April 17, 2022

Congratulations on your journey to mom-hood! You’ve made it through the first trimester, so what do you have to look forward to in the second trimester? Here are some physical and emotional changes you may experience.

Prenatal Visits

Before we start talking about what you can expect to happen to your body, let’s talk about the exciting things your prenatal visits will focus on. In your second trimester, baby is growing and developing, and you’ll be able to hear the heartbeat! And you could find out if you’re having a boy or a girl … but only if you want to!

Physical Changes

While baby is developing, your own body is further adjusting to your baby’s growth. You can expect your belly and your breasts to continue to enlarge. This is a great time to switch to a more supportive bra!

Some other physical changes you can expect in your second trimester:

Skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy in the second trimester can cause some changes to your skin, including:

• brown patches on your face
• a dark line down your abdomen
• stretch marks along your abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs

Nose

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood which can aggravate the mucous membranes in your nose, causing:

• nasal congestion
• nose bleeds

Mouth

Staying on top of your dental hygiene is important during the second trimester. During pregnancy, your gums become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, which can cause bleeding. To help prevent irritation:

• Rinse with saltwater
• Use a softer bristle toothbrush
• Make sure you stick to your scheduled dental appointments

Legs

It’s common for moms-to-be to experience nighttime leg cramps during the second trimester. Here’s how to help prevent them:

• Stretch your calf muscles before bed
• Stay physically active
• Drink lots of water
• Wear comfortable shoes that offer support
• Take a warm shower or bath before bedtime

Down There

You’ll also probably notice a discharge that’s typically clear or white. It’s normal. Also normal during this time are urinary tract infections. If either of these conditions become painful, foul smelling, or in the case of a UTI, are associated with a fever, see your doctor, so they don’t lead to vaginal or kidney infections.

Emotional Changes

The fatigue and moodiness you may have felt during the first trimester has probably improved, but as your delivery day approaches and your excitement builds, you’ll probably start to feel a little anxious and maybe unprepared. You may experience:

• Fear and anxiety
• Forgetfulness or “mommy brain”
• Tearfulness
• Negative perceptions of your body

To manage your emotions during the second trimester, focus on staying healthy and happy, and live in the moment as you ride the waves of impending motherhood. Don’t be afraid to talk about what you are experiencing – this is a much healthier alternative to keeping things bottled up!

 

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.