Archive for the ‘pregnancy’ Category
The state of pregnancy is supposedly a wonderful stage of a mother’s life. The second trimester pregnancy is considered as the enjoyable period of the pregnancy, which is usually spread over the 13th to the 28th week of the pregnancy stage. Although the body continues to witness changes, many symptoms of the first trimester disappear. The mother may not experience fatigue, nausea and morning sickness as prevalent in the first trimester pregnancy.
The baby undergoes many changes and it’s a fully developed fetus now. A good growth is seen in the fetus’s organs. The baby’s movements are well felt by the end of the 5th month. The abdomen will start growing and will actually expand. The uterus also grows and occupies the large abdominal duct. So the stretch marks start becoming prominent, which could result in possible itching on the abdomen. As the first trimester pregnancy may not witness huge changes in areolas & nipples, they become bigger and prominently darker during the 2nd trimester pregnancy.
During this second trimester of pregnancy, mother feels better than the 1st period. The fetus starts its movements known as “quickening”. Weight gain is now rapid than the first period. During the end of 5th month, the uterus top reaches till the navel. The uterus can have contractions, often termed as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are unpredictable, but don’t cause much pain.
A yellowish fluid is discharged from the breasts and the mothers should now start preparing themselves for breast-feeding. Due to the increasing size of the baby, changes like palpitations, gastric sensations, heartburn, lungs pressure may be felt. There is formation of a dark line from the navel till the lower abdomen. The increased hormones may cause bleeding from the nose and gums too.
Weaker women can experience iron deficiencies. The risk of miscarriage is higher in this period, if the pregnancy is on an increased risk. A white colored discharge from the vagina is normal, but a doctor should be seen if this discharge turns red.
Since second trimester pregnancy is the most developing phase of the pregnancy, utmost care should be pursued in terms of diet and blood levels. Needless to emphasize on a mineral and vitamin rich diet, iron is also vital factor needed for the growing baby and placenta. Intake of iron proficient diet like spinach, red meat, legumes, dates, raisins, whole grains etc should be on the daily list.
Frequent water intake of a minimum 8-10 glasses a day should help to control the infection of urinary tract. The increased belly size may not let women sleep well and movements during the sleep may not be comfortable. In such cases, a pillow can be used between the legs while sleeping on the sides. Also, the increasing weight results in swelling of the limbs for many women. Leg cramps are common as the pressure is on the lower limbs. So a little bit of slow walking can help stretching and relaxing the muscles.
Some good changes may be a glow in the skin and growth in the hair. Overall, second trimester pregnancy is the most enjoyable phase for any expectant mother!
Suggested Reading: Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is described as the most beautiful experience in a woman’s life. Pregnancy, the stage of carrying the fetus or embryo, is generally spread over a period of 9 months (calculated as 40 weeks). This period is divided into three periods, known as TRIMESTERS. They are first trimester pregnancy, second trimester pregnancy, and third trimester pregnancy. Each trimester pregnancy is comprised of around 3 months each and has a varying effect on the expectant mother’s life. Prenatal care is of utmost importance in all the trimesters.
The first trimester pregnancy begins from the first day of the last menstrual period the woman has had and is spread over the first 12 weeks. Conception particularly occurs after 2 weeks of the start of the prenatal period. The body experiences many changes in the first trimester. This period witnesses development in fetus’s growth.
As an expectant mother, one may see all the early symptoms of pregnancy. While missing of periods is normal and required, few women may experience slight outflow. If the periods occur with huge outflows, the woman should immediately see the doctor. Also, the woman may see various changes in her body like enlargement of breasts along with tenderness.
While weight gain is not so prominent in many at the first trimester pregnancy, few may have a slight increase their weight, which may result in fatigue. Weakness can also result in increased metabolism and hence sweating. A not so prominent abdominal enlargement is seen. Urination frequency increases and following the hormonal changes that the pregnancy brings in, some women tend to encounter constipation, which brings on extra pressure on the abdomen.
One of the most prevalent changes that any expectant mother notices at first trimester pregnancy stage is nausea and morning sickness. While the term may be associated with a feeling of vomiting or vomiting in the mornings, it is not so every time. Many may experience this throughout the course of the day. This can be more prevalent during mornings, evenings or nights. Mild vomiting doesn’t cause any harm to the baby, but if it’s severe the woman should the doctor. Morning sickness also results in loss of appetite in the first trimester pregnancy, which can cause weight loss in many.
Increased vomiting leads to loss of body fluids, which in turn adds on the fatigue. Hence, the diet should be mineral rich and vitamin rich. Morning sickness cannot be completely eradicated in the first trimester pregnancy, but it can be controlled though. The diet should be spread in small intakes during the course of the day to keep the digestive system running well.
Dizziness prevails all the times for many mothers and this is aggravated with motion or traveling. Motion sickness is not necessarily a pregnacy symptom, but can be associated with a morning sickness with motion or travel. Fainting is also seen in some women, especially with fatigue, as there is an increased blood supply towards the uterus and legs.
The mother should take extreme care in case of her diet. The first trimester pregnancy sees an assumingly good growth in the fetus and hence the mother is expected to maintain her body in accordance with the same.
Pregnancy: Weeks 1-4 (Month #1)
Does that at-home-pregnancy test show double yellow lines? Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Here’s what to expect during weeks one through four.