Most pregnant women find the second trimester of pregnancy as the most enjoyable part of pregnancy. There are certain symptoms that you will notice during this stage of pregnancy. There are ways to relieve you from these symptoms. This stage of pregnancy often brings a renewed feeling of well being. In this period, there are no more nausea and your abdominal organs will perform properly again. There are a lot of physical changes during this period. There will b significant changes you will notice from your toes to your head during the second trimester. Here are some of the things you must expect during the second trimester:
Large Breasts
The glands that produces milk in your breast grows larger because of the estrogen and the progesterone during the second trimester. Additional fat may also make your breast grow bigger, the tenderness of your breast during the first trimester will continue in this period and nipple tenderness will continue for the entire pregnancy.
Growing Belly
Your uterus will expand for your growing baby. This means you abdomen will also expand during the second trimester. You will probably gain 3 o 4 pounds every month starting from your second trimester until the day of the delivery.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
you might feel contractions with your uterus, this is when your uterus is preparing for the delivery. This is called the Braxton Hicks Contractions. These are just weak contractions that unexpectedly come and go. If the contractions become painful, then you must approach your health care provider immediately.
Skin Changes
your skin color may change due to the fast circulation of blood in your skin. Parts of your face, the skin surrounding your nipples, and the line from your navel through your pubic bone may darken during this period.
Stretch Marks
During the second trimester, stretch marks may appear in some parts of your body like the buttocks, thighs, breasts, abdomen, upper arms, and your abdomen. These stretch marks may get itchy. You can moisturize these stretch marks to keep it from itching.
Nasal and Gum Problems
the increase in blood circulation during the second trimester will make your nose and airway swell due to the blood that will flow through your mucous membranes. This will lead to nasal and gum problems such as snoring, nosebleeds, and congestion.
Dizziness
Pregnancy hormones causes your blood vessels to dilate. This will cause your blood pressure to fall causing dizziness. The best thing to do to remedy dizziness is to drink a lot of fluid and stand slowly from lying or sitting down.
Leg Cramps
Pregnant usually experience leg cramps during the night in the second trimester of pregnancy. The best thing to do to avoid leg cramps is by stretching your calf muscles before you go to sleep at night. It would also be good to have physical activities and have a lot of fluid intakes.
Shortness of Breath
to have proper blood circulation for you and your baby, your lungs will be exerting more effort. This will give you a feeling of having shortness of breath.
Vaginal Discharges
There will be a white, thin vaginal fluid that will be discharged from your uterus. This will make sure that your uterus is free from any bacteria or yeast; you can wear panty liners to make yourself feel more comfortable.
Bladder and Kidney Infections
the risk of having a bladder and kidney infection will increase due to the slow flow of urine and expanding uterus. If you feel any burning infection in your uterus, if you have fever, or any abdominal pain then contact your health care provider immediately.
Emotions
Pregnancy is not all biological; it may also get pretty emotional. During the second trimester, you will be more energetic to take on more activities like making a home for your child. Do as much activities as you can while you still feel this energetic.
