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Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Simple Tips for Moms-to-Be

Simple do’s & don’ts for the 2nd trimester

The second trimester is considered a relatively more comfortable phase in pregnancy for expectant moms. But it is best to take some basic precautions that ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

A healthy pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks. The second trimester is from week 13 to week 28 and for most women it is considered as the most comfortable period of pregnancy.  The discomfort which you experience in the first trimester of pregnancy, i.e. nausea and fatigue, tend to lessen during the second trimester. This is the period when you really start “feeling pregnant”.

       During the second trimester your body goes through several changes, which include the following:

  1. The expansion of the uterus, due to which your abdomen starts to appear bigger. You experience weight gain.
  2. Experiencing light headedness due to lower blood pressure.
  3. The movement of the baby: The organs of the fetus are fully developed; it starts moving, can hear and develops a sleep cycle.
  4. Your appetite increases.
  5. Stretch marks start appearing. Skin colour changes around the stomach.
  6. Your ankles and hands might swell.
  7. There might be itching.
  8. You might start feeling pain in your abdomen, back, thighs and also sometimes in the groin
  9. You might feel an internal pressure because of which sometimes you feel shortness of breath

These are fairly normal changes that shouldn’t worry you much at all.

Things to do in your second trimester

To have a healthy pregnancy, would-be moms should pay special attention to various things like their food, sleep, rest, medication etc. Here are a few simple and essential tips for pregnant women to follow:

  1. Take your vitamins regularly: you may or may not need vitamin supplements. Check with your doctor if you really need supplements, as generally a regular intake of vegetables and fruits should provide an adequate supply of all essential vitamins and minerals.
  2. Keep yourself active with appropriate exercise, which can include yoga, swimming, walking, pilates etc. Do take care to ensure you do not overstretch yourself.
  3. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, rich in protein, calcium, iron, with frequent and small meals. Consult with a dietitian / nutritionist who has experience in guiding women during pregnancy for a healthy diet.
  4. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of water.
  5. Have positive thoughts and stay stress free. Emotional wellness is crucial for both the pregnant mother as well as the baby.

Things to avoid during pregnancy

These tips are not limited to the second trimester but are applicable generally throughout pregnancy.

  1. Alcohol – It goes into the bloodstream of the baby and affects its intellectual growth. Some people mention that it is acceptable to have an occasional glass of wine during pregnancy, but we strongly recommend completely avoiding alcohol.
  2. Smoking – Smoking, whether active or passive, impedes the growth of the fetus.
  3. Caffeine – It passes to the baby through the placenta.
  4. Stress
  5. Raw sprouts
  6. Unpasteurized milk
  7. Medicines without your doctor’s prescription
  8. High heels – stilettos might affect the position of the uterus, which will thereby cause discomfort for the baby.

Apart from these, avoid lying on your back for a long time. Don’t indulge in strenuous activities or exercises or adventures of any sort that would jeopardize your and your baby’s health. To reduce exhaustion, try to sleep a little early and take afternoon naps, if possible.

If you experience any cramps similar to the menstrual cramps, severe lower back pain, dizziness, dim or double vision, no fetal movement for 12 hours, bleeding or spotting, severe headache, change in the vaginal discharge or rush of vaginal fluid (which might be indicative of premature labour) call your doctor immediately.

You can also refer to this article to know about the second trimester woes i.e. the common problems and challenges that women experience during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Interested in reading more pregnancy and maternity tips?

You will find a collection of articles here on pregnancy diet and nutrition, exercise & fitness during and post pregnancy, emotional wellness and more. Check out a few from the list below:

1.Pregnancy woes- common second trimester issues and problems.

2. Pregnancy worries: first-trimester woes.

3. Pregnancy nutrition dos and Don’ts.

4. Ways to zen out during pregnancy.

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