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  YOUR SECOND TRIMESTER

  May 11, 2022

  Go ahead and show off your baby bump!

   

  Congratulations, you have made it to your Second Trimester!

   

  For majority of mothers-to-be, this is the most comfortable trimester with the easing of morning sickness and fatigue, while the baby bump is not big enough to cause too much discomfort. Here are some of the changes you may experience as you journey through week 13 to week 26 in your second trimester:

   

  1. Breast growth

  The sense of tenderness at your breasts/nipples should be subsiding, your breasts will continue to grow in preparation to breastfeed your baby. You may want to consider switching to brassieres which are one to two sizes bigger, as well as those with wider straps for better support and comfort.

   

   

  2. Rising appetite

  With the nausea and vomiting abating, you will find that you are able to keep most of your food down. You may even experience a rising appetite as your body continues to support the development of your baby. It pays to consciously consume food that will ensure sufficient intake of nutrients during your second trimester for your benefit as well as your baby’s.

   

  Ensure sufficient intake of nutrients for your benefit as well as your baby’s.

   

   

  3. Leg cramps

  Most expectant mothers will experience leg cramps during the second trimester, which often strike at night. As prevention measures, try to stretch your calf muscles before going to bed, get regular exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and take the recommended amount of calcium and magnesium. Should you experience an episode of leg cramp, stretching the calf muscle, taking a warm bath or getting a massage may help to ease it up. Wearing comfortable shoes throughout the day may also help to lessen the possibility of leg cramps occurring.

   

  A calf massage may help relieve leg cramps.

   

   

  4. Varicose veins

  As your baby develops, the added weight may lead to sore legs and varicose veins. These can be relieved by stretching your legs frequently and propping your legs up on a stool whenever you have to sit for a long period of time. Most of the time, varicose veins will recede and disappear within a few months after childbirth.

   

   

  5. Dizziness

  As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, it presses against blood vessels and causes changes in blood circulation which may leave you feeling dizzy at times. If you are experiencing dizziness, avoid standing for long periods of time. Be careful to move slowly when you rise from chairs or the bed. Most importantly, to ensure that these dizzy spells are not caused by dehydration or hunger pangs, you drink plenty of fluids and consume regular meals/snacks.

   

   

  6. Sensitive gums

  Some pregnant women may develop swollen, tender gums as hormone changes may cause the gums more sensitive, causing them to bleed easily. If you are experiencing this, you may want to switch to a softer toothbrush and floss your teeth with gentler movements. Rinsing with salt water may also help to ease swelling of the gums. not to take short cuts with your dental care during pregnancy.

   

  Switch to a softer toothbrush if you have sensitive and swelling gums.

   

   

  7. Nasal congestion and nosebleeds

  Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause the mucus membranes lining your nose to swell and bleed easily, resulting in nasal congestion and nosebleeds. Saline drops or a saline rinse may help relieve congestion. You can also try to use a humidifier to maintain your room humidity.

   

   

  8. Absent-minded

  You may find yourself getting spells of absent-mindedness more frequently as you progress through your pregnancy. This may be a result of hormonal changes, or the fact that there is just so much going on during your pregnancy journey. , you may find that you are hardly keeping up. Keep calm, take a deep breath, and note down everything you need to get done on a notepad or in your smartphone.

   

  With million things running through your mind, combat absent-mindedness with your notepad and smartphone.

   

   

  9. Increased sex drive

  There may be more action in the bedroom during the second trimester as experience an increase in sex drive, with extra blood flowing to all the right spots. You may check with your doctor if you are concerned that sexual activities will harm your fetus, but generally, a little rocking and rolling from such activities may help to lull your little one to sleep.

   

  Sexual activities may help lull your fetus to sleep.

   

   

  While you are experiencing all these changes, your baby cocooned within you will be growing from the size of a lemon to the size of a cauliflower throughout the second trimester. Your baby’s brain and other organs will be developing to a great extent. Sometime during the second trimester, you may even feel your baby’s first kick or jab.

   

  Towards the end of the second trimester, your baby bump will be more pronounced, and you will appear pregnant to the world – if you are not already! With increased energy levels which will likely put a spring in your steps, the second trimester is undoubtedly the best time to go shopping for baby items and maternity clothes. So go ahead and show off your baby bump!

   

   

  
   

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