Welcome to your Second Trimester!
Hopefully by this point, if you were affected by morning sickness, it has subsided. During the second trimester, you can expect to find out the sex of your baby (if you choose to do so) as well as gain your appetite back as your baby grows larger.
Month Four
You’ve started your second trimester! Some women start to feel their baby kick and move around in week fifteen. Morning sickness may lessen in intensity, or disappear, in the second trimester. It is not uncommon for some mothers to continue to experience morning sickness. If you continue to experience it, notify your healthcare professional so they can recommend any changes that might be needed.
You may notice your belly getting more prominent, as well as your breasts. This is completely normal as your body prepares itself for breastfeeding the baby. Some women feel a decrease in breast tenderness at this stage in their pregnancy while experiencing an increase in energy.
Your Body
You are now in your second trimester. You may notice your gums bleeding while brushing your teeth; this is due to hormonal changes that make your gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque.
Your Baby
If you have an ultrasound this week, you may see your baby sucking their thumb. It is starting to use its facial muscles, and its kidneys are now working, too.
Diet
Choose oatmeal for breakfast-it is high in fiber and iron. It is important to eat iron-enriched foods during pregnancy because iron deficiencies can lead to preterm deliveries, low birth rate, and infant mortality.
Tips
Sleeping on your left side improves circulation to your heart, and allows for the best blood flow to the baby, uterus, and kidneys.
Have you joined Centering Pregnancy yet?
Centering Pregnancy is a group approach for expectant mothers where you will receive your prenatal care, along with learning more about pregnancy and building relationships with other women at the same stage of pregnancy as you are. Also, get a chance to pick up some free baby items when you attend! Multiple locations around Montgomery County offer Centering Pregnancy.
Month Five
In your fifth month, your appetite may increase as the baby keeps growing, and you may snore more while your hormones and body change. Many women experience rapid movement from their baby; some really enjoy meal time, others will move to some good music!
Sleep disturbances are common at this point because of the baby’s movements. Eating healthy and exercising will help with a better night’s sleep. Back pain and leg cramps also affect some mothers in the fifth month. Speak with your healthcare professional to find out if yoga or stretching exercises can help with both symptoms, or try a warm bath and leg massage. Possible urinary tract infections (UTI) may also occur in this month due to hormonal changes.
By the end of your fifth month, your healthcare professional should be able to determine the sex of the baby.
Your Body
You may notice your belly and breasts have grown very itchy; this is due to your skin stretching to accommodate your growing baby. Use moisturizer on your skin to help relieve the itch, and try to avoid scratching-that can make it worse.
Your Baby
Your baby is now swallowing several ounces of amniotic fluid a day-that’s a lot more than before. You may have a mid-pregnancy ultrasound soon, and this will be a detailed ultrasound where you get to see all parts of the baby, while the healthcare professional checks the baby’s development. You may also get to learn the sex of your baby.
Diet
Red peppers contain vitamin B6, which helps your baby’s tissue and brain growth. Besides being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can help you absorb iron. If you are iron deficient, try combining red peppers with your iron source for maximum absorption.
Tips
If you notice stretch marks on your belly, try rubbing a nourishing cream or lotion on them daily. Doing so has been shown to significantly reduce scarring.
Month Six
At six months, many mothers experience heartburn and swollen feet. Many have an increase in sex drive during this month. Redness of palms of the hands and feet, skin tags, and “fuzzy” mind are also common symptoms.
Itchy and flaky skin are other symptoms that could begin to emerge in the sixth month. Some mothers start producing more breast milk, and in some cases, the milk may leak a small amount. This is common and is no cause for concern. Possible Braxton Hicks contractions can also happen in the twenty-fourth week. If these become severe, see your healthcare professional. Thicker/fuller hair, constipation, hemorrhoids, and/or dehydration are common symptoms in the last week of the sixth month. Be sure to keep drinking plenty of water.
If you have any questions about these symptoms or experience lots of discomfort, contact your healthcare professional.
Your Body
You might be experiencing some leg cramps. Tight or achy legs can be a sign of dehydration, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Make sure you are stretching often, and let your doctor know you’re getting leg cramps. They usually are nothing to be concerned about, but it is best to let them know just in case.
Your Baby
Your baby’s skin is becoming more opaque, and is starting to take on a fresh glow. Its body is also starting to fill out at this point.
Diet
Mangoes are high in Vitamin A and C, which are both important in developing your baby’s bones. Vitamin C also helps boost your immune system. Research has shown that certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in mango have a positive effect on eliminating certain diseases.
Tips
Make sure to wear sunscreen in the sun, because being pregnant makes your skin more sensitive to light. If you do happen to get a sunburn, contact your doctor to see what the best treatment would be to make you feel a little more comfortable.
Are you or someone you know pregnant?
Do you live in Montgomery County? Could you use assistance accessing resources like help with utilities, rent, diapers, a crib, legal services, mental health resources, doula services, transportation to your prenatal appointments?