The second trimester of pregnancy finds women settling down with the joys and surprises of pregnancy. As the baby grows rapidly the baby bump gets more prominent. People will know that you are pregnant and share your joy.
The second trimester starts from 13th week and goes up to 27th week. Many women find second trimester to be more comfortable as most of the discomforts of first trimester weans away. There are significant changes that occur in the mother’s body and the baby too. Let us share these so that you are well informed and aware of what’s happening to you and your baby.
Fourth, fifth, sixth month of pregnancy
Q. What to expect in second trimester of pregnancy
Symptoms and care during second trimester
what to expect in second-trimester
- Weight gain is rapid in second trimester and the body really changes shape due to the growth of the baby.
- The second trimester is really enjoyable as morning sickness almost disappears and you can enjoy food.
- Cravings may increase phenomenally but you should be very careful about your diet. A healthy diet not only ensures healthy growth of the baby but also helps in losing baby fat easily after delivery. So watch out what you eat.
- Do not forget to drink plenty of water.
- Other symptoms of pregnancy like headache, back pain and dizziness appear around this time but most of these are harmless and can be treated by some simple measures.
- It is not late to start with exercises if you have not started yet. Kegel’s exercises are a good option as they help in easy labor.
- Swelling of the legs and feet are another common phenomenon of second trimester of pregnancy. Try to give rest to your feet often.
- Sleep on your sides to promote blood flow to the uterus and also to prevent the discomforts like swelling and pain.
- Maintain a good posture while standing and sitting to ease back pains.
- Heartburn is another problem that troubles some mothers. Eating papaya can provide relief from it.
- Some women get bleeding gums. You can consult a dentist for that.
- Women often experience a burst of energy in second trimester of pregnancy after months of sickness. The hormones are behind this feeling which is known as nesting. Having an active life is more than welcome for a healthy pregnancy but do not overdo things as you could be unknowingly harming yourself or your baby.
- Stretch marks starts to appear on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts.
- Some women get patches of dark skin over the cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead.
- You may feel itching on the palm, soles and abdomen.
- A line on the skin called linea nigra from belly button to pubic hairline also develops in second trimester of pregnancy.
Problems during second trimester of pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes is common during second trimester so you should be cautious about your sugar intake.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome or numbing of hands may also occur.
- Sudden symptoms of swelling, abnormal headache along with weight gain may also occur. These could be signs of preeclampsia. If you experience any of these symptoms then contact you doctor immediately.
- If itching of the palms and soles of feet are accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite and jaundice then inform your doctor without any delay. These could be signs of liver problem.
Stages of growth of the baby in second trimester of pregnancy
- By the middle of fourth month the baby’s facial muscles are developed and she can smile and frown. The baby can hear also and finds your voice comforting.
- The fingernails and toenails start forming.
- The eyes become sensitive to light.
- Fine hair called lanugo covers the entire body of the baby.
- You can feel the movements that the baby makes.
- By fifth month the baby’s taste buds are developed.
- The bones are developing fast with rapid increase in weight.
- By end of fifth month the sense of smell develops in the baby.
- A white substance called vernix protects the baby’s delicate skin.
- In the sixth month the baby makes vigorous movements which create ripples in the abdomen.
- Organs like liver, lungs develop and the baby forms her own waking and sleeping pattern which differs from yours.
- By end of sixth month she can respond to music and you can play different types of music to her. She looks like a doll now.
- The baby’s pancreas starts secreting insulin.
- In the seventh month the spinal cord starts developing and she gains weight very fast.
- The brain starts registering brain wave activity.
- By end of seventh month she can open her eyes and the retina starts developing.
- The hair follicles also start to develop around this time.
As the second trimester ends you may feel that the excitement of the journey called pregnancy is getting over, but believe me the rest of the journey promises to be even more exciting and full of amazements.
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