Heading into your second trimester of pregnancy or wondering what it will be like when you are pregnant? Here's what to expect.
The second trimester spans from weeks 13 to 28. A full-term pregnancy generally lasts about 40 weeks, which is counted from the first day of your last normal period.
For many people, the second trimester is easier than the first. Morning sickness and fatigue have stopped, and generally you'll feel more energetic and more like you did before you got pregnant.
You may experience some (or all) of the following changes during the second trimester.
Breasts:
• They'll continue to develop milk glands and grow but will feel less tender.
• Skin on and around nipples may darken.
• Small glands will release an oily substance to keep the nipples from drying out.
• A yellowish fluid (colostrum) may begin leaking.
Skin:
• Stretch marks are caused by your growing belly. If possible, meet your doctor's recommended weight goals to minimize them. They often fade after pregnancy. Moisturize to relieve itchy skin.
• Wear strong sunscreen because of increased sun sensitivity.
• A dark line can form down the middle of your belly from your navel to your pubic hair.
• Patches of darkened skin on your face may form.
Body:
• Leg pains and cramping. To help, sleep on your side. Contact your health care provider right away if one leg becomes painful and swollen. Your provider may check for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Swelling in your ankles, hands and face.
• Back, pelvis and hip aches. This happens from the stress of your growing belly and hormones that relax ligaments to prepare you for childbirth.
• Loose teeth or bleeding/swelling gums. Loose teeth may occur because of relaxed ligaments in your mouth. They return to normal after pregnancy. If you have bleeding or swelling in your gums, see your dentist to check for periodontal disease. It can be risky for your developing baby.
• Mild stomach pain and cramping from your growing uterus.
• Heartburn.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be caused by hormones and the growing uterus preventing your bladder from emptying completely. Check with your health care provider; untreated UTIs can cause early labor.
• Irregular contractions (Braxton Hicks) that go away quickly. If contractions become regular, painful and persistent, contact your health care provider right away or visit the emergency department.
Changes in your baby
• The baby grows from about 6 inches and 4 ounces to about 14 inches and 2¼ pounds.
• Although the baby has always been moving, you'll feel its movements more often.
• Near the end of your second trimester, you may notice the baby's sleep and waking cycles.
• In the middle of this phase, the baby's sex should be clear from an ultrasound.
• By the end of the second trimester, the baby has an active digestive system, air sacs forming in the lungs and a rapidly developing brain.
Get ready!
Your Watson Clinic
OB-GYN can enlighten you on the various changes you can expect during each phase of your pregnancy. Call 863-680-7243 to schedule an appointment.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Pregnancy Association; Office on Women's Health