Second trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with emotional rides, physical changes, and significant milestones that mark your path to motherhood. While the first trimester may be filled with uncertainty and new experiences, the second trimester of pregnancy is often considered the most comfortable and enjoyable phase.

But what does the second trimester of pregnancy feel like? What changes can you expect? This article will explore everything you must know about the second trimester of pregnancy, from the common symptoms to what to eat during the second trimester of pregnancy.

What is the Second Trimester of Pregnancy?

The second trimester of your pregnancy journey begins from week 13 and lasts up to week 27. It marks a turning point for both the fetus and the mother because many women feel a renewed sense of energy and relief. During this beautiful phase, the umbilical cord of the baby continues to grow in thickness and carries nourishment to the fetus.

Your baby’s organs begin to mature, your bump starts showing, and your body adjusts to the new life growing within. Although the baby hasn’t grown big enough to cause discomfort, you can feel the baby move during the second trimester of pregnancy. 

Major Developments During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Both the mother’s and the baby’s bodies go through changes during the second trimester. Here’s how your body’s health changes and your baby’s body develops.

1. Changes for the Baby

The fetus goes through a lot of new changes during this phase.

Changes in Facial features:

The facial features start aligning, with the fingers and toes becoming well-defined. The baby’s hair and eyebrows also begin to grow.

Body Development:

The baby can make facial expressions, develop reflexes like swallowing, and even suck their thumb. The weight of the baby multiplies gradually over the next few months.

Protecting the baby’s skin:

The mother’s body protects the thin fetal skin of the baby through a substance called vernix. It is also during the second trimester of pregnancy that the baby starts responding to external sounds.

2. Changes for the Mother

As a mother, you will notice several changes in your body during the second trimester of pregnancy. The decrease in the production of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone and slight changes in progesterone and estrogen hormones trigger these changes. Here’s what you can expect to feel during this phase of your pregnancy journey.

Weight gain and Large Belly:

You will develop a noticeable baby bump, and the uterus, where your baby grows, continues to stretch. Additionally, you will also gain a lot of weight during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Increased Appetite and evident stretch marks:

You will notice your appetite increasing slightly or returning to normal as you slowly progress through this phase of pregnancy. You will also observe stretch marks around your belly, thighs, and breasts.

Better Energy Levels:

Many women find that their energy levels increase and their libido returns to normal as they progress through the second trimester of pregnancy.

It is advisable to carefully schedule and attend all prenatal care appointments at regular intervals to keep track of your and your baby’s health.

What to Eat during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy?

Nutrition plays a key role in supporting your baby’s development and your well-being during pregnancy. The second trimester is when your nutritional needs increase as the baby grows rapidly.

Here’s a quick guide to follow on what to eat during the second trimester of pregnancy

Iron Rich foods

Food with high iron content helps the baby receive an adequate amount of oxygen. It also helps the mother prevent anemia and supports increased blood volume.

Fruits and Vegetables

Include a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables as they are an essential source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Lean Protein

Foods with rich sources of lean protein help the mother develop her muscle health and promote your baby’s brain development and tissue growth.

Calcium rich food

Including calcium in your diet helps in the bone and tooth development of the baby while it strengthens the mother’s bones and joints, keeping them healthy and strong.

Fiber rich food

Fiber rich foods prevent constipation, which is a common issue among women in their second trimester of pregnancy.

Water to maintain Hydration levels

It is essential that you drink plenty of water, but little by little throughout the day, to keep yourself hydrated.

Symptoms to watch for in the Second Trimester of pregnancy

If you are going through the second trimester of pregnancy, chances are high that you will experience a few of the following symptoms. Knowing the difference between first, second, and third trimesters helps mothers-to-be to track their progress more confidently and understand what to expect at each stage.

• Reduced nausea and increased appetite

• Leg cramps or lower back pain

• Round ligament pain occurs as the uterus stretches

• Skin changes like the “pregnancy glow”

• Feeling fetal movements (usually around 18–22 weeks)

Self Care Tips for the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

While you may feel better in the second trimester, your body is still going through major changes. Here are a few self care practices that you must follow to keep yourself and your baby’s health stable.

1.    Stay Active:

Invest some time in gentle exercises like walking, yoga, light swimming, etc., to improve overall blood circulation and ease the discomfort.

2.    Moisturize your skin regularly:

Stretch marks start to appear in women going through their second trimester of pregnancy. Use pregnancy approved, safe lotions that keep your skin fit and healthy.

3.    Wear Comfortable clothes:

It is always advised to wear cool, loose clothes that allow air to flow through the sensitive skin.

4.    Prioritize Deep Sleep:

As per your doctor’s recommendation, choose a sleeping position that is beneficial for the baby. Also, avoid any interruptions during your sleep. An uninterrupted, deep sleep is always better for you and your baby’s health.

5.    Communicate openly with your partner:

It is always advised to share your emotional journey with your partner or a therapist. It keeps them aware of the constant changes happening in your second trimester of pregnancy. As a medical professional along with your partner to learn more about the second trimester of pregnancy.

Embracing the Second Trimester: A Golden Phase of Pregnancy

This was all about the second trimester of pregnancy. Often termed as the honeymoon period or golden middle stage of pregnancy, it is a beautiful phase where you start to see the bump and feel the baby move. It is also the phase where you settle into your new reality with more ease and confidence. It’s also a crucial time to establish healthy routines, attend regular checkups, and bond with your growing baby.

With the right nutrition, physical care, and emotional support, the second trimester of pregnancy can be both enriching and empowering. At Prega News, we’re here to guide you through every milestone of motherhood—from your first positive test to the day you hold your baby in your arms.

Also Read – The Road of Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What foods should I avoid during the second trimester of pregnancy?

A. As a woman in the second trimester of pregnancy, it is important that you avoid undercooked or raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, raw seafood, deli meats (unless reheated), and high-mercury fish.

2. How is the second trimester different from the first trimester?

A. When you are more aware of the second trimester of pregnancy, you will learn that nausea and vomiting subsides, and your energy levels return to normal. Additionally, you can also feel your baby’s movements.

3. Is it safe to exercise during the second trimester of pregnancy?

A. Yes. It is always safe to indulge in moderate exercise unless your doctor has advised something else.

4. What are the common symptoms during the second trimester?

A. A woman in her second trimester of pregnancy commonly experiences symptoms like higher energy levels, an enlarged baby bump, light swelling, stretch marks, and skin changes.