What Do I Need to Know and Do in My Second Trimester?
Welcome to the second trimester mumma. The nausea is hopefully easing and your energy is coming back. This is usually the most comfortable stretch of pregnancy. Here’s everything that matters right now, simply and honestly.
Here’s what we cover…
- Your Doctor Visits and Tests
- When to See Your Doctor Immediately
- Sleep and Exercise
- Managing Symptoms
- Your Wardrobe and Gear
- Your Emotions
Your Doctor Visits and Tests
Blood tests between weeks 15 and 20 You’ll be offered a blood test that checks the likelihood of certain conditions like spina bifida and Down syndrome. This is not a definitive diagnosis, it just gives your doctor a likelihood to work with. They’ll explain the results and help you decide what to do next.
The anatomy scan between weeks 18 and 20 This is an exciting one. A detailed one hour ultrasound that checks your baby’s growth and development from head to toe. Come with a full bladder so the technician can get clear images. If your bladder is empty you might be turned away or have to wait.
Gestational diabetes test around week 24 You’ll drink a very sweet liquid, wait an hour and have your blood drawn. This checks how your body is processing sugar. If results come back unusual, you’ll have a follow up test. If gestational diabetes is confirmed it’s usually managed through diet. It’s important to catch it because if left unmanaged it can cause complications.
The flu vaccine If you haven’t had it yet, get it now. Your immune system is more vulnerable during pregnancy and the vaccine is completely safe. Your baby will also inherit some of that protection after birth.
Pre-registering at your hospital If you’re planning a hospital birth, register in advance. Fill out your paperwork now so you’re not doing it in a rush on the big day. Take a tour of the maternity ward if you can because knowing where to go makes the big day much calmer.
Home birth If your pregnancy is low risk and you have no signs of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes you may be a candidate for a home birth. It’s not recommended if you have high blood pressure, are carrying more than one baby, had a previous C-section or had significant bleeding after a previous birth. Speak to your doctor about what’s right for you.
When to See Your Doctor Immediately
Sudden or severe swelling especially in your face Some swelling in hands and feet is normal. But sudden severe swelling, especially in the face combined with headaches or blurry vision needs immediate medical attention. These can be signs of preeclampsia which is serious.
A persistent headache that won’t go away Especially if it comes with blurry vision or pain in your upper abdomen. Call your doctor straight away.
Burning when you pee Could be a UTI. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. Your doctor will prescribe a safe antibiotic.
Unusual discharge Yellow or greenish discharge or an unusual smell needs to be checked.
A significant fall Your centre of gravity is shifting which makes you more unsteady than usual. A big fall needs to be reported to your doctor immediately.
Sleep and Exercise
Sleep on your left side From the second trimester onwards avoid sleeping flat on your back. The weight of your uterus can press on a major blood vessel and reduce blood flow to your baby. The left side is best. A thick pillow between your knees or a full body pregnancy pillow makes this much more comfortable. If you wake up on your back don’t panic, just roll back over.
Exercise You can continue most exercise with a few adjustments.
Swimming is wonderful. The weightlessness gives real relief to your joints and back.
Prenatal yoga helps with back pain, headaches, anxiety and breathlessness later in pregnancy. Find an experienced instructor.
Avoid high impact or contact sports, deep twists, lying on your tummy or any exercise that could impact your belly.
Always use the talk test. If you can hold a conversation you’re at the right pace. If you can’t catch your breath, slow down.
Safe sex Sex is completely safe during a low risk pregnancy right up until your water breaks or labour begins. Drink plenty of water and use the bathroom before and after to help prevent UTIs.
Managing Symptoms
Stuffy nose About 40 percent of pregnant women develop a blocked nose from hormone changes. It doesn’t come with cold or flu symptoms but just congestion. Try saline nose drops, a warm shower or sleeping with an extra pillow. Check with your doctor before using any cold medication.
Yeast infections Higher estrogen makes you more prone to these. Wear cotton underwear, shower instead of bath and sleep without underwear if comfortable. Tell your doctor if you notice unusual discharge or smell.
Heartburn and indigestion Eat small meals, avoid spicy and greasy food and stop eating a couple of hours before bed. Sleeping slightly propped up helps. Calcium based antacids are generally safe but do check with your doctor first.
Constipation Keep up your fibre and water intake. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains keep things moving.
Haemorrhoids Very common during pregnancy. Ice packs help. You can also make a simple soothing pad. Just dampen a maternity pad, add a few drops of witch hazel and freeze it. Check with your pharmacist before using any creams.
Leg cramps and restless legs Stay hydrated. Increasing your iron and folate through food or supplements helps with that jittery uncomfortable feeling in your legs at night. Stretch your legs immediately when cramps hit.
Headaches Low doses of paracetamol are generally safe. Always check with your doctor. For headaches that keep coming back try acupuncture, massage or meditation instead.
Your Wardrobe and Gear
Shoes Wear flat shoes with good grip and use handrails on stairs. The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments in your feet which can permanently increase your shoe size by half a size or even a full size. Don’t be surprised if your shoes start feeling tight.
Remove your rings now Swelling in your hands is common and rings can get stuck. Take them off before that happens.
Belly moisturiser Your skin is stretching rapidly on your belly, breasts, hips and thighs. Keep it well moisturised to help with the itching. Belly butters and body oils work beautifully.
Sunscreen Your skin is more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy and hormones can cause dark patches on your face. Wear SPF on exposed skin every day.
Compression socks If you notice visible veins on your legs, compression socks or tights can help. Avoid standing for long periods and put your feet up when you can.
A good pregnancy pillow A full body pregnancy pillow or a thick pillow between your knees makes a real difference to your sleep comfort from now on.
Nursery Second trimester energy is real. Use it to start setting up your baby’s room. Begin with the basics like a crib, a change table, storage for nappies, swaddle blankets and clothes.
Nursery painting Decorating is completely fine but avoid oil based paints and paint strippers. Choose low VOC or VOC free paints, keep windows open and take regular breaks.
Travel This is the sweet spot for a babymoon if you want one. Most women can fly until around weeks 34 to 36 but always check your airline’s policy before booking. And this is also a beautiful time for maternity photos.
Your Emotions
Prenatal depression Up to 23 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy, not just after. Persistent sadness, difficulty concentrating or anxiety that affects your daily life are all worth speaking to your doctor about. You don’t have to carry this alone. There are safe treatment options during pregnancy.
Gender disappointment (out of India) Finding out the sex of your baby can sometimes bring unexpected feelings if you’d hoped for something different. Give yourself grace. Those feelings are valid. Most mummas find they fall completely in love the moment they see that little face.
Baby brain Forgetfulness during pregnancy is a real symptom caused by hormones. Set reminders, write things down and be kind to yourself about it.
Birth anxiety and nightmares Vivid dreams and anxiety about birth and finances are very common. A warm bath, meditation or gentle prenatal yoga before bed helps.
Prenatal classes are really worth doing, they cover labour pain management, newborn care, swaddling and breastfeeding basics. Knowledge genuinely reduces anxiety.
A simple maternity leave budget during this trimester can also take the edge off financial worries.
Talking to your partner Now is a good time to start having conversations about life after the baby arrives like who handles night feeds, housework, whether you’ll co-sleep, your thoughts on sleep training. Having these conversations now makes the transition much smoother.
Weight gain You only need about 350 extra calories a day in the second trimester. Eat well, nourish yourself and go easy on the self-criticism. Your job right now is to grow a healthy human. That’s enough.
Baby names By now you can list out all the names you have for the baby
You’re doing so beautifully mumma. The second trimester is yours so enjoy every bit of it.