What happens in the second trimester of pregnancy?

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The second trimester refers to the 4^th, 5^th & 6^th months of pregnancy. In terms of weeks, it spans the period from the end of the 13^th week to the end of 28^th week of pregnancy. This is an exciting and enjoyable phase in your pregnancy journey. You feel less tired. Your nausea and vomiting decrease. Your baby bump becomes visible. And you start feeling joyful and optimistic. Use this period to create memories. Plan your baby moon and your baby shower.

Don’t forget to capture memories. Plan your pregnancy photoshoot, get ready to record your baby’s heart beat and collect the ultrasound pic for your journal.

Also, make sure you plan for the future. Sign up for a prenatal class and start shopping.

While you do all this, know what is happening inside you, so that you and your baby stay safe and healthy through your pregnancy journey.

How your baby is growing

• Your baby’s organs are developing and gradually becoming functional.
• Your baby is growing in length and weight.
• Your baby’s face is taking shape.
• You will start feeling your baby move.

Your body during the second trimester

• Your belly and breasts will grow through the second trimester and you will need maternity wear by the middle of the second trimester.
• You may start having backaches. Avoid standing or sitting in one position for too long. Wear comfortable flat footwear.
• Stretch marks may appear and your abdomen may feel itchy. Moisturize well with virgin coconut oil.
• If you find the skin on your abdomen or face becoming darker, consult with a dermatologist.
• Swollen ankles and leg cramps may cause some discomfort. Try to keep your feet elevated when you rest.
• Constipation can be an issue. Drink lots of water and eat fibre rich food.
• The hormones of pregnancy may cause swelling and bleeding of your gums. Visit your dentist for a check-up.

5 things to do during the second trimester –

1. Eat small frequent nutritious meals. And take the prescribed supplements.
2. Start exercising with your doctor’s permission.
3. Prioritize prenatal checkups. Do the tests advised by your doctor. Some tests that may be advised are tests for blood group and Rh factor, anaemia, thyroid function, glucose tolerance test, urine test, triple test and quadruple test.
4. Pass urine whenever you feel the urge. Do not hold.
5. Lie on your left side for better blood flow to the uterus.

5 things you should not do during the second trimester

1. Do not use any creams or medicines without asking your doctor.
2. Avoid tea / coffee and other food and drinks that may have caffeine.
3. Avoid raw and undercooked food like tandoori meats, sprouts, salads. Also avoid juices and chaat from roadside eateries. Eating these is risky because they may cause infections like typhoid, hepatitis, etc. which can be dangerous for you and your baby.
4. Avoid rapid movements to avoid dizziness and falls.
5. Do not overeat. You should gain approximately 0.5 Kg every week.

The second trimester is a busy time. Mark your calendar so that you can get everything done.

Enjoy your pregnancy journey!

By

Dr. Debmita Dutta MBBS, MD

Dr. Debmita Dutta MBBS, MD is a doctor, a parenting consultant, a content creator and the founder of What Parents Ask. She conducts online and offline workshops on parenting for schools and corporate organisations. She also conducts online and offline prenatal and infant care classes. She is a well-known thought-leader in parenting and an expert on play, learning and eating habits. She is frequently quoted in national and international publications of repute for her empathetic and compassionate approach and her application of physiology and neuroscience to parenting.

This post is also available in: English