Congratulations Girlie!
You’ve made it through your first trimester! You are now entering weeks 14 to 27, otherwise known as your Second Trimester, and what better way to welcome this trimester than a special guide!
There are probably changes you have already gone through in your first trimester, and so many more that you will experience in the second. Below is a brief guide to help prep you for the ones you will experience and hopefully explain the symptoms you’re probably already experiencing.
In your second trimester, you will learn, similar to me, that no trimester is the same and there is a rainbow after the storm of morning sickness.
Not only do you get your energy back, but your appetite! Now, before we get into the second trimester, I want to warn you of something you already know and that is, that no pregnancy is the same.
Some of the information you get from this guide will apply to you and some won’t, but browse through and hold of the information that resignates with you.
When Does The Second Trimester Begin?
he second trimester begins on week 14 of your pregnancy and ends week 27.
Changes in Your Body in Your Second Trimester: What to expect.
The development of your baby in the second trimester is incredible. By week 18 your baby weighs roughly 6.7 ounces and has the ability to yawn and hiccup #toocute.
By week 21, typically, women begin to feel movements of their baby and those little arms and legs gives you small jabs throughout the day.
This is the part where I remind you, no pregnancy's are the same.
Personally, I didn’t feel my baby move until 22 weeks. I was so worried when that happened thankfully, my OB explained that I have an anterior placenta, which meant that it may take a little longer to feel her move. Also, with your first baby it may take longer to feel their first movements, so be patient momma ♡.
In your second trimester, between weeks 16 and 20 many women begin to notice the fluttering sensation of their baby moving. By weeks 20 to 22, you may begin to feel your baby turn and make other movements such as kicks. Between weeks 23 and 27, it’s easy to notice the sleeping pattern of your baby as the movements are more noticeable and intermittent.
Your Baby’s Health
Between weeks 18- 22, you will be scheduled for an ultrasound to help your dr gauge your baby’s development and check for any visible problems. But try not to worry, if something is wrong the ultrasound is able to detect two-thirds of developmental issues.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
You are probably starting to recover from your early pregnancy symptoms- hallelujah, but your second trimester brings symptoms of their own. There are some symptoms that frequently occur throughout your second trimester and some that occur less frequently.
In your second trimester you can expect to potentially experience:
- Swelling: Swollen ankles, fingers, and feet occur throughout your second trimester, typically around 22 weeks, and can continue until the end of pregnancy. The way to help with swelling can vary. If you are experiencing swelling in your feet make sure you keep them elevated at work and when at home. Additionally, stay active and avoid standing for a long period of time.
- Light Uterus Cramping
- Leg Cramping
- Round ligament: As your baby grows bigger you may begin to experience pain in your lower abdomen, which is known as round ligament pain. Not only is the round ligament pain a cause of stretching but also itching. As the skin of your stomach begins to stretch it is very common to experience itching. Be sure to not scratch it. Scratching it could lead to stretch marks. Find a lotion that keeps your skin hydrated to get the best results.
- Weight Gain: The Second trimester is when you begin to experience pregnancy weight and experience an increase in your appetite. Women who have started their pregnancy at a “normal weight” can expect to put on an average of 1 pound a week. Gaining a total of 14 pounds by the end of their second trimester.
What to Eat and What To Avoid During Pregnancy
Now that your appetite is hopefully back, it is easy to fall into a trend of eating whatever you want to eat. But it is essential, that you take time out to consider the nutrition that your body requires in order to keep you and your baby healthy.
Balance your diet with whole grain, wheat, fresh fruit, protein, and vegetables. Increase your calcium intake with yogurt and leafy greens and iron.
Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
- Avoid high levels of caffine.
- Avoid fish that contains high. levels of mercury, such as – tuna & shark.
- Avoid raw foods.
- Deli meat.
- Hot dogs.
- Foods that are likely to cause food-borne illnesses.
- Alcohol.
Your Sexual Appetite in Your Second Trimester
You may find yourself wanting more sex as your pregnancy progresses. Your estrogen may be kicking up your desire into high gear. However, not all women find that their sex drive increases, some find that it decreases.
Either way, discuss your feelings openly and honestly with your partner and know that this is a great time to find another way to connect intimately.
If you’re not comfortable having sex because of your baby. Know that your baby is in the safest place they could be, cushioned by amniotic fluid. While your bump is growing, practice different positions as long as your dr or OB gives the ok.
Important Factors to Consider During Your Second Trimester
- How will share the care of your baby
- Start to think about planning maternity leave
- When do you plan to share the news
- How will your role at work change during your pregnancy
- Begin to plan your antenatal classes
- If you are single, who will be your birthing partner
- Do you want a doula
Second Trimester Screening
Multiple Marker Screening
What is it: A Test that screens for down syndrome
When is it given: Weeks 15-18
How is this test performed: By blood test
What should you know: This test detects 66% of babies with down syndrome
Glucose Screening
What is it: Screens for gestational diabetes, which affects 5% of pregnant women.
When is it given: Weeks 24-28
How is this test performed: Blood test after one hour of drinking a sugar solution.
Week 14: This would be a great time to start prenatal yoga and prepare your body to relax and rejuvenate to improve flexibility and mobility.
Week 16: This would be a great week to tell your employers that you are pregnant and prepare to talk about maternity leave.
Week 18: Have you decided what location you would like to give birth in? Week 18 is a great time to decide a location of your birth.
Week 20: Now that you’ve planned where you would like to give birth, try and envision the ideal support team you would like at your birthing experience.
Week 22: This is a great week to begin your birthing classes and prepare mentally and physically for the delievry of your baby.
Week 24: Have you started your baby registry yet and your nursery? Don’t worry if you haven’t started yet, you still have time. This is a great week to plan how you will decorate your nursery and what exactly you need for your baby.
Week 26: It’s birth planning time! Start to use this week to envision what you would like your birth to be like. Make it a plan and find ways to effectively stick to it.
What you should know: About 15% of all test results are deemed abnormal. Approximately 85% of women with elevated blood sugar is elevated in the screening test.
Amniocentesis
What is it: Screens for down syndrome, trisomy 18, and other chromosome abnormalities, while used to show the baby’s gender.
When is it given: Weeks 15-18
How is the test performed: A long, thin needle is inserted through your abdomen into the sac around your baby to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid.
What you should know: Amniocentesis is offered starting at age 35, which is when the risk for Down syndrome is equal to the risk of miscarriage from the test. To minimize risk, have it performed by a physician experienced in the procedure.