You might be eagerly anticipating your baby’s first kick or flutter, but what other second-trimester pregnancy symptoms can you expect? And more importantly, why do these symptoms occur?
The second trimester is often referred to as “the sweet spot” of pregnancy—and for good reason. By now, you may have moved past the constant nausea, midafternoon fatigue, and shifts in taste and smell. You might even see your baby bump peeking over your jeans. You’ve got that elusive pregnancy glow.
However, pregnancy remains a significant physical challenge, and symptoms don’t necessarily disappear after reaching 14 weeks. As you transition into your second trimester, new symptoms may arise. Let’s dive into what’s happening in your body during this time and why.
What to Expect in Your Second Trimester
One of the simplest ways to confirm you’ve entered your second trimester is by tracking your pregnancy weeks. The first trimester ends at 13 weeks, and your second trimester starts from 14 weeks.
With the help of a pregnancy app like Flo, you can keep track of your weeks and monitor your body’s changes. Flo provides insights into what’s normal, what to expect, and when to consult a doctor.
During this period, many people report feeling significantly better and more “themselves” again, as the intense symptoms of the first trimester begin to ease. Dr. Charlsie Celestine, an obstetrician and gynecologist from New Jersey, notes, “The second trimester is often when women feel their best. The first trimester is about building a human from scratch, which can be draining.”
Your baby, who developed all their organs in the first trimester, will now grow rapidly and put on weight. Around 20 weeks, you might start feeling their movements—a thrilling milestone for expectant parents.
Common Second-Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
As you adjust to the second trimester, you might experience several new symptoms. Here’s a rundown of what you might encounter and why:
Growing Belly
Your bump will become more prominent as your baby grows. This growth is due to the expansion of your uterus, supported by hormones like relaxin, which helps stretch your ligaments. Round ligament pain, characterized by sharp or dull pain on one or both sides of your lower abdomen, can occur as your bump grows. This pain is usually temporary and can be alleviated with support from an elastic belly band or stretching exercises.
Itchy Skin
As your belly expands, you might experience itchiness due to skin stretching. This is a common issue and is often accompanied by increased levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. If the itching is severe or accompanied by a rash, consult your doctor.
Feeling Your Baby Move
Between 16 and 24 weeks, you may start feeling your baby’s movements. Initially, these might feel like gentle flutters or bubbles, gradually becoming more pronounced kicks. If you have concerns about your baby’s movements, consult your healthcare provider.
Aches and Pains
In addition to round ligament pain, you may experience vaginal pain or pelvic girdle pain affecting the pubic area, hips, lower back, and thighs. This pain is often related to the extra weight and changes in posture due to pregnancy.
Heartburn
Heartburn can become a challenge during the second trimester due to rising progesterone levels, which relax the digestive system. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and sitting upright after eating can help alleviate discomfort.
Increased Appetite
Expect a boost in appetite as your baby grows and requires more nourishment. Aim for nutritious foods to meet the additional caloric needs—about 340 extra calories per day during the second trimester.
Changes in Skin Pigmentation
You might notice changes in skin pigmentation, such as chloasma (dark patches on the face) or linea nigra (a dark line running from the upper abdomen to the pubic area). These changes are often due to hormonal fluctuations and typically fade after childbirth.
Unexpected Symptoms
Some unexpected symptoms may arise during the second trimester:
Nosebleeds:
Increased blood flow and swollen blood vessels in your nose can lead to nosebleeds. If they persist beyond a few minutes, contact your healthcare provider.
Bleeding Gums:
Pregnancy gingivitis, characterized by swollen, bleeding gums, affects many pregnant people due to hormonal changes. Maintain good oral hygiene and consult your dentist if the condition worsens.
Vaginal Discharge:
Increased vaginal discharge is normal as it protects against infections. If the discharge changes significantly in color, smell, or consistency, consult your healthcare provider.
When to Seek Medical Help
Pregnancy symptoms vary widely, and while many are normal, some require medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, vaginal bleeding similar to a period, or any other concerning symptoms.
Conclusion
The second trimester of pregnancy is filled with new experiences, from feeling your baby’s first movements to adjusting to physical changes. Although it might come with its own set of symptoms like heartburn or itchy skin, remember that each pregnancy is unique. Using tools like the Flo app can help you track your symptoms and get support from a community of expectant parents.
If you have any doubts or concerns about your symptoms, always consult your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.
By understanding what’s happening in your body and what to expect, you can better navigate the second trimester and enjoy the journey toward welcoming your baby.
References
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047732
2. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16092-pregnancy-second-trimester
4. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22640-stages-of-labor
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6079277/
7. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/what-causes-stretch-marks-during-pregnancy
