2nd Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
2nd trimester
You’re showing!
By 12 weeks, your uterus begins its rise out of your pelvis. Towards your 20th week, the top of your uterus will reach the same level as our belly button. Week after week, it will grow about one cm. Many women may start showing at about 16 weeks but of course, this varies with each individual.
Weight gain
Weight gain is to be expected - but just how much weight is too much? If too much weight is gained, diabetes poses a real threat in the delivery room and obesity becomes a post-delivery problem. If not enough weight gained, then foetal malnutrition becomes a worry. As guide, how much you weighed before pregnancy decides how much you should put on. On average, total weight gain for the entire pregnancy should be around 12.5kg to 18kg and most of this weight should be gained in the second and third trimesters. Whether you are underweight or overweight, increasing your intake of certain nutrients is crucial. Iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin B complex supplements are often recommended during pregnancy, especially if your have a pre-pregnancy condition, such anaemia.
Where are my keys?
Some women feel that they’re scatter-brained and forgetful during their pregnancy, others find themselves bumping into furniture even before they get really big. To help yourself during this period, make lists, ask for reminders from friends, collegues and your partner, invest in a PDA and set alarms on your phone to remind you of important appointments and tasks. More importantly, get as much sleep as possible - your mind craves the restoration and there’s is little you can accomplish while fighting fatigue.
Gas Station
In this trimester, you will find yourself burping and passing gas at the most inappropriate moments. You’re not the only mum to suffer this problem, so don’t be embarrassed. Some expectant mums find that when they get constipated, the problem gets worst. Avoid eating large meals that may leave you bloated and uncomfortable. Remember that foods give you gas and try to avoid those.
Heartburn
When your stomach acids rise into your esophagus, you get a burning sensation known as heartburn. Your body is producing a high level of progesterone and this can slow down the digestion and relax the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. Also in this trimester, as the uterus grows, it presses upwards on the stomach, pushing stomach acids into the esophagus. Ask your doctor about prescription treatments if your heartburns are unbearable.
Ravishing Hair, Stronger Nails
Hormonal changes ensure that your nails grow stronger ( and faster ) during pregnancy. And so does hair - unfortunately, some may sprout in unwanted places like the face and stomach. Choose between waxing, plucking or shaving, but avoid depilatories or hair removal creams as the effects of these on an unborn baby have yet to be proven or tested extensively.
Pain in the lower abs
The pain - a sort of dull ache or sharp pain near your groin or on both sides of your upper body - begins between weeks 18 and 24. As the uterus grows, the bands of the fibrous tissues on each side of the uterus which attach it to the labia stretch, causing you some pain. This is normal and will decrease considerably after 24 weeks. Meanwhile, ease the pain by applying heat and avoiding any sudden movements.
Another pain that some women mistake for cramps occurs often in this trimester. They’re mild, on and off contractions which have been called Braxton-Hicks Contractions. They are more noticeable when you’re up and about, but tend to fade away when you’ve got your feet up. Take note of how often they occur. If they’re uncomfortable and unusually regular ( more than six contractions in one hour), visit your doctor.
Snoring and Nasal Bleeding
If you find yourself snoring, blame it on the increased blood flow during pregnancy, which causes the swelling and stuffiness of your mucous membranes. The symptoms sometimes come with a chronic cough and together, they are often mistaken for a cold. Look for relief in the form of nasal saline drops, drops or decongestants that your doctor can prescribe.
The increased blood flow we mentioned above is also responsible for the slight bleeding of the nose and gums that some women suffer while they’re expecting. The bleeding usually stops on its own accord and can be alleviated by applying a slight pressure to the spot.
The Mask of Pregnancy
Changing hormones throw up other changes in your physical appearances. In darker-skinned women, a dark line - called the linea nigra - may show up on the lower abdomen, running from the pubic bone to the navel.
Another form of skin discolouration may also occur on the forehead, nose, upper lip and cheeks. This darkening of the skin is called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure may worsen the situation so wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 before you head out of the house.
What’s that Spot?
Your breast also get into the act by leaking colostrum. This yellowish or sometimes whitish fluid is a “pre-milk” that’s richer in protein and lower in fat and milk sugar than the milk that is produced when baby is born. It’s also known to contain antibodies to help protect babies from diseases. If the spots start appearing, buy the breast pads which nursing mothers attached to their bras. You may also notice your areola become larger and darker and small raised spots begin to make an appearance.
