Pregnancy continues to alter a woman's body during the second trimester. Weeks 13 through 26 are commonly used to define the second trimester. Your kid is still growing and developing throughout this time, virtually every day. This indicates that your tummy is expanding, and you'll also experience additional changes.

Path to improved health

Pregnant women who experienced discomfort in the first trimester typically begin to feel better in the second trimester. With time, the morning sickness's nausea and vomiting should subside. As your hormones stabilize, you can have less mood fluctuations and greater energy. Now is an excellent time to start many of the baby-related tasks.

This trimester, be ready to gain weight more quickly. This implies that you could have to start dressing in maternity attire.

Breast changes in the second trimester

Your breasts may not be as tender as they were in the first trimester, but they will continue to grow. Enlarging milk glands and deposits of fat cause the growth. These changes prepare you for breastfeeding.

You may notice that the skin on and around your nipples darkens. You may also have small bumps around your nipples. The bumps are glands that make an oily substance to keep your nipples from drying out. A yellowish fluid, called colostrum, might begin to leak from your nipples.

Skin changes in the second trimester

Certain sections of your skin may get taut and strained as your body expands. Just beneath the skin, elastic fibers might tear. Stretch marks are indented skin streaks caused by this. Your breasts and tummy are prone to get stretch marks.

Stretch marks are frequent in pregnant women, but not in all of them. Regretfully, there is no way to totally stop them. Aim to control your weight and avoid gaining more than what your physician advises. Certain oils and creams make the promise to shield skin from stretch marks. There is no proof of these products' effects. However, the itching that accompanies with stretch marks can be lessened by maintaining well-hydrated skin. After pregnancy, the marks need to disappear and become less apparent.

Although they are not common in all women, other skin alterations are also conceivable. Typical alterations to the skin include:

• Itchy, dry skin, particularly on the abdomen
• Heightened solar sensitivity. You may therefore burn more easily. When spending time outdoors, be sure to apply a thick layer of sunscreen.
• A dark stripe, or "linea nigra," that runs from your navel to your pubic hair in the center of your abdomen
• Darker skin patches on the face; frequently referred to as the "pregnancy mask"

Usually, following pregnancy, these alterations may diminish or disappear.

Body changes in the second trimester

Your body is changing quickly to adapt to the growing baby. You may experience these body changes as well.

Leg pain

Leg cramps could be bothering you, especially at night. These might be connected to the pressure your developing child places on the blood vessels and nerves that supply your legs. Instead of sleeping on your back, make sure you sleep on your side. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is another leg ailment that can be dangerous. A blood clot called DVT develops in a vein and produces pain and swelling in just one leg. If you have any of these symptoms, get in touch with your doctor right now.

A swelling of the face, hands, and ankles may occur during the second trimester. Because your body is retaining extra fluid for the baby, this occurs. Additionally, your blood circulation is sluggish.

Aching back, pelvis, and hips

The job of supporting your growing belly puts stress on your back. Your hips and pelvis may begin to ache as pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments that hold your bones together. Your bones move to prepare for childbirth.

Stomach pain

As your uterus expands, the ligaments and muscles that support it flex. These may result in cramping or minor pain.

Loose teeth

Teeth may become looser due to pregnancy hormones' effects on the mouth's ligaments and bones. After giving birth, they get back to normal. If you have gum bleeding or swelling, make an appointment with your dentist. There's a chance that these indicate periodontal disease. Low birth weight and premature (early) birth have been associated with this disorder. The ideal time to have dental treatment done is during the second trimester.

Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums

These are the outcome of increased blood flow to your mouth's and nose's mucous membranes.

Throughout the second trimester, heartburn may start or get worse. The pressure from your expanding uterus on your stomach may push food particles and acid up your throat, resulting in the burn.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Infections can occur during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because of the pressure from your bigger uterus, hormonal changes cause your bladder to empty partially and slowly. If you believe you may have a UTI, consult your doctor right away as untreated UTIs can cause preterm labor. The presence of blood or a strong odor in your urine, the desire to urinate more frequently, or a burning feeling when you urinate are all symptoms.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Your uterine muscles tense during Braxton Hicks contractions, which are also referred to as "false labor." It's one of the ways your uterus gets ready for giving birth. Your abdomen may feel uncomfortable and extremely tight during a Braxton Hicks episode. The unusual timing of the contractions should subside in a few minutes. If they start to occur frequently, hurt, and don't go away when you move or adjust your posture, give your doctor a call. Perhaps it's premature labor.

It's possible for you to feel the baby around the middle of the second trimester. It feels like deep, fluttering movements in your tummy at first. The last time your baby moved, it was too deep for you to notice. Because you are accustomed to the sensation of the movements, you may detect them earlier if you have previously been pregnant. When you first notice movement, note it on your calendar so you can inform your physician.

Things to consider

It's possible that throughout the first trimester you didn't feel like having sex. Your interest may be impacted by symptoms like low energy, mood swings, and morning sickness. During the second trimester, many women discover that their desire for sex has returned. Anytime during pregnancy is OK to have sex, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

When to see your doctor

Maintain your antenatal appointments with your doctor. These usually happen once a month or so. Inquire about the procedure from your doctor and share any worries you may have. Get in touch with them if you experience any strange changes or symptoms, particularly if you have clear fluid leaking, burning when urinating, leg swelling, or stomach aches in addition to vaginal bleeding.

Questions for your doctor

1. What kinds of changes might I anticipate, both physically and emotionally?
2. Are these symptoms typical for me?
3. Can I alter my lifestyle in any way to reduce my symptoms?
4. Is having sex safe?

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