Pregnancy is both a wonderful and trying time in a mother’s life. The joy of bringing a new member into the family is something that every couple looks forward to. Yet the first trimester is also marked by nervous waiting, endless morning sickness, and an emotional roller coaster ride for the mother. Thankfully, most things get better when the second trimester comes.
The second trimester, which happens from week 13 to week 27 of the pregnancy, is popularly known as the ‘honeymoon’ period. Unlike the rollercoaster that was the first trimester, this is the phase where morning sickness stops, emotions stabilize, and the mother’s sex drive returns. It’s also marked by several memorable ‘wows’ in every expectant mother’s life.
Second Trimester Wows: Milestones to Look Forward To
The second trimester brings many exciting milestones that make pregnancy even more memorable. Here are some of the “wows” you can look forward to during this stage.
Your Baby’s Gender May Be Revealed
The baby’s gender can now be identified. According to experts, the baby’s gender may be identified by your doctor during the second trimester. During a prenatal checkup, the doctor examines the baby through ultrasound, checks the baby’s health, and identifies the baby’s gender if the baby’s position allows it.
During your checkups, make sure to take your partner with you as this is the first time you can see your baby. This is one precious moment that you would not want him to miss.
Your Baby Bump Becomes More Noticeable
Take out your wallets, ladies, as it’s time to go shopping for maternity clothes! At this stage of pregnancy, your body starts showing visible changes such as:
- Breast Enlargement – This is your body’s way of preparing you for breastfeeding. Make sure you are wearing a good support bra. There are instances when going up a bra size may be necessary.
- Baby Bumps – By the second trimester, your baby bump is more visible as you gain weight over the next few weeks. In a healthy pregnancy, you usually gain around 25 to 35 pounds. Take note that at this stage of the pregnancy, most women need an extra 300 to 500 calories a day to keep the baby healthy.
You’ll Feel Your Baby Move for the First Time
One of the best moments of being a parent is feeling your baby move inside you for the first time.
Around the 18th week of pregnancy, your baby has developed fingers and is roughly the size of a chicken breast. By week 21, you may begin to feel gentle jabs and kicks as your baby adjusts their position inside the uterus. This is one moment that every mom, first-time or otherwise, always remembers as one of the happiest memories of pregnancy.
Unfortunately, pregnancy is not always so peachy. Here’s the other side of the coin.
What ‘Woes’ to Expect When You’re Expecting
As smooth as your pregnancy may be, there are a few notable ‘woes’ you may face as you move into the second trimester. Here are some of them:
Stretch Marks, Varicose Veins, and Lower Back Pain
As the baby inside you grows, your body has to stretch to accommodate your developing little one. Stretch marks start to appear across your belly and may leave itchy lines on your skin. Applying lotion may help relieve the itchiness. Varicose veins and lower back pain may also develop as your body adjusts to carrying additional weight.
Constipation and Heartburn
You may experience mild constipation and heartburn during the second trimester. Don’t worry—this is simply an effect of your body producing the hormone progesterone, which relaxes your digestive muscles and can contribute to acid reflux. Instead of eating large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals and increase your fiber intake to help reduce constipation.
Making the Most of Your Second Trimester
Unlike the roller coaster that was the first trimester, the second trimester may be the easiest period of pregnancy for many mothers. It is also the stage when you’ll notice some of the biggest physical changes as your baby continues to grow. Continue attending your prenatal checkups, eat a balanced diet, and take care of your body to support your baby’s healthy development.
By knowing what to expect when you’re expecting, you’re ensuring that you won’t just be a good mom, but the best one.
Want to learn more about what comes after the second trimester? Check out our guide to the third and final trimester of pregnancy to learn what to expect next. Also, if you have any questions about our products or need additional guidance, our EQ Support team is here to help.
