With the queasiness of the first trimester more or less settled and the fatigue turning to renewed energy, most women enjoy their second trimester of pregnancy. Learn more on what to expect from week 13 to week 26 of pregnancy in our informative article.
- Gingivitis
A large number of pregnant women experience swollen, red, tender gums that bleed when flossed or brushed. This gum inflammation is also called “pregnancy gingivitis,” and generally happens in mid – pregnancy. This is because hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque – so practicing good dental hygiene is even more vital at that time.
- Quickening
Sometime during the second trimester, generally around the 20th week of pregnancy, you will be able to start feeling your baby’s first movement. This delicate fluttering you can feel on and off in your abdomen is called “quickening.” Some women may not experience quickening until their sixth month of pregnancy.
- More Ultrasounds and/ or Sonographs
In the second trimester, the baby is well formed and this is the time where ultrasounds can pick up the gender of the baby, whether the mum is carrying more than one foetus and whether there are any malformations in the visible body parts of the baby. The ultrasound can also, indicate Placenta Previa or a low-lying placenta.
- Oral glucose screening test (OGTT) for Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is characterized by an elevation of blood sugar levels in the pregnant mum. Generally, this form of diabetes self-cures after child-birth. However, it may pose a risk for Type 2 diabetes in the future. Pregnant mums are usually screened for gestational diabetes through an oral glucose screening test (OGTT) in the second trimester of pregnancy between 24 to 28 weeks.
- Perceptible Weight Gain
If you are in your second trimester, expect your weight to be monitored at every visit. A half to one pound weight gain every week is normal and ideal in the second trimester and indicates a healthy weight gain. Excessive weight gain is not beneficial for the mom or the baby and may lead to complications during delivery. You may be asked to take steps to manage your weight, if you are gaining too much or too little.
- Enlarged tummy, stretch marks and other bodily changes
Your baby is growing and so your body stretches to accommodate more of her and you. Result – enlarged tummy with a protruded belly button, enlarged breasts and stretch marks on the skin.
It is important to accept the changes happening to your body and within you during the pregnancy and enjoy the process!
- Reprieve from nausea and frequent visits to the toilet
There is a silver lining and it’s no small reason that the second trimester is considered the most-easy going and enjoyable part of the pregnancy. You will get a temporary reprieve from having to use the toilet very often – a common complaint in the first and third trimester- as your hormones stabilize and you are still carrying your baby high. You will also find your feeling of nausea and vomiting waning off and you can eat better and keep it down.
- Improved blood circulation leading to a glowing skin!
You may hear a lot of compliments during your pregnancy about your glowing skin and beautiful tresses. Besides hormones and a healthy diet, you have improved blood circulation to thank for. One not-so-attractive side effect though are varicose veins or spider-veins that appear as thin, reddish- purplish streaks on the skin, as the skin breaks and stretches.
I hope you are enjoying reading our “what to expect when you are expecting” series of articles as much as we are enjoying writing them for you! Catch more informative pregnancy articles here.