Congratulations, you’ve surpassed a significant milestone and are now entering your second trimester! This period spans from the 14th to the 27th week of pregnancy. If you’ve been holding off on sharing your exciting news, this might be the perfect time to make that special announcement you’ve been contemplating.
During your second trimester, you’ll start to notice your baby bump becoming more visible, among other changes your body will undergo. Let’s explore some of the symptoms and milestones you can look forward to in this phase.
Symptoms in the Second Trimester
The next 13 weeks will bring several changes, including:
- Reduced Morning Sickness: If you battled nausea in your first trimester, you’ll likely see an improvement, with your appetite and energy levels making a comeback. However, some may still experience nausea into the second trimester, so keep that ginger tea handy just in case.
- Smaller Meal Portions: As your uterus grows, you might find it challenging to eat large meals. Opt for smaller, frequent meals instead, ensuring you consume an additional 200 to 300 calories daily. Choosing healthy options like lean proteins and complex carbohydrates will make you feel better.
- Boost in Energy: The fatigue from early pregnancy should lessen, giving you more energy for activities you enjoy, such as organizing a baby registry. However, some women may still feel tired, and that’s okay.
- Occasional Headaches: While less common in the second trimester, occasional headaches may occur due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes.
- Shortness of Breath: As your uterus expands, you might notice a slight shortness of breath.
- Round Ligament Pain: The stretching of ligaments around your uterus can cause discomfort or light cramping on either side of your lower abdomen.
- Pelvic Pain: With the additional weight of your growing baby, you may feel more back, hip, and pelvic discomfort.
- Visible Baby Bump: Around the 20-week mark, your uterus will be about the size of your belly button, making your baby bump more noticeable.
- Spotting: Light bleeding in the second trimester is common, but consult your care provider if it’s heavy or accompanied by severe pain.
Feeling Your Baby Move
One of the joys of the second trimester is feeling your baby’s movements, which might feel like flutters. By 20 to 22 weeks, these movements will become more distinct.
Fetal Development
Your baby’s fingers, toes, and facial features will become more defined, and by the end of the trimester, their eyes will open, and they’ll begin responding to stimuli.
FAQs for the Second Trimester
- Sleeping Position: You can sleep on your stomach until it becomes uncomfortable. Side sleeping may become more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
- Sex During Pregnancy: It’s generally safe unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
- Weight Gain: The amount of weight you should gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and how much you gained in the first trimester.
- Frequent Urination: You may notice a decrease in the need to urinate frequently during the second trimester as your uterus rises in your abdomen.
Second Trimester Tests
Your healthcare provider will want to monitor your and your baby’s health closely during this time. Expect routine and optional tests, including an anatomy scan ultrasound, gestational diabetes testing, anemia screening, and optional genetic testing.
As you navigate the second trimester, remember to listen to your body, maintain healthy habits, and communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you experience.
