How To Remain Chill And Enjoy Your Pregnancy: Second Trimester
Now that you have survived the first trimester, let’s move on to the 2nd trimester.
Most people regard this period as the ‘honeymoon’ part of pregnancy. You will gain some of your energy back, finally be able to tell people you are expecting, and hopefully some of the morning sickness symptoms have subsided, while your tummy is not too big yet.
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| I was about 15 weeks here. Loved that lil bulge! |
During the second trimester, you’ll start to feel your baby move!
I started feeling Lauren’s little taps around 14 weeks, though I’ve known others to feel their baby earlier and later than that. To me, this was very exciting. I felt the full on kicks by week 22. It was so fun to feel her move around, and remember to get your partner to feel it too.
I started feeling Lauren’s little taps around 14 weeks, though I’ve known others to feel their baby earlier and later than that. To me, this was very exciting. I felt the full on kicks by week 22. It was so fun to feel her move around, and remember to get your partner to feel it too.
You will also feel a lot of baby’s hiccups and it gets really bad during the third. It feels like a series of little rhythmic movements that goes on for a while. But there is no need to worry. Not only it is normal, it is sign of a healthy baby. Hiccups are common in newborn babies, too, so after you give birth, don’t be surprised if your little bub hiccups occasionally.
Shopping
You’ll start to get a little more of a baby belly during this time. The size of that bulging belly depends on your body frame and number of pregnancies you’ve had. I got my baby belly rather early around the 10th week. But the rest of my body was still skinny. I only got offered seats on public transport after 14 weeks. Prior to that, they probably thought I just had a BIG meal. Start shopping for maternity clothes now. I got mine cheaply from H&M and ASOS Maternity.
Take the time now to start planning for your baby’s arrival. Find out when is the next baby fair near you. If you are in Singapore, a good site to keep track is this one. Not only will you find all your baby needs in one place, there are usually good bundle deals to be found.
Maybe it’s just me but I also found seeing another expecting mother was rather nice. It feels almost like a sisterhood was formed when you caught each other’s eyes and checking out each other’s belly, and followed with a smile that say, ‘Congrats and all the best’.
Body Changes and Symptoms
Nose Congestion
I had bouts of runny nose and nose congestion during this time. This is very common and caused by hormonal changes. I snored for the first time at night too. Tell your partner to just bear with it. It will stop once you’ve given birth. These changes may also make your nose bleed more easily. Tell your doctor about it and he/she will prescribe pregnancy safe decongestant or antihistamine. You can also try using a humidifier to keep the air moist.
Backache.
The extra weight you’ve gained in the last few months is starting to put pressure on your back, making it achy and sore. To ease the pressure, sit up straight and use a chair that provides good back support. Sleep on your side with a pillow tucked between your legs. Avoid picking up or carrying anything heavy. Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes.
Spider and varicose veins.
I suffered from ugly varicose veinsthroughout my pregnancy. It just got worse and towards the end of my pregnancy it got itchy too. This is caused by excess blood flow into tiny blood veins and pressure on your legs from growing baby can also slow blood flow to our lower body, causing the veins in legs to become swollen and purple. For more information about treating varicose veins, visit http://www.specialistveincare.com.au/
You can prevent them from getting worse by getting up and moving throughout the day and propping up your legs on a stool whenever you have to sit for long periods of time. Mine miraculously disappear the very next day after I gave birth, so don’t worry too much about it.
Bleeding gums
About half of pregnant women develop swollen, tender gums. Hormone changes are sending more blood to your gums, making them more sensitive and causing them to bleed more easily. Your gums should go back to normal after your baby is born. In the meantime, use a softer toothbrush and be gentle when you floss, but don’t skimp on dental hygiene.
Luscious Hair
Pregnancy hormones can boost hair growth. Your hair will become thicker. But it doesn’t just stop at hair on your head. You may be seeing hair in places you never had it before, including your face, arms, and back. Plucking and shaving are your safest bets right now. Laser hair removal, electrolysis, waxing, or depilatories are generally not recommended during pregnancy.
Heartburn and Constipation
To relieve heartburn, try eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day and avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods. For constipation, get more fiber, eat fruits which names start with P (prunes, papaya, pear) and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly.
Weight gain.
Morning sickness usually diminishes by the end of the first trimester. After that, your appetite should return, and will probably grow. Although food is looking much more appetizing, be aware of how much you’re eating. You only need about an extra 300 to 500 calories a day during the second trimester, and you should be gaining about 1 to 2kg per week.
Taking Care of yourself
As always, take time to care for yourself. Keep taking those prenatal vitamins, drinking LOTS of water, and eating well. It really will make you feel better.
If you can afford it, get a prenatal massage. There are a few spas in Singapore that offers these. Make sure to consult your doctor prior to getting one though I never got one, but from what I’ve heard they are amazing.
You can find the third part of this Enjoy Your Pregnancy Series here.
You can find the third part of this Enjoy Your Pregnancy Series here.
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HELLO! I’M MICHELLE.
I love my family, building successful ventures and helping others achieve their dream motherhood. This blog combines those three loves.
Find out more about me here.
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