Dos and Don'ts during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

 

Dos and Don'ts During the 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy

The second trimester of pregnancy is a time when many women will feel energized and well. You will become visibly pregnant, but you won’t be so heavy that getting around is difficult. This is also a time of rapid growth and development for your baby, and you may find yourself busy with health checks and planning for the birth.

The second trimester represents the middle part of your pregnancy, from weeks 13 to 26. For many women, one of the best things about this trimester is that nausea might begin to settle.

The Second Trimester: Changes to Your Body

The second trimester is the most physically enjoyable for most women. Morning sickness usually lessens by this time, and the extreme tiredness and breast tenderness usually ease up. These changes can be attributed to a decrease in levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone and an adjustment to the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones.

The following is a list of changes and symptoms that may happen during the second trimester:

• Appetite may increase.
• You may be able to feel the movement of the fetus for the first time around 20 weeks. This phenomenon is called quickening.
• The uterus grows to the height of the bellybutton around 20 weeks, making the pregnancy visible.
• The skin on the belly may itch as it grows, and there may be pain down the sides of the body as the uterus stretches. The lower stomach may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus.
• The need to urinate often may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder.
• Your nose may become congested, and you may experience nosebleeds. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and blood flow that affect the mucous membranes and blood vessels in the nose.
• Your gums become spongier and may bleed easily. This is due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth.
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear.
• You may have a white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. (A colored or bloody discharge may signal possible complications and should be examined immediately.)
• The increasing weight gain may cause backaches.
• Skin pigmentation may change on the face or abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones.
• Heart burn, indigestion and constipation may continue.

 

Things to do in the second trimester of pregnancy

 

1 Have visit to your doctor

2. Undergo second-trimester ultrasound tests

3. Eat a balanced diet

4. Eat frequent and small meals

5. Watch your weight

6. Visit to the dentist

7. Take pregnancy vitamins

8. Try to stay physically active

9. Plan a Vacation if you want

10. Try to have good sleep

11. Talk to your baby

12. Stay Happy

13. Buy Maternity Cloths

14. Use anti-stretchmark creams

 

 

 

1. Have visit to your doctor

If your pregnancy is going well, you should see your doctor once a month during the second trimester.

Bloody vaginal discharge or swelling of hands and face are occasions for an unscheduled visit to the doctor.

How often do you visit the doctor during your second trimester?

Recommended Schedule for a Healthy Pregnancy

Weeks 4 to 28: 1 prenatal visit a month.

Weeks 28 to 36: 1 prenatal visit every 2 weeks.

Weeks 36 to 40: 1 prenatal visit every week.

 

2. Undergo second-trimester ultrasound tests

• Ultrasound (weeks 18–20). The doctor will examine the placenta, the fetal anatomy, activity, growth rate, and blood circulation, as well as determine the amount of amniotic fluid and the length of the cervix.
• Blood tests (weeks 15–20, ideally 16–18) to check the markers of genetic conditions or birth defects.

If the results of the screening tests differ from the norm, the doctor will recommend an additional examination.

 

3. Eat a balanced diet

The period from conception up to the age of 2 years is the most important time for building a baby’s health, and a balanced diet is crucial for their growth and development.

• Protein is the main component of your diet that is necessary for fetal growth. Try to eat more meat, fish, and legumes.
• Calcium is important for your baby’s teeth and bones as well as for the correct development of her muscular and nervous systems.
• Iron helps blood carry oxygen to your baby. As this microelement is poorly absorbed, it is not always enough to eat foods rich in iron (e.g., lentils, spinach, and red meat). According to many studies, iron supplements can reduce the risk of anemia. However, only a doctor can prescribe them and determine the dosage.

 

 

4. Eat frequent and small meals

Some experts think eating smaller, more frequent meals (specifically, five or six mini meals instead of the old breakfast, lunch and dinner) can help alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, including nausea, gas, bloating, constipation, headaches and fatigue.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause heartburn and constipation. If it bothers you, try to eat small amounts of food more often. Include more fiber in your diet and drink plenty of liquids.

5. Watch your weight

Steady weight gain is an important indicator of a healthy pregnancy.

Weight gain is influenced by the course of pregnancy, the body type of the woman, and the size of the fetus. Your doctor will constantly monitor this parameter and give useful recommendations.

6. Visit to the dentist

It is very important to visit the dentist, even if you have never had problems with your teeth and gums before pregnancy.

The growing baby takes a large amount of calcium from your own stores, which can reduce the protective function of tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

Hormonal changes can make the gums more susceptible to infection and/or bleeding and swelling. 

If you notice any changes, consult your dentist — the second trimester is the safest time for dental treatment. 

 

7. Take pregnancy vitamins

Balanced nutrition is the best way to provide your body with everything it needs. However, it is not always possible to get enough vitamins with food alone.

Multivitamin complexes for pregnant women contain basic microelements and minerals in the necessary dosages.

Remember that only a doctor can prescribe medications. They will determine the duration of administration and assess the risk of side effects.

8. Try to stay physically active

Regular exercise during pregnancy can prevent complications during childbirth and reduce the risk of cesarean section.

If your pregnancy is progressing without complications, and the doctor allows training, exercising will help your body prepare for giving birth — and for recovery afterward.

Besides increasing energy levels and improving your blood circulation and endurance, exercise also contributes to the intensive delivery of oxygen to the baby, reducing the risk of various intrauterine complications.

Try to exercise regularly, but not for long periods at a time, and be sure to avoid dehydration and overheating.

The safest types of exercise for expectant mothers during this period include:

• swimming
• yoga
• walking      
  
  
  

9. Plan a Vacation if you want

Most likely, the fatigue and discomfort of the first trimester have passed, your belly is still small, and nothing prevents you from leading an active lifestyle.

If your pregnancy is going well, without complications, discuss travel plans with your doctor to determine whether the duration, route, and potential climate change of the trip will be safe for you.

If there are no medical contraindications, you can relax and plan your vacation.

 

10. Try to have good sleep

Hormonal fluctuations, mood changes, and the anxiety typical of all expectant mothers can be exhausting. Try to get enough sleep — at least 7–9 hours at night — and rest during the day as soon as you feel tired.

11. Talk to your baby

From approximately week 18, pay attention to what is happening in your tummy: most likely, you will feel the first stirring of your baby during this time.

This is how your little one will communicate with you: expressing joy, anxiety, and pleasure, and responding to your emotional state with active jolts or calmness.

Talk to your child, and you are likely to feel them respond.

If, at some point, it seems that your baby’s movements have changed (there are fewer or more of them), tell your doctor about it.

 

12. Stay Happy

From the moment you first suspect that you might be pregnant until the moment you’re holding your baby in your arms, it can seem like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. The lows of nausea can quickly climb to the high of hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time only to fade to another low of lower back pain. This constant ebb and flow of emotions can be exhausting. Pregnancy can be overwhelming, and if you’re struggling to feel your happiest, you’re certainly not alone. (You’re also not alone if you find pregnancy to be a happy time! There are plenty of women who enjoy this time in their life.)

 

13. Buy Maternity Cloths

Enjoy some shopping and buy special maternity clothing.
You are likely to feel uncomfortable in your regular outfits, and wearing them can slow down blood circulation, provoke heartburn, etc.

14. Use anti-stretchmark creams

Your tummy is growing, and your skin is stretching quickly. Collagen and elastin fibers are breaking, which may lead to stretch marks.

Each expectant mother has her own individual genetic predisposition to stretch marks, so it is difficult to prevent them. However, you can reduce the discomfort and unpleasant itching by moisturizing your skin frequently.

Special creams help to keep moisture in the upper layers of the skin, making it softer and more elastic. Apply them to your stomach, breasts, and hips.

 

Things to avoid in the second trimester of pregnancy

1. Consult to your Doctor before having medicine

2. Don’t take Stress

3. Don’t lie on your back for a long time

4. Don’t wear high heels

5. Don’t participate in dangerous sports

6. Don’t consume too much caffeine

7. Don’t smoke

8. Don’t drink alcohol

 

1.Consult to your Doctor before having medicine

Many drugs can easily pass through the placenta into the bloodstream of your baby. Therefore, before taking any medicine, you need to make sure it is safe and consult with your doctor.

2.Don’t take Stress

Even one of the happiest periods in your life can become complicated and stressful.

Of course, hormonal changes can often influence your emotions and reactions; you may also face difficult situations, but you should try to keep stress to a minimum.

Learn breathing and relaxation techniques.

Try to concentrate on something pleasant (for example, thinking about your baby), share your feelings with your relatives and your doctor, and learn to control your emotions and thoughts. Remember to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

3.Don’t lie on your back for a long time

In the second trimester, expectant mothers are cautioned to avoid lying on their backs for a long time. The uterus is already quite large and can put pressure on the spine and the major blood vessels in the area.

Squeezing such an important vessel as the inferior vena cava automatically reduces the blood flow to the heart. This can make the baby suffer, too, as the little one will not get enough oxygen from the mother.

Try to lie more on your left side: this position is considered the most favorable.

Your baby will help you to find a comfortable position — just pay attention to his reactions.

4.Don’t wear high heels

As your pregnancy progresses, you will have to give up high-heeled shoes.

First, it is important for you: your spine is continuously adapting to the increasing pressure, and uncomfortable footwear worsens it, changes the support point of the whole body, and affects the ligaments of the ankle joint.

In addition, wearing stiletto heels can change the position of the uterus, which will be uncomfortable for the baby.

If you are not ready to completely forget about your favorite shoes, try to choose those with a steady, wide heel no higher than 2 in (5 cm).

5.Don’t participate in dangerous sports

You are already aware of the benefits of an active lifestyle during pregnancy, but you need to know where to draw the line.

Do not exhaust your body with intense and frequent training. This sort of stress can impede blood flow to the placenta and reduce the oxygen supply to your baby.

During pregnancy, you should also give up high-risk sports that could cause trauma to your abdomen.

 

6.Don’t consume too much caffeine

Caffeine can pass through the placenta to the baby and increase his heart rate. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to drink no more than 1–2 cups of coffee a day.

7.Don’t smoke

Active and passive smoking during pregnancy, as well as chewing tobacco, impedes fetal growth and leads to an increased risk of premature birth.

To help protect your baby, ask your friends and relatives to avoid smoking in your presence.

8.Don’t drink alcohol

Alcohol easily passes through the placental barrier into the bloodstream of the baby. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can disrupt the intellectual and psychological development of the baby, as it primarily affects brain structures, and it increases the risk of premature birth.