The Golden Period - AKA The Second Trimester
Entering your second trimester
Morning sickness paired with exhaustion and frequent urination could be a huge part of your daily life. While some symptoms you are experiencing might be unpleasant, the second you touch your expanding stomach - it all fades away.
A few flutters and light kicks might be headed your way, putting a smile on your face as you imagine meeting your baby for the first time. Now that you’ve hit week 14, some changes in your pregnancy symptoms and body are happening. You will have appointments to look forward to – and seeing your baby in 3D! Here’s what to expect in the second trimester.
Upcoming appointments
You’ve made changes to your daily routines to provide a great start for your bundle of joy. Continue to eat healthy, balanced meals and snacks. All the snacks. Drink plenty of water. Don’t forget to make time for exercise and self-care.
Most OB-GYNs, obstetrician-gynecologists, will see you once every four weeks during the second trimester, unless you need additional monitoring. During your routine appointments, your doctor will:
- Take your weight
- Check blood pressure
- Measure your stomach
- Discuss a basic birth plan
- Answer any questions you may have
- Use a fetal heart monitor to listen to your baby’s heartbeat
- Test urine samples to monitor signs of gestational diabetes
In addition to your routine OB-GYN appointments, you will schedule your glucose test to determine if you have gestational diabetes. You will also have your 20-week ultrasound – the anatomy scan. This is one that most mothers look forward to. Something about seeing your baby’s little hands and feet moving around adds to the pregnancy experience. During this ultrasound, the ultrasound tech will:
- Take measurements of your baby
- Determine sex (if you want to know)
- Determine the health of pregnancy (amniotic fluid levels and placenta)
- Look at the health of your baby and see if there are abnormalities or genetic markers
Second-trimester symptoms
Overall, mothers tend to say this is the most enjoyable trimester! It is because generally, morning sickness fades and you have the most energy. Of course, there may be some symptoms.
You can experience faster-growing nails, stomach itchiness due to your growing belly, and longer, fuller hair. Swelling in your hands and feet, hungry around the clock, breast tenderness, frequent urination. Don’t be concerned if you see changes in your skin. Darker skin (typically around your nipples, thighs, and armpits) is common. You may be hairy everywhere Yes! Even where you didn’t have hair before. Lines nigra – a dark line that will run from your belly button and to the pubic bone - may appear.
As you progress during your pregnancy, remember to enjoy yourself. As excited as you are to meet your newest love, take the time for self-care and make the most of your pregnancy. Take weekly bump pictures, date nights with your special someone, or spend your evenings curled up with your four-legged friend