At this point in your pregnancy, you can start telling your friends and family that you’re expecting with pride.
When does the second trimester start?
The second trimester is the middle of your pregnancy. It can start as early as 14 weeks after conception and last until about 28 weeks.
The exact dates for this period vary depending on the date you got pregnant and when you conceived, but most people will find it lasts from 14 weeks to 28 weeks, four days (40 weeks).
The Second Trimester of Pregnancy and What to Expect
The second trimester is inspiring, as it’s when you’re most likely to start feeling and seeing the signs of your baby growing inside you.
Your body will start gaining more weight and filling out in preparation for giving birth. This is also when your baby will begin to move around a lot more, so you may feel them kicking from time to time.
How your baby is growing.
Your baby’s growth rate is increasing. They are about 3 inches long, and their brain continues to grow.
Their eyes have developed fully and at this point, they can even recognize light! Their ears are also fully formed, so your voice should get through loud and clear.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to talk to your baby yet. The bones in their inner ear aren’t fully connected yet either (that happens toward the end of pregnancy), so they still won’t hear you talking with them. But don’t worry: no matter what happens during these months of pregnancy, you’ll still feel an indescribable bond with your little bundle of joy when all is said and done!
Common Symptoms of Second Trimester Pregnancy.
Growing belly and breasts
In the second trimester, you will experience some of the most obvious physical signs of pregnancy. Your abdomen will be swollen and your breasts may grow to a size that is new to you.
Your growing belly is a sign that your baby is growing at an incredible rate, approximately 2 inches per week!
The growing belly can cause discomfort and back pain as it stretches out. It’s not unusual for women in this stage of pregnancy to experience sciatica (pain down one leg) or pelvic girdle pain (also called symphysis pubis dysfunction). These symptoms are typically relieved with exercise, so take walks daily if possible.
Skin changes.
Skin will become darker. This is especially true if you are of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent. Due to the increase in melanin, your skin may darken by one or even two shades.
Skin will become oily. You may notice more oil on your face and body than before pregnancy began. The oiliness increases because of an increase in hormones during pregnancy, making the sebaceous glands produce more oil than usual.
Skin will become dry as well.
Nasal problems.
The second trimester of your pregnancy is a great time to be healthy, but there are some common nasal problems you may experience.
Congestion and sneezing are two symptoms that can make it difficult to breathe. Coughing or a sore throat may be signs that you have a cold or allergies, or maybe even something worse, like the flu virus! You might also experience a runny nose, itching, sinus pressure, or headaches.
Dental issues
Dental issues are also common in the second trimester of pregnancy.
You may experience more sensitivity and pain when eating, drinking hot beverages, or brushing your teeth. This is due to high blood flow to the gums, which causes them to swell.
You might also notice that your gums bleed more easily during this time.
Weight gain
Weight gain is expected in the second trimester of pregnancy. You may notice that your clothes feel tighter than usual.
Hormonal changes are the leading cause of weight gain during this time. However, it’s essential to be aware that eating for two doesn’t imply you have to eat twice as much food.
Talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re worried about your weight increase during pregnancy. They can advise you on how much weight is considered normal for your body type and height. You should still eat healthy portions, even if you’re more hungry than usual.
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is a common sign of the second trimester. Swelling, or edema, is a regular occurrence during pregnancy. However, it can be more pronounced during the second trimester due to hormones’ effects on your circulatory system (especially progesterone) and increased blood volume.
Some causes of swelling include fluid retention in tissues such as extremities and pitting edema caused by increased pressure on veins in your legs. Hormonal changes like those during pregnancy may also cause this type of edema because you’re retaining excess salt or water (swelling can indicate that you haven’t been drinking enough).
Additionally, weight gain from eating for two plus muscle tone increases may contribute to leg swelling. Fat deposits move into other areas, such as arms and legs, when not correctly exercised away from these areas through exercise or movement.
Congestion
During this period of congestion, hormone changes may cause this common pregnancy symptom.
Congestion can also be caused by sinusitis, which occurs when your sinuses are inflamed and swollen. If you have any symptoms of sinusitis, you should see your doctor so that you can be treated appropriately with antibiotics or other medications.
Tips for a Healthy Second Trimester of Pregnancy.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-containing beverages to stay hydrated.
- Consume a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Also, eat protein sources like chicken and fish. Don’t forget to include foods high in calcium, which can help prevent bone loss during pregnancy.
- Get plenty of rest, especially if you have been experiencing fatigue during the first trimester.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they can cause dehydration or interfere with your baby’s development. Also, avoid smoking cigarettes or using drugs during pregnancy because they harm you and your baby.
Conclusion
The second trimester of pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting parents. You’re getting used to becoming a parent and determining the type of mother you desire to be.
You may feel more confident than ever in your body but also more tired because of all the changes it’s going through.
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