Second trimester – A Quick Takeaway/An overview of the Second trimester/A complete guide

What is the Second trimester?

You might know that pregnancy lasts for nine months which means 40 weeks. These 40 weeks are categorized into groups of 3 trimesters. The weeks from 13 to 27 are known as the Second Trimester.

What happens to the fetus during the Second trimester?

During the second trimester, your baby starts growing larger and stronger. You might feel a growing belly.

Now, your baby can hear you. All her/his organs are also fully developed now. You can also feel the movement of your baby.

Body changes and symptoms during the Second trimester

Following are some physical changes and symptoms that you experience during the second trimester:

Symptoms:

• Decrease in nausea and fatigue

• dizziness

• itching

• headache

• swelling of ankles and hands

• baby movement

• increased appetite

• body aches

Changes:

• the uterus starts to expands

• a larger abdomen

• a growing belly

• the appearance of stretch marks

• darkening of areas around your nipples

Harmful symptoms:

There are also some symptoms that you should never ignore and there is a need to call your doctor immediately if found during the second trimester.

• nausea

• vomiting

• jaundice

• extreme swelling

• rapid weight gain

When to see my doctor during the second trimester?

You should see your doctor after every two to four weeks.

What should I do to stay healthy during the second trimester?

Following are some things that you can do during the second trimester for keeping you and your baby healthy:

• Take your prenatal vitamins regularly

• Exercise regularly

• Perform kegel exercises

• Eat a healthy diet (rich in fiber and protein)

• Add more fruits and vegetables to your daily consumption

• Drink enough water

• Eat a least 300 calories per day

• Keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean.

What to avoid during the second trimester?

There are several harmful things for you and your infant during the second trimester. Therefore, you need to avoid them completely.

Here is a list of things that you should avoid during your second trimester:

• Avoid strenuous exercise or strength training

• Cut off completely from alcohol and any illegal drugs

• Quit smoking

• No more caffeine

• Avoid raw fish, smokes seafood, shark, swordfish, mackerel, raw sprouts, cat litter, or white shopper fish

• Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products

• Say no to deli meats and hot dogs

What should I do during the second trimester to prepare for birth?

There is much time for the birth but still, you can do some things that can help to make your third trimester less stressful:

• You can take local prenatal education classes.

• It is better to considered breastfeeding classes, infant CPR classes, first aid classes, and parenting classes.

• Research online and educate yourself as much as you can.

• Tour the hospital or birth center where you plan to give birth.

• Make a nursery for your coming guest.

Reference:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/second-trimester#preparing-for-birth