Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week in 2nd Trimester

Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week! The second trimester often brings a renewed sense of well-being. The worst of the nausea has usually passed, and your baby is not yet big enough to make you very uncomfortable.

Many of the early signs of pregnancy ease or disappear. You will likely feel less queasy, so food may smell and taste good again. Your energy should pick up, and your breasts, while still larger, often feel less tender.

By the end of this trimester, the bump in your lower abdomen starts to look like a pregnant belly. New symptoms do appear, though, so here is what to expect.

When does the second trimester start and end?

The second trimester starts in week 14 of pregnancy and lasts through the end of week 27.

Physical change during the week by week

Here’s what to expect during the second trimester of pregnancy, you may experience physical changes, including:

• Congestion

More blood flows to the mucous membranes, including the lining of your nose. This can cause a stuffy nose, nosebleeds and even snoring. Saline spray may help; ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any decongestant or other over-the-counter medicine.

• Mild swelling of ankle & feet

Mild swelling often appears in the second half of pregnancy and may last until delivery. To ease it, stay active, raise your legs when resting, avoid standing or sitting for long periods and sleep on your side.

Sudden swelling of the face or hands, especially with a headache or vision changes, needs urgent medical attention.

• Varicose veins

Extra blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can enlarge veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein in the rectum. Both often improve after delivery.

• Dental issues

Pregnancy hormones can make your gums swell and bleed more easily when you brush. Switching to a soft toothbrush and rinsing with salt water can reduce irritation.

Repeated vomiting can wear tooth enamel and raise the risk of cavities. Keep up your dental checkups during pregnancy.

• Dizziness

Changes in circulation can make you dizzy. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid standing for long periods, and move slowly when standing up or changing position. When you feel dizzy, lie down on your side.

• Leg cramps

Leg cramps are common as pregnancy progresses, often striking at night. To prevent them, stretch your calf muscles before bed, stay physically active and drink plenty of fluids. Choose comfortable, supportive shoes.

If a cramp strikes, stretch the calf muscle on the affected side. A warm (not hot) bath or a gentle massage can also help.

• Vaginal discharge

You may notice a thin, clear or milky white vaginal discharge. This is common. Contact your health care provider if the discharge smells strong, changes color, or comes with pain, soreness or itching, which may mean an infection.

Urinary tract infections are also more common during pregnancy. Contact your provider if urinating hurts or burns, or if you have a fever or back pain. Untreated urinary infections can spread to the kidneys.

Emotional Pregnancy symptoms week by week

It is not uncommon to have conflicting feelings. You can be happy and scared at the same time. If feelings become overwhelming or you feel low most days, talk to your doctor or midwife, who can refer you for support.

Pregnancy hormones and the big life change ahead can affect how you think and feel.

Moodiness may decrease:

Many women feel better in this trimester, so take advantage of it. Writing about how you feel and asking yourself what you need can help you look after yourself.

• Go to Baby-Moon (vacation before baby arrives).
• Go out on a very nice date with your partner. Do this once or more times a week.
• Do something you and your partner love to do together, go have fun !!!!
• Go and have lunch with your girlfriends.
• Do whatever it pleases you.

So this is what they were talking about when they said “glowing.”

Some people look bright during their first trimester, but they probably don't feel it. In the second trimester, many women start to feel as good as they look.

Less worried about miscarriage

Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks, and later in a first pregnancy. Feeling movements can be reassuring.

Once you know your baby's usual pattern, tell your midwife or doctor straight away if movements slow down or change. Don't wait until the next day.

More day-dreaming and night-dreaming:

Many pregnant women notice more vivid dreams. Changes in sleep, frequent waking and the emotions of pregnancy can all play a part. They are usually harmless.

Parental care

Prenatal care helps keep you and your baby healthy throughout pregnancy. Ideally, it begins as soon as you think you are pregnant.

How often you see your provider depends on how far along you are and your risk of complications. The Office on Women's Health describes a typical schedule for a healthy pregnancy (see also antenatal care):

• Once a month from week 4 to week 28
• Twice a month from week 28 to week 36
• Every week from week 36 to delivery
• Your doctor may ask you to come for a check-up more often if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Keep your health care provider informed

The second trimester often brings a new sense of well-being. Morning sickness usually fades, you begin to feel your baby move and your bump becomes more noticeable. A lot is happening.

Tell your health care provider what is on your mind, even if it seems small. Nothing is trivial when it comes to your health or your baby's health.

HP Thoughts: Learn the symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy: Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week.

Sources

• Body changes and discomforts, Office on Women's Health
• Prenatal care and tests, Office on Women's Health
• Your baby's movements, NHS
• Pre-eclampsia, NHS