Second Trimester Guidelines: Every Expecting Mother Needs to Know

The second trimester chart of pregnancy extends from Week 14 to Week 27, after the first trimester chart spanning to 13 weeks. To learn more about the first trimester, check out our blog “First Trimester Safety Tips: How to Protect Yourself and Your Baby.” Trimester 2 is often referred to as the Golden period or the Honeymoon period of the pregnancy because the discomfort of the first trimester typically comes to an end during this time.

MOVEMENTS OF THE FETUS DURING THE SECOND TRIMESTER

The baby’s body now looks like a miniature human being. They start developing:

• A tiny spine, head, hands, arms, and legs.
• The baby is around 5 inches long and weighs about 50 grams. By the end of the second trimester, the fetus grows to 12 to 14 inches and weighs around 1 kg.
• During this period, the heart starts functioning, the fingers begin to develop with nails and wrists. They also start sucking their thumb.
• Babies are sensitive to sound and begin responding by the 24th week of pregnancy. As they are wrapped in amniotic fluid and covered under the blanket of abdomen fat of the mother, the voice isn’t clear. However, they respond by increasing their heartbeat.
• From the 16th week to the 24th week of pregnancy, if the mother’s womb is touched, the baby tends to kick as they start seeing.
• The baby swallows their amniotic fluid and also pees into it, which irritates the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.

So, during the first pregnancy, the mother tends to see evident movements by 20 weeks, but in subsequent pregnancies, they might feel the movements a little earlier.

CHANGES IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER

First-trimester problems like nausea, vomiting, altered tastes and fatigue start to settle. The mother’s appetite gets better and gains weight. 

• Weight: Research shows that approximately 80% of women lose weight during the first three months of pregnancy. Last trimester weight gain tends to stabilize by the fourth month, and from the fifth month onwards, most women gain about 2 to 2.5 kg per month.
• Baby Bump: This is also the time the baby bounce starts appearing. For women with a leaner physique, the bump may appear around the fifth month. For women with a higher body weight, the baby bump might take longer to become noticeable.
• Breasts: During the second trimester, the breasts grow larger and become more sensitive. The areolas may darken, and stretch marks can develop due to the rapid changes in breast size.
• Skin: Hormonal changes can cause various skin pigmentation issues. Many women experience darkening of the skin, a condition known as chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy.” A dark vertical line called the linea nigra, often appears from the navel to the pubic area. Increased pigmentation can also occur in the armpits and inner thighs.

MUST DO’S AND DON’TS DURING THE SECOND TRIMESTER

DO’S

The body undergoes numerous physical changes during the second trimester, including:

• Stretch Marks: The amount of stretch marks a woman develops depends upon the size of the baby and the skin type of the mother. No fancy creams or oils work for these natural marks. Instead, the basic coconut oil or natural ghee.
• Nasal Stuffiness or Bleeding: Because of hormonal imbalances, nasal bleeding or stuffiness on the inner lining of the nose. Steam or gargles use saline drops or saline inhalers.
• Dental Checkup: Visiting the dentist once during pregnancy should be in the schedule. Dental infections are one of the reasons for premature labor pains. Dental bleeding or bleeding from gums is common during pregnancy. So, flossing or cleaning after every meal is important.
• Physical Exercise: Evening leg cramps are noticed during this trimester. Hence, walking, wearing comfortable shoes, taking a hot shower at night, and leg stretches are recommended.

DON’TS

During this trimester, the mother goes through a lot of physical pain but there are remedies for every cause.

• Back Pains: Back pains occur as the pressure of the uterus develops. Simple remedies like being active, walking, carrying pregnancy pillows while sleeping, and taking vitamin D supplements can cure the pain.
• Round Ligament Pain: The two ligaments that put the uterus in place so that it doesn’t wobble front or back. As the baby grows, the uterus grows and stretches the ligaments to accommodate the growing uterus. Taking rest can relieve the pain.
• Vaginal Discharge: In case the discharge tends to be green or any other color, visit your Gynecologist immediately. But, general vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

The second trimester is often considered the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy—a time to truly celebrate the journey to motherhood. It’s important to take care of your health, keep up with regular doctor visits, and savor every moment of this special time.

At Lotus Hospitals, our dedicated team of gynecologists and obstetricians prioritize your health and well-being above all else. Experience exceptional maternity care and embrace your pregnancy journey with confidence, knowing that our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.

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