After weeks spent hunched over the porcelain throne, you lift your head and realize you have enough strength to keep yourself upright. Your incessant nausea has vanished, and you find yourself flooded with a burst of energy after weeks of fatigue and malaise.
Congratulations! You've made it to the second trimester of pregnancy, and we think you're going to like it here.
Moms-to-be universally agree that the start of the second trimester marks a positive shift in their mood, energy level, and comfort. Do you know what changes to expect as you move into this exciting stage of the process? We've created this guide to give tired, nauseous moms a glimpse of the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel.
Read on to learn about everything you have to look forward to during the second stage of your pregnancy.
What Ends in the Second Trimester?
The first trimester can take a lot out of you, even if you're excited to welcome your sweet baby. Between fatigue and morning sickness, many women feel drained by week thirteen. Here is some good news about what happens to your least favorite pregnancy symptoms during the second trimester.
Say Farewell to Nausea
Morning sickness is one of the most prevalent symptoms during the first trimester (and one of the most challenging to manage). If you've been living with nausea, we're pleased to tell you that it may be coming to an end. The influx of intense pregnancy hormones that kick off this phenomenon will begin balancing out, so you'll spend less time worrying about your tummy.
Some women do experience morning sickness into the second trimester, but it often becomes more manageable.
Leave Fatigue in the Dust
The same hormones that cause morning sickness can contribute to fatigue during the first trimester. As your body gets used to these changes, you're likely to snap out of your state of perpetual exhaustion. In fact, many pregnant women report feeling more energetic than they did before getting pregnant.
The reduction in nausea and boost in energy aren't mutually exclusive. We're pleased to tell you that food will start tasting good again. You'll be able to nourish your body, which helps energize you, too.
What's New in the Second Trimester?
As you say farewell to nausea and exhaustion, it's time to say hello to many positive changes.
Baby development goes into overdrive during the second trimester. By the time you enter your third trimester, your baby will be the size of a large eggplant. Your body will do a lot of growing and stretching to help make your big baby cozy in your womb.
Feel Your First Baby Movements
During week fourteen of pregnancy, your baby will be about the size of a lemon. You won't miss the sensation of a lemon swimming around in your belly! Doctors call these early movements "quickening," which are subtle, fluttering sensations that let you know your baby is stretching its brand-new muscles and limbs.
These sensations are subtle during the second trimester, but enjoy them while you can. You'll miss the tiny flutters during your third trimester when your baby kicks you in the kidneys.
Baby Growth Means a Baby Bump
The second trimester is when most women finally begin showing. Beginning around the twentieth week of pregnancy, even strangers will start to notice your bump. It's the perfect time to begin documenting your pregnancy, as you can expect visible changes week by week.
Gorgeous, Glowing Skin
You've heard people mention the "pregnancy glow," and we're happy to tell you that it's a real phenomenon. The same hormones that made you queasy a few weeks ago will make you look gorgeous during your second trimester. Your hair and skin will look incredible, so take plenty of pictures.
Time to Learn the Gender
Many moms-to-be choose to learn the gender of their baby during the second trimester. Your doctor may ask if you want to know your baby's gender as early as your fourteen-week ultrasound (though it is sometimes too early to tell). Most new parents find out their baby's gender somewhere between eighteen and twenty-one weeks.
How to Take Advantage of Your Energy
We regret to inform you that you won't be bursting with endless energy for long. By the third trimester, you'll have a giant baby bump and contractions to contend with. Here are a few fun things we suggest you do now that you're experiencing smooth sailing.
Shop for Your Maternity Wardrobe
Your body is finally starting to change enough that you may need a stretchy pair of pants. Clothes shopping is much easier when you have the energy to try on a bunch of new wardrobe staples. You might also want to pick up a new bra as your breasts begin to swell.
Send Out Those Baby Announcements
Most moms-to-be wait until the second trimester before announcing their pregnancy to the world. Take those exciting pregnancy announcement photos while your hair and skin look incredible.
Start Building a Registry
Most baby shower planning begins during the second trimester. Start building your registry now so you'll be ready when the invitations go out.
Take Advantage of Your Second Trimester Energy
Upon entering the second trimester, many moms-to-be feel like they're waking up for the first time in weeks. Now that morning sickness isn't holding you back, it's time to get things done. Take advantage of your newfound energy and take care of tasks that will be much more challenging with a third-trimester bump in the way.
After you post your pregnancy announcement, take a moment to add the Pixsee smart baby monitor to your Amazon registry. New moms love Pixsee's playful-chic design.
Visit our Amazon online store and Pixsee Shop to learn how Pixsee saves parents time and creates peace of mind with industry-leading features and audiovisual specs.
