Baby’s Development
During the second trimester the baby’s hair beginning to grow, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Fingerprints developed. Fingernails and toenails growing. Between 16 and 20 weeks the baby usually felt moving for the first time by some women. The baby’s breathing becomes more regular during this trimester. By the end of the second trimester the baby’s lungs are also more developed.
The baby can be felt moving during the second trimester, this is referred to as ‘quickening’. It is important to remember the day you first felt the baby moving because it gives and idea of the week of pregnancy and baby’s wellbeing. It is usually felt around the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy.
Changes to your body
Nausea and vomiting continue to prevail in the first few weeks of the second trimester, however a positive sign is that it subsides closer to the 16th week of pregnancy.
Most women start to show during this period. This means that during the second trimester women will notice more enlargement of the lower abdomen.
Most women will also notice changes in her skin (darkening) specially on her face (Over forehead and cheeks) and back of the neck, armpits, and even the genital area. Continuous care from the local clinic as well as from your obstetrician is important.
There are other minor ailments such as fatigue, headaches, feeling bloated, that can start during this trimester.
Tips for the second trimester
- Handling morning sickness – severe cases will need medication for relief
- Breast discomfort – Wearing supportive bras is recommended for this
- Travelling – planning ahead and think of making frequent stops to releave discomfort in the legs
- Dealing with cravings – remember to maintain a healthy diet despite all those cravings
- Skin Care – there are certain products that should not be used during pregnancy. Therefore it is always best to consult your doctor if you want to treat your skin for pigmentation or acne
- Don’t miss your scheduled doctor appointements
Doctors appointment – What to expect in the second trimester
- Weight check
- Blood Pressure check
- Vaccinations for some mother – Rheses factor
- Tests – Urine Full Report, Full Blood Count, Blood grouping, Rhesus factor and post prandiel bloog sugar test
- In certain cases – VDRL test for Psyphilis
- Vaccines – tetanus is administered if not previously taken