in childbirth classes.
- Start thinking about your preferred birth method.
- Start thinking about baby names if you haven’t yet.
- Shop for maternity clothes and baby items.
- Plan child care for the post-partum period.
Beginning.com and your pregnancy
We are here to support you on your pregnancy journey! Beginning.com offers numerous informative resources and interactive features for expectant mothers. Not sure where to start?
Check out the following resources:
● Sound journeys. “Nine Months” is a series of soundscapes specifically designed to help you reduce stress, relax, and bond with your baby during your pregnancy journey.
● Masterclasses. Our team of health and wellness experts has curated a series of masterclasses and blogs, which provide important information and practical advice on how to have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
● Pregnancy tracker. Beginning.com’s pregnancy mode offers week-by-week information about your changing body and growing baby.