Pregnancy symptoms for the second trimester.

 

The second trimester of pregnancy extends from week 14 to week 26, or from the forth until the sixth month of pregnancy. This period of pregnancy is known as the “Golden period” and the reason is that many of the symptoms of the first trimester like morning sickness are much better in the second trimester. In addition you start to feel more vital, strong and with much more energy. This trimester is also accompanied by new emotional and physical challenges. In this post, I am going to give you a detailed and complete list of all the pregnancy symptoms that you will experience in the second trimester, along with an explanation of why these symptoms occur and how to improve them in a natural way.

Related post: Pregnancy symptoms for the first trimester.

What are the most common symptoms for the second trimester?

Increased vaginal discharge:

An increase in vaginal discharge is normal. This secretion is colorless, odorless, very similar to egg white. As your pregnancy progresses the vagina begins to prepare for the time of delivery and also, this vaginal discharge has a special function of keeping the birth canal free of bacteria. Something you should keep in mind is that, when this vaginal discharge becomes different, it has a smell or blood, it can be a Yeast infection, Sexually transmitted disease or something else. It is always good to check with the doctor if you notice any changes. What can you do to keep up with this symptom: Stick to a routine that prioritizes hygiene on your private parts to avoid getting any bacterial infections.

Congested:

The hormonal change also causes the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, secrete fluid and therefore a postnasal drip occurs. Mothers who suffer from allergies, asthma or sinuses may be more prone to this symptom. Do not take over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamine medications, as many of them are contraindicated during pregnancy. To relieve this symptom in a natural way, you may humidify the air in your home or room. There may also be nosebleeds that usually resolve with pressure on the nostrils.

Bleeding gums or pregnancy gingivitis:

The increase in hormones once again is to blame. Those same hormones that produce the membranes to swell also affect the gums. This combined with an increase in saliva production. During pregnancy, it is crucial to visit your dentist frequently to avoid any serious infection. And here are some tips to help you with this symptom: Eat more fruit and vegetable rich in Vitamin C. Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash regularly, and spit it out, don’t swallow it. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss regularly, Avoid eating candy. Brush your teeth more frequently if you can.

Headaches:

Headache is one of the most frequent complaints of pregnant women. Those who suffer from migraines may be more likely to suffer more headaches during pregnancy. Here I give you recommendations to relieve or reduce headache discomfort: Identify the trigger for your headache and obviously avoid it. Change position slowly. Keep your blood sugar levels steady to relieve headaches caused by hunger. Breath some fresh air. Keep stress levels under control. Get a massage from your partner.

Dizzy and faint:

Dizziness can occur when you change your position abruptly. This symptom occurs because during pregnancy the cardiovascular system does not react so quickly, when an abrupt movement occurs, the blood flow to the brain can be momentarily decreased and you feel dizzy. This is better known as Postural Hypo-tension. This happens because your body is prioritizing blood flow to the uterus rather than the brain. Here are some tips to improve this symptom: Move slowly. Change position slowly too. Avoid being in the same position for long periods of time. Exercise the legs whenever you can. Start sleeping on your left side.

Navel discomfort:

Around 20 weeks your abdomen is expanding very quickly. Therefore feeling pain and discomfort in the navel is very common. For this symptom there is little you can do, because the growth of the uterus is inevitable however, keeping the skin moisturized and giving your belly gentle massages can help.

Round-ligament pain:

The ligament that holds your uterus is working more than usual. The uterus is larger and heavier so all the weight falls on the round-ligament. Once again, move slowly, be patient. And rest a lot.

Leg cramps:

Due to an increase in weight in the large blood vessels through the uterus, circulation to the major muscles of the leg is affected. This can also be produced by an electrolyte imbalance. What can you do to relieve leg cramps: You can improve this symptom if you improve blood circulation in the leg muscles, and how are you going to do this? Wear support stockings. Perform leg muscle exercises when sitting or lying down. Making massages in the calf. Keep your legs elevated during the day as much as you can. Perform leg stretching exercises.

Numbness and tingling in hands:

This symptom occurs due to the retention of fluid that occurs in the body of a pregnant woman. This excess of fluid is deposited beneath the ligament running across your wrists, thus causing an inflammation that pinches the nerve beneath the ligaments that leads to the hand, This symptom is commonly known as Carpal tunnel syndrome. To improve the discomfort of the carpal tunnel syndrome you can: Rest your hands during the day. Avoid positions that cause repetitive use of your wrists. If you use the computer to work, always ensure that your hands and wrists are in a neutral position.

Mentally fuzzy:

I am sure it is not the first time you hear the term “mommy brain”. This process is actually real and is called “synaptic pruning” and allows the mother to develop a deeper and more responsive connection to her baby, increasing maternal bonding capabilities (nature again show us that she is wise, right?). Pruning of the gray matter on the maternal brain is what is responsible for this and you have nothing to fear because instead of losing cognitive capability during or after pregnancy, the maternal brain is actually strengthening and specializing in the most valuable skill: Improve social connection (with your baby). Do not worry, everything will return to normal after birth.

Cramping:

You can feel slightly gassy, with a generalized sensation throughout the area of the lower abdomen and pelvis.

Braxton Hicks contractions:

Braxton hicks contractions is when your uterus occasionally feel tight as it practices for labor. This is totally normal as long as the contractions go away when you change positions. Let your doctor know about any pain or contractions that don’t stop.

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Related posts:

The ultimate guide for your 20 week fetal ultrasound.

Useful guide about your newborn baby care.

How to prevent preterm labor naturally.

Final thoughts:

As you can see the second trimester is also very challenging but exciting. At the end of 6 months is when your belly begins to grow rapidly. Your baby is gaining the most weight in these last months, and as it is well said, nature is giving your baby the finishing touches for a magnificent creation. Don’t despair, everything you are going through now is going to be forgotten when you see the most beautiful face in the world, your baby’s face.

As usual, thank you for reading this post. I hope it was helpful to you. For the rest of the pregnancy symptoms for the first and third trimester check the blog.

Zadi, xo

Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, the information in this post is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care always visit your doctor.