Your Second Trimester: What To Expect

What are the most common second trimester symptoms…and how can you prepare for them?

Weeks 13 to 27 of pregnancy are typically called the “honeymoon period,” because many of the discomforts you initially suffered through either aren’t as intense as they once were, or disappear completely.

You’re Not As Nauseous

By the second trimester, most women find morning sickness isn’t as much of an issue. However, you’ll begin experiencing abdominal aches due to your expanding uterus and stretching ligaments.

Your Body Changes More

By week 16, you’ll likely be in maternity clothes due to your expanding waistline and widening hips. By week 27, you should have gained 16 to 22 pounds, though the baby will only account for about two of those. You’ll also probably start to see stretch marks.

You’re Not As Emotional

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During your first three months, the increased hormones in your body may have caused overwhelming emotions. During the second trimester, your body will have mostly adjusted to them.

However, watching your body change may make you start worrying about the effects of that.

You Can Feel The Baby

At about 12 weeks, the baby’s heartbeat will be detectable. But between 16 and 20 weeks, you’ll start to feel the baby moving.

Shortness Of Breath

• Simple activities may start making you feel a bit winded, since your growing uterus is beginning to crowd the lungs and make air flow a little harder.
• If you’re still feeling nauseous, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B6, which may help settle your system.
• If you’re shortness of breath is severe, talk to a doctor.
• Know that bad dreams and anxiousness are also common symptoms that many women experience in their second semester.