Second Trimester of pregnancy




A lot of exciting things happen in your second trimester! You get to see your little one again and you'll be relieved to know that any nausea and tiredness should start to disappear.

Here are 10 facts you will need to know in your second trimester. 


1. Growing a bump

Every woman is different, some may notice a bump quickly appear or it may not be until around 20 weeks that it starts to become visible.
2. You may start to feel movement

If this is your first pregnancy, the first movements are usually around 14 to 18 weeks, don't worry about monitoring movements until 24 weeks though. After 24 weeks, the latest guidelines state that you should monitor the pattern and frequency of your baby’s movement rather than count the kicks.


3. Nose bleeds

It’s common to experience nose bleeds in the second trimester due to hormonal changes, although it can be a bit startling if you have never had one before as it’s fresh red blood!

4. Itchy skin

A lot of women experience itchy skin around the stomach during the second trimester. This is due to the stretching of the skin as your baby grows. To reduce the itching, use a soothing lotion or coconut oil.

5. Aches, internal stretching and ligament pain

These pains are very common as your uterus is continuing to expand to accommodate your growing baby, which means you may feel the internal stretching of your ligaments more at this time. Whilst you have the pain try to elevate it with positioning, elevating your legs is helpful. To help your body with these changes try yoga or swimming.


6. Braxton Hicks

Some women experience these as early as 24 weeks. You may notice your tummy going tight and then relaxing and repeating this motion. If it’s painless and irregular it’s most likely Braxton Hicks. Your body is amazing and it’s practicing for labour already!

7. Anomoly scans

Your anomaly scan will be at 20 weeks and will be the last scan you’ll be offered by the NHS, unless complications develop.
They will take a close look at your baby’s development and internal organs, this is the main reason for the scan and also you can find out the gender of your little one. 

8. Increased headaches

Some women experience headaches due to hormonal changes and possible dehydration, ensure you are still drinking two litres of water per day to prevent them or take paracetamol, which is safe to take during pregnancy, 
9. Talking to your bump
Your baby can hear your voice at around 22 weeks and will distinguish your voice from others, so you can talk to your bump and your baby will hear you. Don't feel pressured into doing this all the time as your baby will hear your voice on a day to day basis so will pick it up this way too.
A top tip – you may want to play your baby music as many have shown that babies recognise music they heard regularly in the womb and this can have a calming effect on newborns.
10. Weird dreams

This is normal and is due to both your hormones and emotional state. You and your body are going through a lot of changes and sometimes it’s reflected in your dreams. No matter how weird and wonderful they are don’t worry.



For our third trimester bog click here



Preparation

At the end of this trimester, you begin to buy all little one's clothes and furniture for your room and their nursery.
Finding the perfect furniture can be difficult, whether you want your little one to be in your room for as long as possible or you want them to be in your room for the recommended 6 months then go into their own nursery.

Here at Obaby, we have an answer to all your questions. We have a range of cribs and Moses baskets for mum and dads rooms but we also have a wide range of smaller cots and cot beds which would fit perfectly in their too - Click here to take a look at our impressive range.

Then we have a wide variety of nursery furniture.

Head over to our website now to see our beautiful products, I am sure you will find something that you and your little one will love. 




Holidays and flying

This is the most common time to take a break during pregnancy. The decision is yours but it’s best to consult your GP first as to whether you can fly.
Most airlines will let you fly up to 28 weeks, if you do fly then ensure you keep well hydrated on the flight and wear flight stockings to prevent blood clots. Flying can be very uncomfortable when pregnant so walk up and down the plane and move your ankles around in circles to help circulation.









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