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Writer's pictureBobo Team

Navigating the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: An Ultimate Guide

Updated: Dec 21, 2023

Well Frist Trimester Bye Bye! Its was tough but we're past it! Here's what's happening during the second trimester.


A woman touching a pregnant belly of another woman

As you transition into the second trimester of pregnancy, you'll likely notice a significant shift in how you feel. The challenging symptoms of the first trimester, such as extreme fatigue and morning sickness, often ease up, paving the way for a period filled with excitement and new experiences. This trimester is a time of rapid growth and development for your baby, and a phase of adaptation and preparation for you. Understanding the Second Trimester Duration of the Second Trimester

Spanning from week 13 to the end of week 27, the second trimester covers about three to six-and-a-half months of pregnancy.


Pregnancy Symptoms in the Second Trimester

  • Heartburn: Due to hormonal changes and the growing baby, many experience heartburn. Dietary adjustments and doctor-recommended treatments can help manage this.

  • Baby Movements: Between 18 and 25 weeks, you'll likely start feeling your baby's movements, which will become more pronounced as the trimester progresses.

  • Leg Cramps: Common during the second trimester, these can be alleviated through hydration, stretching, and proper exercise.

  • Skin Changes: Stretch marks may appear as your belly expands. Other changes include melasma, a skin condition causing dark patches, and variations in skin texture and hair growth.


You may also experience swollen gums, round ligament pains, headaches, nosebleeds, bloating, constipation, indigestion, and changes in skin pigmentation. It's important to monitor these symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Nutrition and Diet

With your appetite likely returning, focus on a balanced diet rich in calcium, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Be mindful of foods to avoid, such as high-mercury fish and unpasteurized cheeses.

Sleep Considerations

As your body changes, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging. Pregnancy pillows can offer support, and sleeping on your side, especially the left side, is recommended for optimal blood flow.

Intimacy During Pregnancy

Your libido may change during this trimester. Open communication with your partner is key, and as long as your doctor approves, sexual activity is generally safe during this time.

Weight Gain

By week 20, an average weight gain of eight to 10 pounds is typical, with a steady gain expected as the trimester progresses.



Your Prenatal Health Care (Canada) By now you should have had your first prenatal appointment with your chosen OBGYN or Midwife. This section will help you navigate whats happening next. How often will I have prenatal appointments?

  • One a month until you are about 28 weeks pregnant.

  • Then every two weeks between 28- 36 weeks of pregnancy.

  • Then every week until you give birth.

What to expect at all my prenatal appointments?

For every visit, you can expect:

  • to have your blood pressure and weight taken.

  • to hear your baby’s heartbeat.

  • to have your belly measured to check that your baby is growing well.

What are other tests I should expect during my prenatal appointments?
Between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy:
  • You will have another blood test (maternal serum screen) between 15 weeks and 20 weeks which tests for Down’s syndrome, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13 and open neural tube defects.

  • You will have an ultrasound when you are 20 weeks pregnant to:

  • check how your baby is growing and developing

  • identify if there any problems

  • check your amniotic fluid and placenta

  • determine if there is more than one baby growing

  • to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are (your due date may change based on this)

  • how active your unborn baby is

  • try to determine the sex of your unborn baby (if you want to know the gender, they will write it in the report and your health care provider will tell you at your next appointment)

At 24-28 weeks of pregnancy
You will be offered a “glucose challenge test” which checks for diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes). This involves:

  • consuming a high-sugar drink,

  • waiting for an hour and

  • then having a blood test to see how your body responds to sugar.

During the blood test they will also recheck for anemia, Rh status and sexually transmitted infections.

Preparing for the Baby

This trimester is an ideal time to start organizing your home and life for the baby's arrival. Consider setting up a nursery, exploring childcare options, and discussing parental leave plans.

As you navigate the second trimester, remember that each pregnancy is unique. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy journey. Sources

Healthy Parenting Winnipeg

Health Canada Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters, UpToDate

Maternity Care Pathyway, BC Perinatal Health Program

Update on Prenatal Care, American Family Physician

Prevention of Rh Alloimmunization, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada

Diabetes and Pregnancy, Diabetes Canada

International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

Kaiser Permanente

PLoS One

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

National Child & Maternal Health Education Program

American Pregnancy Association

Healthline

Medical News Today

Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, Ob-Gyn

Erica Chidi, doula and health educator

Dr. Stephanie LaFave, MD

Carrie Murphy, certified doula

Dr. Nilong Vyas, MD, pediatrician

The Sleep Foundation

Mayo Clinic

Evaly Long, licensed midwife

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.

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