Second Trimester: The Next Step of Your Pregnancy

From our friends at Adventist Health Portland:

Heading into your second trimester of pregnancy? Here’s what to expect.

“For many, the second trimester is easier than the first,” says Nicole Fennimore, MD, Adventist Health Portland OB/GYN. “Morning sickness and fatigue have passed, and you’ll feel more energetic.”

Your changing body

You may experience some of the following changes during the second trimester.

• Breast changes: Your breasts will continue to develop milk glands and grow but will feel less tender. The skin on and around nipples may darken, and small glands will release an oily substance to keep the nipples from drying out.
• Skin changes: Stretch marks are caused by your growing belly.
• Leg pains and cramping: To help with leg pain, sleep on your side. “Contact your health care provider right away if one leg becomes painful and swollen,” says Dr. Fennimore. “Your provider may check for deep vein thrombosis — also known as a blood clot.”
• Swelling in your ankles, hands and face: Wear loose, slip-on shoes to keep your feet and ankles comfortable.
• Back, pelvis and hip aches: This happens from the stress of your growing belly and hormones that relax ligaments to prepare you for childbirth.
• Loose teeth or bleeding/swelling gums: Loose teeth may occur because of relaxed ligaments in your mouth. If you have bleeding or swelling in your gums, see your dentist to check for periodontal disease. It can be risky for you and your developing baby.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These can be caused by hormones and the growing uterus preventing your bladder from emptying completely. Check with your provider; untreated UTIs can cause early labor.
• Irregular contractions (Braxton Hicks) that go away quickly: Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they are rarely painful. If contractions become regular, painful and persistent, contact your health care provider right away or visit the emergency room.

Baby’s changes

Inside your body, the baby is developing quickly.

• Growth: Baby grows from about 6 inches and 4 ounces to about 14 inches and 2.25 pounds.
• Movement: You’ll feel movements more often, and they’ll get stronger as baby grows. “If you’re concerned about how much you feel baby move, or if you haven’t felt baby move for a while, you can always call your provider’s office,” says Dr. Fennimore. “It’s perfectly normal for baby to rest when you won’t feel them moving as much — but your care team can let you know if you should pop in for a quick check.”
• Development: Around 20 weeks, or halfway through your pregnancy, the baby’s sex should be clear from an ultrasound. By the end of the second trimester, the baby has an active digestive system, air sacs forming in the lungs and a rapidly developing brain.

Get ready!

By your third trimester, it’s time to register for birth, baby and breastfeeding classes. Spend some time now deciding which classes you’ll need. We offer both in-person and online classes for parents-to-be.