By: Vaishnavi Raju | Date: February 22, 2021

Top 10 Things To Consider Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

Women should avoid taking alcohol and caffeine in the Second trimester of pregnancy.

The second trimester of pregnancy is very crucial for the development of the fetus. Fetal development passes through many stages during the second trimester. During this phase of pregnancy, you start to feel better and you can eat well. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus develops all its organs and systems. It starts to grow in length and weight. During this phase, fetal development happens week by week and thus women should try to avoid harmful substances.

In this article, we will explain the things you need to consider in the second trimester of pregnancy.

What is the second trimester of pregnancy?

The middle part of your pregnancy is called the second trimester. This phase is very crucial in the aspect of fetal development stages. During these times fetal development week by week becomes very rapid and changes occur almost daily. At the beginning of the second trimester, the baby is 3 inches in size. During the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby grows up to 9 inches. In this phase, fetal development progresses rapidly month by month.

Things to do during the second trimester of pregnancy

During the second trimester of pregnancy fetal development happens day by day. Thus women need to see their doctor every two to four weeks. The doctor performs various tests to find out the development of the baby. It’s very crucial to track the fetal development timeline for taking proper precautions.
You must do these 10 things in the second trimester-

Continue to take prenatal vitamins

During the second trimester of pregnancy, it’s important to take a prenatal multivitamin. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acid and folic acid ensure the proper development of the baby. It also protects the baby from birth defects.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly during the second trimester of pregnancy can help you to stay healthy. It improves the posture and decreases many physical discomforts. Exercise helps to prevent gestational diabetes and gives more stamina for labor.

Eat a healthy diet

In the second trimester diet, you need more calories. The diet should be healthy to ensure a healthy baby and mother. The most important nutrients required during this time for a baby’s growth are iron, protein, calcium, folate, vitamin D, Omega-3, etc.

Drink lots of fluid

A pregnant lady needs more water than non-pregnant women. They need to stay hydrated as it helps in the formation of the placenta and amniotic sac. Dehydration can cause many complications.

Keep teeth and gums healthy

Women in the second trimester have an increased risk of preterm labor. Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy can decrease the risk of premature labor.

Start moisturizing your belly

Fetal development occurring week by week can increase your bump. It may cause itchiness in the belly. Moisturizing your belly in the second trimester is important to prevent itchiness and discomfort.

Start sleeping on the side

In the second trimester of pregnancy avoid sleeping on your back and sleep on the side. Sleeping on the left side improves blood flow to your placenta and reduces swelling.

Prepare your older children

Your older child may feel neglected after the arrival of the new baby. Help them to understand the idea of having a new brother or sister. Ensure there is someone to take care of the older children.

Prepare of baby’s requirement

Prepare for the arrival of your baby. Buy the things you will need as soon as the baby is born and afterward. Pile a stack of things for the baby.

Think about maternity leave

The second trimester of pregnancy is the best time to take to your employer about maternity leaves. Start planning when you want to stop working and wrap up your pending work according to that.

What to expect in the second trimester of pregnancy?

Fetal development happening day by day leads to many changes. You may expect your baby to grow and appear more human. You can expect these changes-

• Fetal development in the 16th week leads to limbs and eye movement of the baby.
• In the 18th week, the baby starts to hear sounds.
• Your baby has finger and footprints by the end of the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Your baby’s digestive system starts to function.
• By the middle of the second trimester, your baby’s sex should be clear.
• In the second trimester, the baby’s skin becomes thin, loose, and wrinkled.

What are the physical changes during the second trimester of pregnancy?

You can use fetal development calculations to track your baby’s growth. You may notice these changes when your baby starts growing-

• Your bump and breasts will grow in size
• You may feel irregular contractions in your abdomen
• You may notice changes in your skin.
• Increased hormone levels may cause mucous membranes to swell and bleed
• Your teeth and gums can become sensitive.
• You may experience some dizziness.
• You may experience leg cramps at night.
• You may notice clear and sticky vaginal discharge.
• You may experience urinary tract infections.

When to go for prenatal visits during the second trimester of pregnancy?

Prenatal care ensures that you and your baby are healthy. You must see your health care provider get a schedule for prenatal visits. It may be every four weeks throughout the second trimester of pregnancy. During prenatal visits, the doctor prepares a fetal development chart to track your baby’s growth. They listen to the baby’s heartbeat and assess fetal movement.

How to stay healthy during the second trimester?

The well-being of your baby depends on how well you take care of yourself during the second trimester of pregnancy.

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Strengthen your pelvic floor by doing kegel exercises.
• Stay hydrated
• Eat enough calories

The bottom line

Fetal development happens rapidly week by week in the second trimester. Eat a healthy and balanced diet during this phase. You must work out regularly to improve blood flow and stamina for labor. Tracking your fetal development timeline is essential in the second trimester.