The second trimester lasts from week 14 to 27, that is, the fourth, fifth, and sixth month of pregnancy. It is an exciting and stressful experience in a woman’s life. There are various emotions and information that flood your mind. It is always beneficial to prepare and educate in advance before starting the motherhood journey. So that you can manage and understand this phase and time in a much efficient manner. 

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience in a woman’s life. The thought of carrying a life inside your body fills you with lots of emotions. Nevertheless, these 9 months are filled with lots of excitement but undeniably they are tough. Pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride of mood swings, back pain, swelling in the feet, cravings, and much more. Also, a mother for the first time is full of challenges owing to the absence of help and guidance. 

What Is The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy?

The pregnancy lasts up to 40 weeks and is divided into three periods of time: the first, second, and third trimester. Each trimester lasts for up to 14 weeks long. When you get into the second trimester you are 14 weeks pregnant. This trimester lasts from week 14 to the end of week 27. 

For many people morning sickness from the first trimester disappears. The fetus continues to develop in this trimester thus adding weight and taking on the features of a newborn child. You would need to go for an ultrasound during this trimester to ensure the fetus is developing in the right way. 

How Does The Baby Develop In The Second Trimester?

In the second trimester, the fetus starts growing more like a child with its facial features aligning, and its fingers and toes getting well-defined. By the end of the fourth month, the fetus will have eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair. At this time you can even feel the fetus moving, explained as butterflies in the stomach, this first movement is called quickening. 

Symptoms of the second trimester

These symptoms are noticeable while entering the next 13 weeks of the pregnancy.

Declined morning sickness

By arriving at the second trimester morning sickness fades away that you were experiencing during the first trimester fades away. The appetite and energy levels return by the second trimester. But nausea could last for a few more weeks into the second trimester. Hence, regular water intake is necessary.

Shortness of breath

With an expanding uterus and heart working harder, shortness of breath can be noticeable in many women during their second trimester.

Boost in energy levels

The energy levels return that might be lacking in the first trimester. Moving out for at least 30 minutes in a day-to-day activity like walking, joining an exercise class, or swimming would help release fatigue. Be cautious of not bumping, injuring, or falling on your belly. Take medical advice for your excersise.

Diminishing headaches 

Mild headaches are normal but not typically frequent in the second trimester. This happens due to the opening of blood vessels to circulate blood to the uterus as much as possible. Headaches are more common in the first trimester due to an increase in blood volume and the surge of hormones. By 12 to 15 weeks the body will get used to increased flow of blood and headaches would decrease subsequently. 

Pelvic Pain

The ligaments in a woman’s body stretch and loosen as the baby gets heavier thus the muscle supporting the weight has to work harder. You may start feeling back, hip, and pelvic discomfort or pain in the second trimester of pregnancy. 

Ligament Pain

As the uterus expands the ligaments in the midsection stretch and pull to support the uterus. This can cause discomfort on any side of the lower abdomen and can even feel like cramping stabbing pain or a dull ache. Minor pain is expected, if you ever feel extreme pain or bleeding consult the care team instantly. 

Baby Bump

Reaching to the 2oth week the uterus would be near to the belly button, depending on the body shape the woman might start to see a prominent baby bump. 

Bleeding 

Light bleeding or spotting is normal in the second trimester. But in case any heavier bleeding or spotting with abdominal pain or passing pieces of tissues is witnessed, then immediately book consultation with the fertility specialist. 

What Is The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy Care?

There are various things you may think during your second trimester of pregnancy to prepare for childbirth. Many of these things are different ways your child should be born- 

A few ways the baby can be born are-

● Vaginal birth-this can be medicated or unmedicated, to lower the pain medication can help decrease the pain

● Assisted birth forceps or a vacuum is needed to help with delivery 

● Cesarean section C-section

You can learn through your research regarding these types of birth or you can even consult the doctor for more clarity. Ask your healthcare provider for more knowledge and information. From the beginning of the pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try to exercise for 20 minutes every day, as it is good for you and your developing fetus. Also constantly be in touch with your healthcare provider for further assistance. 

When Should You Consult The Doctor?

If you ever feel that you’re not feeling well then you must quickly reach your healthcare professional. You should call the healthcare provider whenever you have-

● Unusual or severe cramping or abdominal pain

● Visible changes like how the fetus moves

● Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath that can get worse over time

You must also visit the doctor if you experience any signs of premature labor. The signs are as follows-

● Insignificant tightening or pain in the lower abdomen or back that happens more than four times in an hour.

● Bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy

● Pressure in the pelvis or vagina 

● Fluid leakage, we need to differentate between leakage and normal vaginal discharge

Conclusion 

Pregnancy is one of the best experiences of womanhood but exhausting at the same time. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters-first, second, and third. The second trimester is when the laziness, nausea, and bloating lessened. There are many things that you need to keep in mind before and after getting pregnant. If you have any issues or queries related to fertility or pregnancy. Then, book your consultation with Benison IVF and Healthcare Clinic and get solutions to all your infertility issues.