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First Trimester | Second Trimester | Third Trimester
The second trimester is when you will begin “showing” your pregnancy. This is an
exciting time as you see and feel the fetus changing and growing as well as
watching your own body change. For many women, this is the most enjoyable phase
of pregnancy. You will enjoy a sense of well-being and an increased level of
energy. As you prepare for the birth of your baby, you will find that you get
excited and involved in decorating the baby’s room, shopping for baby items, and
just experiencing the incredible things that are transpiring.
Because your heart is now larger and your body is under tremendous change, it is
vital that you eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get lots of rest.
You may experience heartburn as the growth of the fetus presses up against your
organs. During this time, you might also experience constipation. In most cases,
eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber will help with both of these
symptoms. If you do not find relief, talk to your doctor to see what
alternatives you have.
You will generally gain between 10 and 14 pounds during the second trimester,
and the fetus itself will gain two of those pounds. The placenta will take over
production of hormones needed by the fetus, and as a result, you will begin to
feel better as the hormones level off. As soon as you feel more energetic and
better overall, you will be enabled to enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest as a
new round of changes is just around the corner.
Typically, a sonogram will be performed if you have not yet had one. This will
allow the doctor to check on the fetus’ development. If you want to know the sex
of the baby, the fetus will probably be developed enough to tell. In the past
few years, a new type of sonogram has been developed called the “3D Sonogram.”
This amazing technology breakthrough now provides parents with a unique 3D
picture of the fetus that shows every feature in clear form.
One of the most exciting moments of the second trimester will be when you first
feel the fetus move. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not even associate
the fluttering or bubbling feeling in your abdomen as movement whereas if you
have had prior pregnancies, you will quickly know when your fetus is moving.
Specific symptoms can be associated with this trimester. Some women experience
one of these symptoms while other women experience all of them.
• Backaches - Usually mild and located in the lower area of the back due to the
increased weight on your spine
• Fuzziness – Thinking changes occur such as forgetfulness, difficulty in
concentrating on details, and an increased chance of misplacing things like the
car keys
• Weight Gain – This is the classic symptom that is most noticeable. Enjoy the
added attention you will get from friends and family. If the weight gain is
making you feel ambivalent, buy yourself something nice or new maternity clothes
to bolster yourself as your waistline disappears
• Leg Discomfort – This may appear due to the increased weight and the shift in
your center of gravity. Varicose veins may also show. Try to be as comfortable
as possible, wearing low-heeled shoes and putting your feet up whenever
possible.
• Minor Symptoms – Might include bleeding gums, nasal congestion, heartburn, and
bloating. As the second trimester nears completion, you may experience mood
swings and find that you overreact or cry easily in certain situations.
The fetus will grow in size very rapidly during the second trimester and you
will soon be able to distinguish between feet and hands as the fetus moves and
presses against you while kicking and stretching.
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