All of a sudden, you're feeling better. Gone are the days of nausea and vomiting. Energy levels are rising and even sexual drive is returning. Emotionally speaking, you feel them normalizing, stabilizing. You feel so much better. Ahoy! Welcome to your second trimester.
Did you know that by the start of second trimester, around week 14, your baby is already learning to to smile and to frown?
Also, by Week 14, you might want to increase your fiber and water intake. The rapid growing of your baby may cause an increased pressure in your abdomen that could lead to constipation. You might also want to move to loose-fitting clothes, as moving might become tricky with your old clothes.
Sailing unto the 15th week, look out for possible signs of carrying multiples. 2% of pregnant women carry twins, triplets or more! See if your belly is larger than it should be, or if you're putting on weight faster than other expectant mothers. And when you go to your care provider, check if your fundus is already halfway to your belly button.
Most mothers feel baby movements by the 22nd -24th week, but if you're lucky, you can feel it even at the start of your second trimester. It'd be best to start asking your care provider for tests to determine if your baby has any genetic defects to look out for.
If you're feeling sore in your belly area or your lower back, this is probably due to all that stretching your ligaments are going through. To ease some of the pain, try rocking your pelvis or stretching your back. And don't forget your Kegel exercises!
Did you know that when your physician puts you under the Doppler, your baby is undergoing auditory stress akin to a person standing near a helicopter that's taking off?
This is because by this time, your baby's hearing is already developed. Also, notice that with your every visit to the doctor, he checks your urine for proteins and sugars? That's because pregnant women are prone to gestational diabetes. It's a condition wherein even though the body produces enough insulin, it fails to utilize it due to interferences within the hormone system brought on by the pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes can be the cause why you feel faint when you suddenly stand up. But you need to check on your iron intake too, because anemia can also cause hypotension.
And no, you're not mistaken. Your feet really are getting bigger. The ligaments all around the body loosen up due to the excess weight and this causes your feet to puff up. I'm sorry ladies, but most of the time, it's permanent. Also, try not to stand for long stretches of time. It might cause your legs to swell.
Did you know that by the end of the second trimester, your baby can recognize you voice?
It is highly recommended by doctors to talk to your baby. Do it as often as you want, since babies are actually comforted by the sound of your heartbeat and your voice. You could also try exposing the baby to music and find out what genre he/she likes.
Having difficulty in breathing? Don't fret. This is your enlarged tummy squashing your other organs. Try slow but deep breaths. Don't let small things bother you, as this will just pile up your anxiety and worries and contribute to your struggle.
Again, try to take up more fiber and water. With this you can avoid dry and itchy skin, dry eyes and hemorrhoids. If you spot swollen ankles, you're okay. But if you see your face or fingers swelling up, this could be a symptom of preeclampsia. If your swelling doesn't go away even after rest, see your doctor immediately.
Did you know that the slight increase in your blood pressure gives you that rosy skin and radiant look?
That's why expectant mothers are said to be getting more beautiful and glowing. All that hydration with water and moisturizers also help in giving you that softer and silkier skin.
Finally, as you approach the end of second trimester, you might want to take note of the signs of premature labor. They are:
* Continuous or sporadic cramps that vaguely resembles that of your menstrual cycles
* Continuous or sporadic dull pain in your lower back
* Discernible uterine contractions
* A decrease in your pelvic pressure.
Always remember to maintain your healthy diet, do some gentle exercises and take care of yourself and your baby.
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