Congratulations! The first trimester of your pregnancy is finally over. For most pregnant women, the second trimester is the most enjoyable period, and it marks a turning point for both you and your baby because there will be less morning sickness, less feeling of tiredness and fatigue, and the tenderness of your breasts begins to ease up. It surely is a huge sigh of relief!
The second trimester happens from the 13th to the 26th week. By this time, your baby begins to gain more weight and grow in length, and the organs and systems are beginning to fully develop. You may also start feeling what is called "quickening," or the movement of your baby for the first time by the 20th week, plus some baby kicks here and there!
Now that your baby is continuously growing, here's a round-up on what to expect, and let us guide you with everything there is to know during your second trimester.
1.) Watch your weight
As your baby continues to grow, it is important to note that losing weight during the second trimester of pregnancy is not healthy because it may deprive your baby of all the nutrients needed for growth and development. In contrast, being overweight or obese while pregnant can cause several complications. These include preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes, among others.
2.) Watch your sugar
Blood glucose control is one of the most important factors during pregnancy. You have to remember to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels to prevent yourself and your baby from having long-term health complications. You can get a glucose tolerance test, more commonly known as the oral glucose tolerance test, to diagnose gestational diabetes -- a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Just because you are pregnant does not mean you are not allowed to enjoy yourself. You can also consume low-sugar snacks, like Lizi's Granola Granola Low Sugar, which only has 4% total sugar content.
3.) Baby kicks become more prominent
During this period, you will start feeling your baby's movement more consistently. Don't worry, these movements are just your baby's way of exercising. This can help develop healthy bones and joints. Your doctor may also recommend observing your baby's usual movements and monitoring activity levels to find out if there is something that needs to be addressed.
A Mimico Portable Fetal Doppler might come handy! This small, handheld medical equipment helps detect Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) and can be used to listen to the sound of your baby’s heartbeat.
4.) Do the fetal anomaly scan
The fetal anomaly scan is used to check your baby's health and development. It is usually carried out between the 18th and 21st week of pregnancy. This comprehensive screening scan pays special attention to your baby's vital organs, including the face, brain, heart, spine, stomach, kidneys, bowel, and limbs, and allows the detection of 11 rare conditions such as cleft lip and spina bifida.
This is also the best time to find out about your baby’s gender.
5.) Sleep disturbances and other changes
Pregnant women commonly have sleeping problems due to hormonal changes. This also comes with vomiting and nausea, as well as frequent urination with your baby needing more room to grow and eventually pushing your bladder.
Regular exercise and avoiding caffeine are just some of the simple and effective ways to get good sleep during pregnancy. You can also use extra pillows to reduce aches and pains.
To get the ultimate sleeping experience, you can use the Lifestyle by Canadian Hotel Bolster Pillow for better spine alignment. Made from 100% Cotton Shell Casings, this Bolster Pillow is perfect for the back, stomach, and side sleepers -- a perfect fit for pregnant women as your growing tummy makes it harder for you to sleep on your back.
6.) Back pain during pregnancy
It is not common for pregnant women to experience different types of pain during the second trimester. These pains are caused by pressure increases from your growing abdomen and uterus, along with hormonal changes. These pains do not require medical attention, however, you need to watch out as they can also signal problems such as an infection, preterm labor, or a complication.
Home remedies, including taking a warm bath and using chairs with good back support can usually relieve pain. You can also consider wearing the Mamaway Ergonomic Maternity Support Belt, which is made of soft materials that can instantly help ease pressure on your back, spine, and pelvis with daily use. It can also be used to stabilize your belly during sleep.
You are getting an inch closer to the end of your pregnancy journey. Just relax...it is almost over. Enjoy the journey, mama!
TAGS:second-trimester
