Marriage and Family Blog: Your Second Trimester of Pregnancy

The second trimester of pregnancy is normally from the fourth month to the sixth month. It is commonly referred to as the honeymoon period of the pregnancy cycle because the troubles associated with the first trimester are behind you, and it is relatively smooth with no serious issues to deal with.

Feelings in the stomach

In the second trimester, many women are fortunate enough to be rid of morning sickness. There may be some discomfort related to the growth of your baby as the tummy enlarges, but this can be handles by taking lots of rest. You may be able to feel your child’s heart beat and in some cases even feel the baby kick or move around in the belly. Sometimes you will feel some funny blips in the stomach as your baby hiccups, these movements by the baby are a normal sign of a healthy growth.

Beautiful hair

Many women get an increase in hair growth during pregnancy, and it comes out thick and healthy. However, the hair growth may also be triggered in certain places that you are unfamiliar with experiencing hair growth in, such as you face and back. This is a result of hormonal changes and should not alarm you.

Beautiful skin or not

Many women project a healthy glow during pregnancy with beautiful skin. In other cases, the skin has problems such as pigmentation, acne and sensitivity to the sun. Ensure you apply a good sunscreen of SPF 30 and above and avoid using face creams to deal with any acne or pigmentation issues as the situation will work itself out when you deliver the baby or as you approach your delivery date.

Change of shape

Your waistline will expand to the point that you need to invest in loose clothing. You will have gained some weight- at most 22 pounds due to the fact that you are carrying another growing being in your womb. The expansion of your body will result in certain pregnancy issues such as stretch marks on the belly, flanks and breasts. This occurs when the size of your body increases causing the skin to stretch resulting in stretch marks.

Properly moisturizing your body with baby oil or cocoa butter lotion helps to decrease the appearance of stretch marks on your body. You should also keep your body well hydrated by taking lots of water and also eating a well balanced diet. Eat antioxidant rich foods such as berries, fruits and vegetables. Take vitamin E rich foods such as nuts, and vitamin A- rich foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots. Take omega 3 rich foods such as oily fish and eggs to help keep your skin properly lubricated from the inside-out.

Shortness of breath

You may end up getting short of breath when you exert yourself-even in a mild way. This is due to the growth of the baby resulting in an extended abdomen, and crowding your lungs and rib cage. This means there will be a change in the air flow that you are used to, but you will be able to adjust by taking it easy and avoiding any unnecessary physical exertions.

Varicose veins

This will happen as the body generates additional fluid and circulation so as to supply the baby with all the body fluids it needs. Keep your feet up, take frequent walks, wear supportive hosiery and get relaxing foot massages to deal with varicose veins and sore ankles.

Tender gums and nose bleeds

Many women suffer from swollen, tender and bleeding gums. This is due to the change in hormones that cause a rush of blood to the gums that may cause them to be unusually sensitive. This causes the gums to bleed easily. Hormonal changes can also cause the swelling of the mucus membrane in the nose. This will cause a stuffy nose, and in severe cases end up in nose bleeds.

You can combat these changes by using soft brushes, using saline drops on your stuffed nose or using a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist.

Backaches

The growing baby may create some extra pressure on your back that will end up making you sore, especially on the lower point of your back. You will be uncomfortable seating in certain chairs, or sleeping in certain positions.

You can use a pillow to support your back when you sleep or sit down. Sit in chairs capable of providing you with enough back support. Get a good back massage to relieve the pain.

Vaginal discharge

Expect some body discharge that is thin and milky white in color. Any other color or consistency may indicate a urinary tract infection or other complications, and you should consult your doctor for advice.

These are some of the changes you can expect in your second trimester. If you feel uncomfortable about a certain issue occurring in your body, consult your doctor for advice.

Originally posted 2013-08-26 22:14:43.

The post Your Second Trimester of Pregnancy appeared first on ParentsNeed.