You might be surprised, but the
second trimester of pregnancy is the easiest stage! Most of the pregnancy symptoms, including the horrible morning sickness, have vanished and you have
also passed the danger of miscarriages that are common in the first stage of
pregnancy.
It’s time now for outings and
enjoying the feeling of creating a life inside! The best thing about second
trimester of pregnancy is that you get back your energy and your sex drive. You
feel “normal” once again!
What Happens To Your Body?
During the second trimester of
pregnancy, your body increases in size. Your breasts enlarge further and
secrete colostrum. Your heart starts pumping harder and undergoes a slight
increase in size.
What Happens To Your Baby?
Your baby’s face has a defined nose,
chin, and forehead by now. Due to the development of facial muscles, she can
even smile! Fine hair starts growing all over your baby’s body. She has a
distinct set of fingerprints. Your baby is about 3 inches in length. She now
has her own identity and is no longer just a bunch of cells.
Problems
Although the second trimester of
pregnancy is relatively easier than the first trimester pregnancy and third
trimester pregnancy, there are certain problems that might show their face.
They are constipation, gas, and bleeding of gums.
Besides this, you may find it
extremely uncomfortable to sleep on your back. This is because the developing
fetus exerts pressure on your blood vessels. As there is no question of
sleeping on your belly, the best way to sleep is on your side with the support
of pillows. A dull backache may nudge you during this time, as your baby puts
pressure on your ligaments.
It is advised to go for a regular
testing of your urine to rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes,
which is common at this different stage of pregnancy. You might also notice
certain areas of your skin getting dark. Some of you might also feel dizzy at
times while some may observe a slight enlargement in the size of their feet due
to the expansion of ligaments.
Symptoms that require immediate
medical attention during this stage are vaginal bleeding, hypertension, weak
cervix, diabetes, high fever, blurred vision, and swelling of face and hands.
Premature labor is yet another issue to watch out for.
Precautions
You should avoid standing on your
feet for prolonged period of time. Take fiber rich food in order to stay away
from hemorrhoids. Be conscious of how you sit; your back should be straight.
The best thing about this stage is
you can eat what you like, as there is no problem of nausea now. Lots of
fibers, fresh vegetables and fruits, and low fat milk should be a part of your
diet. Papaya works wonders during acidity. The smartest thing to do right now
is ask your partner to drop those cigarettes and you can cut down on the number
of wine glasses.
The third trimester pregnancy period
is the toughest; hence, enjoy your second trimester of pregnancy as much as you
can!
