What To Expect During Pregnancy » 2. trimester http://www.whattoexpectduringpregnancy.net Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:37:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Second trimester of pregnancy http://www.whattoexpectduringpregnancy.net/second-trimester-of-pregnancy/ http://www.whattoexpectduringpregnancy.net/second-trimester-of-pregnancy/#comments Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:05:52 +0000 admin http://www.whattoexpectduringpregnancy.net/?p=14
  • First trimester of pregnancy
  • Pregnancy trimesters
    • ]]>     Second trimester of pregnancy photoCongratulations on your pregnancy!  If you are 12 weeks pregnant, you are reaching the end of your first trimester and entering your second trimester.  For many women, this is when they breathe a sigh of relief.  The second trimester of pregnancy is when you are going to notice the most change in your body and you are going to start to feel your baby move.  You will start to round out in your mid section and you will have to start wearing maternity clothes if you aren’t already.  Your obstetrician will probably suggest that you start eating an extra 250-300 calories a day to make up for the nutrients that your baby is taking from you. 
     

    Your Body

    You are definitely going to notice a lot of change in your body during your second trimester of pregnancy.  Your breasts will swell and at the same time, they will not be as tender and sensitive as they were during your first trimester of pregnancy.  It is going to be important for you to find a good, supportive and comfortable bra.  Your stomach is going to be growing as well and we do not want too much added stress on your back. 

    Your stomach is going to be the next place that you are going to notice the difference.  Many women really do not pop until around the 20th week of pregnancy.  If this is your second or even third pregnancy, you might find that you pop a little bit faster.  Many women find that it is just more comfortable to start wearing maternity pants rather than going out and buying larger sizes. 

    You might also begin to notice that your hair is thicker and shinier.  When you are pregnant and taking prenatal vitamins you will notice that when you shower and when you blow dry your hair you are not losing any strands.  It is normal for hair not to fall out when you are pregnant.  The follicles do not release hair typically during pregnancy.
     

    Doctor Appointments

    When you are approximately 18 weeks pregnant, you will be given a prescription for a level two sonogram.   This will check the baby’s gestational age and check on the baby’s health.  They will measure the baby’s arms and legs and check the baby’s heart and neck.  You can also find out the sex of your baby if your baby decides to cooperate.  Sometimes the baby will not open its legs or is backwards and will not flip.  If this happens you might have to go back to finish the sonogram.  Do not get concerned if this happens, it is very common.

    The best part of your second trimester of pregnancy is that you will begin to feel so much better.  The nausea will end and you will find that you will be able to eat more a variety of things.  If you were suffering from heartburn or a sensitive stomach, it should all subside.  The second of the pregnancy trimesters is when most women feel their healthiest.  If you have questions and want to know what to expect during pregnancy do not hesitate to ask your doctor or some friends that have recently had a child.

    Related posts:

    1. First trimester of pregnancy
    2. Pregnancy trimesters

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