When does the second trimester of pregnancy officially start?

(February 2, 2010)

The second trimester usually starts around week 13 and continues up to week 27. Once the first trimester has been negotiated successfully, most mothers-to-be have a relatively calm and enjoyable second trimester. The instances of morning sickness and tenderness of the breasts are fewer. The baby continues to develop at a rapid rate that is now more obvious.

One of the most obvious and enjoyable changes is the emergence of ‘quickening’, the movement of the baby within the womb. The mother-to-be may also notice a spike in appetite as the baby continues to grow physically. In many cases the desire to urinate often may actually go down as the uterus expands beyond the pelvic area and thereby reduces the pressure on the bladder.

Some mothers may experience some discomfort due to the stretching of the lower abdominal muscles as they start supporting the uterus. In some cases the skin on the stomach may also become itchy due to the same reason. As the levels of progesterone and estrogen increase there may be some likelihood of bleeding gums and nasal congestion. Due to the increased pressure varicose veins could make an appearance and some may also experience aches in the lower back. The color of the skin on the belly area may undergo some changes and some women may continue to experience indigestion, irregular bowel movements and acidity/heart burn. Eschewing harmful toxins such as alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine are even more important now as the umbilical cord becomes thicker.

Some areas to focus on during this period include any indicators of discomfort, weight of the expecting mother, the size of the uterus, the heartbeat of the baby, overall development of the baby, and any shifts in the expecting mother’s blood pressure. One test that is normally done is the urine test. This will help detect any traces of albumin, which is a protein that could be indicative of health issues such as toxemia or preeclampsia. Another negative indicator is sugar, which could warn against hyperglycemia, all of which are inimical to the development and delivery of the baby.

Overall however, this is a relatively less stressful time for the mother, provided she continues with a healthy regimen of nutritious food and gentle exercises. Following doctor-recommended plan of a good diet and pregnancy exercises is a sensible decision. A positive mental approach, which complements a physically healthy lifestyle, goes a long way to ensure a happy and healthy pregnancy culminating in the delivery of a happy and healthy baby.

Submitted by P T on February 2, 2010 at 09:50

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