Welcome to your second trimester – the most comfortable one, as described by many women. This is the time when moms-to-be usually share the happy news with friends and family, and a little bump develops.
As you reach the middle of your pregnancy, you start wondering what to expect and want to be best prepared to carry your baby. Here is everything you need to know about the second trimester and how to have a comfortable and pleasant time.
When does the second trimester start?
The second trimester starts around week 14 of pregnancy and ends around week 27, which is about 14 weeks of the second trimester of pregnancy in total. It aligns with months 4, 5 and 6 of your pregnancy.
What causes morning sickness in the second trimester
Although women usually stop having morning sickness around week 9 of pregnancy, don’t worry if you still have it in the second trimester, as it’s totally normal!
Some women experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy, but it usually lessens over time. While it’s not the most pleasant experience, it is certainly worth it, given the beautiful human being you will be blessed with at the end of it.
Morning sickness tends to be more acute with each subsequent pregnancy, so that might be one of the causes. It can also be a result of low blood sugar or the rise in pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). It can be worsened by certain things, such as certain foods and smells, stress, and motion sickness.
There are things you can do to alleviate morning sickness symptoms, such as drinking mint and ginger tea, eating small amounts of food more frequently, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.
What happens to the baby in the second trimester
At the start of the second trimester, your baby is about the size of an avocado. This is the time when a lot of crucial developments happen.
At week 15, your baby starts to hear. Take the opportunity to talk and sing for them to become familiar with your voice, which can also be very soothing. You can also pre-buy a Musical Cot Mobile and play it while your baby is in your belly, so that they are getting used to nodding off to sleep to it. This will make nap time much easier once your baby is born. Plus, you won’t have to think about getting one later when you’re overwhelmed with other things.
By week 19, your baby will develop body hair and be able to blink their eyelids by week 26.
At week 22, the senses develop, such as smell and sight, and they will even be able to taste the foods you’re eating through the amniotic fluid. Researchers suggest that the food the mother eats during pregnancy can have an impact on the baby’s food preferences once they are born and into adulthood.
By the end of the second trimester, you will also be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat, and it will be a recognisable baby shape.
What to eat during the second trimester of pregnancy
A healthy, well-balanced diet is recommended throughout the entire pregnancy, as it will better support your baby’s development and growth.
During the second trimester, you may feel hungrier due to the many developments happening to your baby, so make sure you’re eating small amounts of food often.
Your body also needs a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, so it’s recommended that you take multivitamins.
Some of the most important nutrients to include in your diet are iron (spinach, red meat, beans), calcium (dairy, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt), Omega-3 fatty acids (chia seeds, fix, flaxseeds), protein (meat, eggs, legumes), and magnesium (nuts, seeds, bananas).
How to sleep while you’re pregnant in the second trimester
Sleep is extremely important during pregnancy. It helps you restore your body and promote the healthy development of your baby. Luckily, sleep during the second trimester is less interrupted by bathroom breaks.
The position you sleep in also has an impact on your baby, and the right positions vary depending on which trimester you’re in. For the second trimester, doctors recommend sleeping on your left side to best support your baby, and a pregnancy pillow can help you get more comfortable. Nevertheless, if you sleep on your right side occasionally, it’s not the end of the world, as there is no evidence that there will be any lasting issues.
How does stress affect pregnancy in the Second Trimester?
We all know that stress can have a negative impact on the mind and body. And when you’re pregnant, you need to be extra mindful of that.
Stress during pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure and preeclampsia, premature birth, or even miscarriage. Sometimes, the effects of prenatal stress on the baby can show up later in life. According to a recent study, there is a link between prenatal maternal stress and developing depression in adolescence.
Many things can cause stress to you: fear about your pregnancy, giving birth, and child bringing, major life changes, work-related stress, and even natural disasters.
While some of the things can’t be helped, it’s best to do whatever is in your power to combat them. Speaking to friends and family and even seeing a psychologist can help greatly. Resources on the topics you don’t feel prepared enough for can also be beneficial. For example, our How to Care for Your Newborn blog post gives you a great insight into looking after your newborn.
Focus on pleasant thoughts related to your baby and try to plan ahead to overcome the intrusive ones. Think about what baby carrier you’ll get for those lovely walks around the park or what theme the nursery will be. Customers love our Dreamy Cloud & Star Nursery Collection, and it’s ideal for both genders.
The second trimester is like the honeymoon of your pregnancy, so make sure you make the most of it and enjoy your sacred time with your baby in your belly while taking ultimate care of both of you.
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