In the second trimester, your body keeps changing as your baby grows.
This trimester lasts from week 14 to week 27.
This is the time you may need to start wearing looser clothing, but hopefully you're also feeling better and have more energy.
Although, remember, every pregnancy is unique so some people may not be feeling much better.
At the beginning of the second trimester, the baby could fit inside the circle formed by your index finger touching your thumb.
But by 24 weeks, the baby has grown a lot, and the arms and legs begin to move.
And at this point, you can probably feel it when the baby moves.
These movements can feel like butterflies or bubbles.
This can make your pregnancy feel more "real."
And that new reality may be causing a lot of feelings and thoughts.
You may be thinking about giving birth, the health of your baby, and becoming a parent.
Or you may be considering adoption for your baby.
It's important to call your doctor or midwife if you're experiencing any uncomfortable, lasting feelings like anxiety, sadness, or depression.
Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby.
Prenatal visits are very important during pregnancy.
These quick office visits may seem simple and routine, but they can help keep you and your baby safe and healthy.
Some of the tests you may get during the second trimester include a fetal ultrasound and other tests for genetic problems and birth defects.
You'll also have blood tests to check for gestational diabetes and anemia.
Most people have back pain at some point during pregnancy.
So if your job requires a lot of standing or sitting, ask your employer if you can take short breaks.
You can also ask your doctor or midwife to write a note requesting these breaks or other adjustments so you can keep working.
Leg cramps, especially at night, are another common second-trimester symptom.
Stretching and walking can help your legs feel better.
Staying hydrated may also help.
But be sure to call your doctor or midwife if you have pain in your leg that doesn't go away or if you have signs of a blood clot.
These signs can include a pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
Or you may have swelling or a color change on your leg or groin.
Other second-trimester symptoms include pelvic aches and heartburn.
Ask your doctor or midwife if a safe pain reliever such as acetaminophen or heartburn medicines might help.
But get emergency help right away if you have vaginal bleeding or sudden, severe belly pain.
And call your doctor or midwife if you have signs of preeclampsia, such as a severe headache, vision problems, or sudden swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
Now, we can't cover everything related to your pregnancy, but you've spent a few months getting to know your changing body and your growing baby.
Trust yourself to ask questions and talk about your symptoms.
Ask a friend, a loved one, or your partner to be with you for support during prenatal visits.
They can help with questions, remember details, and write down any of the doctor's answers.
And even if you're unsure about something, let your doctor or midwife know your concerns and how you're feeling.
And most definitely call if you have something that doesn't feel right or hurts.
For example, call or go see your doctor or midwife right away if your baby stops moving or moves less, if you think you're having more than 6 contractions in an hour, or if you think your water broke.
Now here's a reminder that everything healthy you do for your body helps your growing baby. So let's talk just a little bit about being active.
You and your doctor or midwife can talk about the right kind of activity at this stage of pregnancy. But it's always a good idea to listen to your body.
Pay attention to signs that mean it's time to slow down.
And be extra careful when you do any activity that might cause you to lose your balance.
And speaking of activity, having sex during pregnancy is okay, unless your doctor or midwife tells you not to.
How sexy you feel may have changed, so you can decide what's right for you.
But pregnancy can be a chance to explore new ways to feel close, new sexual positions, and new ways to communicate.
Eat a variety of foods.
On most days, try to eat from each food group— grains, protein, vegetables and fruits, and dairy.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about any foods you may crave.
As your pregnancy continues, there's a lot to discover about what's happening now and how to prepare for the next phase of your pregnancy.
So try to keep learning about what this all means for you.
Remember, everyone's pregnancy is unique.
And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, you can always call your doctor or midwife.
