What to Expect During Your Second Trimester
March 21, 2014
Many women believe the second trimester is the best as the morning sickness and fatigue that often affects women in the first trimester subsides.The second trimester is typically considered the span between 13 and 27 weeks and can involve quite a few changes.
The Bump and the Baby
The second trimester is when the baby bump makes the most drastic change! The average weight gain by week 27 is between 16 and 22 pounds—all to help baby grow healthy and strong! Along with a growing baby bump, you may notice more signs that there’s a little person growing inside you. Many woman begin to feel the baby move between week 16 and 20, and some women can feel the baby’s hiccups toward the end of the trimester!
Skin Changes and Stretch Marks
A growing bump means that your baby is growing. But, the bump can sometimes leave you with stretch marks, too. Some women notice pink or purplish stretch marks along the abdomen, thighs, and breasts as pregnancy progresses. The stretching skin may become itchy, but moisturizers can help reduce the discomfort that comes with a growing baby bump. During pregnancy, the number of pigment-bearing cells in your skin increases, which can lead to melasma, or dark spots across the face. Don’t worry, though. These dark spots usually disappear after pregnancy.
Some Aches and Pains
Any extra weight you have gained as a result of pregnancy can put a little extra strain on your back if you’re not used to it. Many women report achy and sore backs during the second trimester. To help, many women use chairs with more back support and sleep on their sides with support pillow. Some women also report swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. As your hormones change, your body sends more blood to that area which can make them bleed more easily than before. Try a softer toothbrush and be gentler with floss. Your gums should return to normal after your baby is born.
The Baby’s Development
During the second trimester, the baby’s ears develop further and he or she can begin to hear. By the end of the second trimester, your baby will be able to respond to sounds like your voice with movement. Your baby will also be able to swallow, and features like hair, fingerprints, and footprints form.
