What to expect in your second trimester
By Sabrina Rogers-Anderson
Your second trimester is finally here! You’ve probably heard it’s the best of the three because the exhaustion lifts, the constant nausea dissipates and you finally start to feel human again.
While this is the case for many women, it’s important to manage your expectations because pregnancy is different for everyone. And a whole new list of symptoms is about to appear.
Here’s everything you need to know about what will happen from the beginning of week 14 to the end of week 27 of your pregnancy.
Second trimester symptoms
Some of the most common second trimester symptoms include:
- lower back pain
- round ligament pain (in the lower abdomen)
- growing belly and breasts
- weight gain
- mild swelling of the ankles, feet and hands
- nasal congestion
- nosebleeds
- sensitive and bleeding gums
- heartburn
- headaches
- dizziness
- increased urination
- urinary tract infections
- leukorrhea (vaginal discharge)
- constipation
- haemorrhoids
- varicose veins
- stretch marks
- melasma (dark patches on the face)
- linea nigra (a dark line down the middle of the abdomen)
- hair growth (on the head and body)
- leg cramps
- Braxton Hicks contractions (tightness in the abdomen)
Contact your doctor right away if you experience heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or dizziness, severe puffiness in the hands or face, visual disturbances, fever over 38.5°C, extreme thirst, or frequent and heavy urination.
Second trimester to-do list
Now that you’re (hopefully!) feeling better, you should focus on eating well, exercising regularly (30 minutes of moderate activity a day) and getting plenty of rest. You should also try to tick as many items as possible off your to-do list before the third trimester rolls around.
Here’s what you should get done this trimester.
Attend your antenatal appointments
If you have a low-risk pregnancy, you’ll probably have three antenatal appointments during the second trimester – at 19-20 weeks, 22 weeks and 26-27 weeks. You may need more frequent check-ups if you have any pregnancy complications. At each appointment, your GP, midwife or obstetrician will check your blood pressure, your general health, and your baby’s heartbeat and movements. They’ll also measure your tummy to assess your baby’s growth.
Genetic testing (optional)
If you missed your first trimester screening tests for genetic conditions including Down syndrome and birth defects such as spina bifida, a second trimester maternal serum screening can be performed between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. If your first trimester screening tests came back with an increased risk, your doctor might suggest an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to confirm the diagnosis.
Attend your morphology scan
Between 18 and 20 weeks, your healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound to check your baby’s growth and development and determine whether there are any complications with your pregnancy. You can also find out the sex of your baby if you wish and you’ll get some photos to take home. It’s an exciting moment, so have your partner attend if possible.
Take your blood glucose tolerance test
Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll be tested for gestational diabetes. The test involves measuring your blood sugar levels when you’re fasting and again after consuming a sugary drink. If you have gestational diabetes, your pregnancy is considered high-risk and your doctor will put you on a management plan.
Book antenatal classes and tours
Antenatal classes teach you everything you need to know about preparing for childbirth, relaxation and breathing skills for labour, pain relief options, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn. Some hospitals offer free classes while others charge a fee. Private and online classes are also available. Because classes tend to fill up quickly, it’s best to book them when you’re around 20 weeks pregnant even though you won’t attend them until your third trimester. You can also book a tour of your hospital’s maternity ward or your birthing centre to familiarise yourself with your birthing environment.
Plan your baby shower
If this is your first pregnancy, a baby shower is a lovely way to celebrate the arrival of your precious bub and to let your hair down after months of planning. Some mums-to-be have low-key get-togethers with friends for subsequent babies too. If time and budget allow, you might also want to plan a babymoon as a last hurrah with your partner before your baby arrives.
You’ve got this, mama! Your third trimester is just around the corner…
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