Mid-Pregnancy: Things You Need to Know About the Second Trimester!

You are now in a wonderful period of pregnancy! The morning sickness, fatigue, and loss of appetite that you experienced in the first three months have probably subsided to a great extent. In fact, for many mothers, the second trimester is the best and most comfortable time of pregnancy. This is a time when you feel a lot of peace of mind, your fears about your baby have subsided, and you can enjoy this journey even more. So, today, let's talk about what you need to know about this second trimester.

What is the second trimester?

Simply put, the second trimester is the period from week 13 to the end of week 27 of your pregnancy. This means that you are now halfway through your pregnancy.

For many people, the difficulties of the first trimester disappear during this time. You may feel like your body is getting a new lease of life. Also, as your belly starts to move forward, you start to feel the feeling of "I'm going to be a mother now." You will start to feel the baby move in your womb around 18 to 20 weeks. For this reason, many people love this time very much.

However, it's important to remember that not everyone's experience is the same. Some people may continue to have morning sickness or new discomforts during the second trimester. This is normal, so don't worry about it.

The most important thing is to make sure you have regular prenatal care throughout the second trimester (and throughout your entire pregnancy). It is important for your doctor or midwife to monitor you and your baby to make sure they are both healthy. Usually, prenatal care is every four weeks during this time, but this may vary if your pregnancy is high risk or your doctor advises otherwise.

What is happening to you and your baby during this time?

The second trimester is a very fast, magical time of baby development, and big changes are happening in your body too.

How is your baby developing?

At this time, the little one in your womb is growing at an incredible rate. Just think,

• The baby is now slowly taking on the shape of a little human . The facial features are becoming clear, and the fingers and toes are forming nicely.
• By the fourth month, the baby begins to develop eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and even hair .
• Baby can now stretch out, make faces, and sometimes even suck his thumb !
• Your doctor can often determine the sex of your baby with an ultrasound at this time, usually around 20 weeks (you may have already done this with a cell-free DNA blood test).

This is also when you start to feel your baby move. Many people describe it as feeling like butterflies or little bubbles in your stomach . This is called ``Quickening''. At first, you may not feel these movements continuously. But by about 28 weeks, your baby will have developed a pattern of movements that you will be able to recognize.

By the last few weeks of the second trimester, your baby will start to hear what you say! If you talk to your belly, you may even feel your baby move in response. Imagine the joy!

Unfortunately, if the baby is born late in the second trimester (premature birth), there is a chance that the baby may be saved by being placed in a NICU ( Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for special treatment.

What changes should you expect in your body?

Not only the baby, but your body too is undergoing major changes during this time.

• Your uterus – the place where your baby will grow – continues to grow. It enlarges throughout your pregnancy, becoming about the size of a watermelon. After you have your baby, it shrinks back to its original size (like an upside-down pear).
• Your weight will start to increase , and your belly will gradually come forward. But don't worry if your belly doesn't get bigger right away. It takes time. Everyone's body is different, so your appearance during pregnancy will be different.

What are the common discomforts during this time?

Even though you may feel better than in the first trimester, some new discomforts may still arise during this time.

• Increased appetite: People who previously had a loss of appetite may now feel better about eating.
• Bleeding gums: May be due to hormonal influences.
• Nosebleeds or stuffy nose: This is also due to hormones.
• Hemorrhoids: Some people may develop this condition.
• Skin changes:
• The appearance of a brown line (Linea nigra) running down the middle of the abdomen.
• The skin around the nipples (areolas) becomes darker than before.
• Round ligament pain: This pain can occur due to the stretching of the ligaments around the uterus as it grows.
• Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles: A little swelling is normal.
• Varicose veins in the legs .
• Stretch marks: Especially in the stomach, breasts, buttocks, and thighs.

During this time, you are at higher risk for infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections. Be aware of symptoms such as vaginal itching, changes in vaginal discharge, and burning when urinating.

What are the main tests performed in the second trimester?

Doctors will order various tests during this time to check the health of you and your baby.

• Ultrasound: This is the test that many people are eagerly waiting for. Although it can determine the baby's gender, the main purpose of this is to check whether all the baby's body parts (limbs, brain, heart, and other organs) are developing properly.
• Screening for gestational diabetes: Some mothers may develop temporary diabetes during this time. This test is important to identify it early.
• Rh factor test: This is important for blood compatibility between the mother and the baby.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia.
• Re-testing for syphilis.

What do you need to prepare for during this time?

This is a good time to prepare to welcome your new family member.

• Talk about how the baby will be delivered: What kind of birth would you like?
• Normal vaginal birth (with or without pain medication).
• Assisted vaginal delivery (which may require instruments such as forceps or vacuum).
• Cesarean section `(C-section delivery)`.

You can ask your doctor or family health worker about this. You can also attend classes on this topic.

• Awareness classes: This is the best time to attend classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and how to care for a newborn. These will be of great help to you as a mother.
• Choosing a Pediatrician: After you have your baby, start looking for a good pediatrician to take your baby to.
• Hospital tour: Visit the hospital where you are going to have your baby. This will give you an idea of ​​where to go and what to expect during labor.

What should you do during this time to stay healthy?

It is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the second trimester.

Good things to do

• Exercise: It's good to exercise for about 20 minutes a day. Things like walking and swimming are very suitable during pregnancy. But talk to your doctor first about any exercise you want to do and get permission. You should avoid sports that can cause falls and bumps.
• Nutritious diet: Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Prenatal vitamins: Take the vitamins exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Attend all clinics: Don't miss a single clinic.

Things to definitely avoid during this time

Many of the things you should avoid in the first trimester are still relevant during this time.

• Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs.
• Unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Deli meats.
• Fish high in mercury (e.g. large fish like shark).
• Hot tubs and saunas.
• Smoking, alcohol and drug use.

In addition to this, there are some other things that will surprise you.

• Avoid removing cat feces. There is a risk of developing an infection called ``Toxoplasmosis``.
• Don't sleep on your side for long periods of time. Turn to your side when you sleep at night. It's good for your blood circulation. But if you wake up in the morning and find yourself on your side, don't worry too much about it. Most of the time, you'll automatically turn to your side when you feel uncomfortable.

When should you see a doctor urgently?

No one knows your body better than you do. If you ever feel anything wrong or strange, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor right away.

Seek medical advice immediately, especially if you have any of these symptoms:

• Unusual or severe lower abdominal pain or back pain.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Difficulty breathing or a gradually increasing cough.

Also, if signs of premature labor begin, they include:

• Regular tightening or pain in the lower abdomen or back area more than four times an hour (this is called ``Contractions'').
• A watery fluid may leak from the vagina (`(Amniotic fluid)`). (It is normal for vaginal discharge to increase due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, but if it is watery, it may be a sign of labor.)

If something like this happens, go to a hospital or inform your doctor immediately.

So, let's remember this!

Congratulations! You've successfully entered the second trimester of your pregnancy. The first trimester was very tiring. But now those unpleasant symptoms are mostly forgotten (goodbye nausea!). Your belly is getting bigger, but the pain and discomfort are not as severe as in the third trimester. You may even have started to feel the first movements of your baby. Even if you haven't felt all these positive things yet, that's normal. Not everyone's pregnancy experience is the same. No matter how you feel, it's best to talk to your doctor about your pregnancy symptoms. Attend all the clinics so that the doctor can make sure that your pregnancy is healthy and developing properly. Make the most of this time!

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