The second trimester has flown by. With the first twelve weeks of pregnancy seeming to drag, when I made it into the second trimester, I was more than relieved. And boy, has it been dreamy.
My first trimester was relatively easy, with greasy hair and extreme tiredness being my only two side effects.
Amazingly, the second trimester has been even easier than that.
If you’re a first time mum like myself, then this is for you – an insight into what to expect from the second trimester.
The second trimester – what to expect
The second trimester is weeks 13 to 28. For most, it’s the ‘sweet spot’ of pregnancy. It’s the part where everything is supposed to ‘get better’ compared to the first trimester. Although this won’t always be the case for everyone, as every pregnancy is unique, this has definitely been the case for me!
I’ve said it time and time again, but if I didn’t have the actual physical baby bump, I honestly wouldn’t even know that I was pregnant. Life has been relatively normal (just a little more exciting!) and to be honest, I’ve really been enjoying it.
Lots of significant milestones are reached throughout the second trimester which makes it a really lovely time in your pregnancy. So what can you expect?
The bump – at last!
The second trimester is when your baby bump will pop up – and then continue to grow and grow and grow!
For me, my bump appeared at 18 weeks. It literally sprang up overnight – on the Sunday, I had no bump, and I woke up on the Monday with a rather significant one!
Obviously it’s only continued to get bigger since then, which is lovely. I love having a nice little bump, and it makes getting dressed so much easier! During the first trimester, getting dressed is hard. You don’t have a proper bump, and you’re potentially trying to keep it a secret! I lived in leggings and oversized tops and jumpers which were totally unflattering.
Now the bump has appeared, I can dress it properly! I’ve found that the best thing for my body shape is bodycon clothing – fitted and stretchy, with room for a growing bump!
The bump also means other things. You don’t feel guilty about not giving up your seat on public transport, or squeezing into a lift before someone else. You deserve it! However, not everyone is a decent human being. You might want to invest in a badge that says “bump on board” or similar, just in case.
Your 20 week scan
The 20 week scan is such a huge milestone in the second trimester. You’ve made it to the halfway point of your pregnancy!
The 20 week scan also provides you with the opportunity to find out the gender of your baby. Not everyone chooses to find out, but if you do, this can be a really exciting time.
The 20 week scan isn’t just about the gender, though. You get a proper check over of the baby. This starts with basics, like all the limbs, fingers and toes. Then it goes in depth, looking at the chambers of the heart, sections of the brain and other amazing bits and pieces. It’s so crazy to think there’s a little person inside of you… and you’re seeing inside of them!
The 20 week scan will pick up on any abnormalities, which can be talked over and discussed as necessary at your appointment.
Movement!
One of – if not the – best part of pregnancy, of the second trimester, is feeling the kicks. I felt my first (suspected) flutters on 17th December on the bus home, at 16 weeks, 2 days. I felt my first, proper and definitive kick on 7th January during a health and safety meeting, at 19 weeks and 2 days. Since then, the kicks have only got harder and more frequent.
By week 25 I could physically feel the kicks with my hand. This meant my partner could too, and made for a lovely bonding moment. We can also see the ripples across my stomach as baby kicks and moves about, which is incredible.
This is truly one of the best parts of pregnancy.
The pregnancy glow
I complained for ages that I didn’t have the pregnancy glow. I should have just been patient! From about week 21 within the second trimester, I’ve felt like I had ‘the glow’. I just feel like my normal self, I’m in good spirits and loving life. I have no complaints!
Like I said, the pregnancy sweet spot.
Big enough to let the world know I’m growing a baby, small enough to still be relatively comfortable on a day to day basis.
My only complaint is that I definitely haven’t had the hair growth I was promised…
Making plans!
The second trimester is definitely all about making plans. You can start focusing on the baby’s room, and start thinking about shopping for the big bits. You know, the cot, the car seat and the pram (squeals). Not to mention all the cute little outfits too!
Another thing you can spend time planning is the baby shower!
A baby shower usually takes place 4-6 weeks before the baby is due, so now is the perfect time to start planning. Some things you need to begin considering are the venue, the guest list, the theme/decor… it’s all so exciting and gives you something to look forward to in the third trimester.
Another thing you might want to start thinking about is a maternity shoot. Photographers get booked up quite quickly, and it is recommended by most that you book in for one around the time of your 20 week scan.
The babymoon
The second trimester is the perfect time for a ‘babymoon’ – a last holiday just you and your partner before the baby comes.
You can fly without a doctors note up until week 28 of your pregnancy – e.g. up until the third trimester. After that, it’s at the advice of your doctor and the discretion of the airline. You can find out more information on travelling beyond the second trimester on the NHS website.
We chose to take our last trip during week 24-25. It also happened to be across Valentine’s weekend, so it was nice and romantic.
Your partner can often be pushed to the sidelines in pregnancy (well duh, it is all about you after all!) A babymoon is a great opportunity to spend some much needed quality time together.
Heightened sex drive
During the first trimester, you might find yourself feeling too run down and tired to do anything – least of all keep your partner satisfied in the bedroom. However, one of the perks of the second trimester is a heightened sex drive.
You’re really gonna want to make the most of it, because when the baby is here, rumour has it sex has to take a bit of a back seat for a while…
Anyway, this is definitely a plus. You’ve got more energy than the first trimester and aren’t so huge or swollen or achey (hello, third trimester) that you don’t even want to think about it.
Again – the pregnancy sweet spot!
Focusing on the previous point, this is another great reason for a babymoon… time away together with no interruptions!
Physical symptoms
This is hard for me to advise on, as I have once again had a super easy time of it and haven’t really suffered with any physical side effects.
Shortness of breath – as the baby gets bigger, you have less space inside you for everything else. You can find yourself getting short of breath even after walking a short distance. Make sure you take it easy and walk at a pace that is comfortable for you!
Stretch marks – Really? You were expecting this, right?
Bigger boobs – These really don’t stop growing. It’s puberty all over again!
More toilet breaks! – Yep, with more pressure being applied to your bladder, you’re going to need to be dashing off to the toilet far more frequently.
Other – Other common (and normal) side effects you can experience during the second trimester include:
- Constipation
- Piles
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen hands and feet
- Sore back
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Sleep problems
- Heartburn
- Leg cramps
…and a whole lot more. Luckily I haven’t experienced any of these – which I am super happy about! But if you do, don’t panic. They’re all normal!
However, as week 27 came round, there were two physical symptoms I did suffer with – I was suddenly struggling to eat food, keep it down and sleep well.
I had to make some diet adjustments, eating smaller portions of food more frequently as opposed to three full meals. I also have to stop eating past approximately 8pm, otherwise I’m in for an uncomfortable night!
Dealing with the sleep problems is easily resolved – extra pillows! Including a pregnancy pillow. It’s time to invest!
Remember, everyone’s experience is different
People’s bumps will grow at different rates and be different shapes and sizes. Some people will feel kicks earlier, some later. Everyone will have different side effects they struggle with.
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy is different and unique to them. Don’t panic!
For me, the second trimester has been amazing. I’ve been in such a lovely bubble with my partner, I’ve been feeling the baby move, doing all the lovely things like planning the shower and going away. I feel very lucky to have had such an incredible second trimester. Now, I’m ready to see what the third has on offer!
Have you been through the second trimester? Why not share your experience or some tips in the comments below?
Love from, Florence Grace
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