Second Trimester Pregnancy

The second trimester of pregnancy is an exciting time in the life of any mother to be. As the baby continues to grow and develop, he or she will become more active, and the expectant mother will experience more movement, kicking, etc. Taking care of yourself and your baby is more important than ever as you reach this critical stage of pregnancy.

The second trimester comfort zone

Generally speaking, most women find the second trimester of their pregnancy the most comfortable. During the second trimester, many of the discomforts associated with a new pregnancy have subsided, and the aches and pains often experienced late in pregnancy have not yet occurred. That having been said, however, every woman will experience the second trimester differently. While most expectant mothers will see the nausea and insomnia of the first trimester subside as the second trimester starts, others will continue to experience these symptoms.

Changes during the second trimester

Most women begin to “show” by the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, with a pronounced bulge being evident for the first time. In addition the naval may begin to protrude a bit. This is perfectly normal. Due to the stretching of the muscles and ligaments, some women may experience an aching sensation in the stomach or groin. While most abdominal pain in the second trimester is due to normal stretching of the ligaments, it is important to report any abdominal pain to your physician.

Other second trimester changes

The second trimester is when most expectant mothers will feel their son or daughter move for the first time. This event is known as “quickening” and it is something no parent ever forgets. The second trimester is also known for the advent of those famous food cravings, so stock up on those pickles and ice cream now.

Common second trimester tests

Some of the most common prenatal tests take place in the second trimester of pregnancy, including ultrasound and amniocentesis to determine the health of the baby and glucose tolerance testing to check for the presence of gestational diabetes. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully to ensure a healthy start for your baby.