10 Things to Know About the 2nd Trimester

I’m not sure why but it seems like the 2nd trimester of pregnancy always goes the fastest.

The first trimester and third trimester always seem to last a long time but with each of my pregnancies, the middle trimester always seems to fly.

Since I’m now officially in the 3rd trimester of this pregnancy I thought it would be fun to look back and share a few things to know about the 2nd trimester.

Things To Know About the 2nd Trimester

While this list doesn’t include everything you could possibly need to know about the 2nd trimester it does include some good information as well as some things I have learned through my pregnancy experiences.

When does the 2nd Trimester Start

First off when does the 2nd Trimester Start and how many weeks are in it? The second trimester starts at week 14 and goes until the end of week 27. So it covers roughly months four, five, and six of your pregnancy.

The start of the 2nd trimester is often a less stressful and more enjoyable time of pregnancy. By week 14 the risk of miscarriage has gone down substantially.

14 weeks is often when people choose to start sharing about their pregnancy with friends and on social media.

2nd Trimester of Pregnancy Symptoms

The second trimester of pregnancy brings more changes to your body and new pregnancy symptoms.

The symptoms you might or might not experience during this trimester include:

• Growing belly (everyone should experience this)
• Braxton hicks Contractions
• Skin Changes (Linea Nigra, Stretch Marks, Melanin)
• Nasal Problems (stuffiness and nosebleeds)
• Dental issues (sensitive gums)
• Dizziness
• Leg cramps
• Vaginal discharge
• UTI

While a growing belly is a symptom most pregnant women will and should experience during this trimester many of the other symptoms you won’t experience.

The most common symptoms I have experienced during the second trimester other than a growing belly is stuffiness, sensitive gums when I brush and leg cramps.

The stuffiness is something I experienced for the first time with pregnancy 3. While annoying for me it was only in the morning and then it went away.

The sensitive gums is something I have had with all of my pregnancies and it lasts the whole time not just the 2nd trimester. It’s also something that isn’t a big deal once you know why it’s happening and that it’s normal.

Leg cramps were the worst symptom I had with my first pregnancy. But with the next two I made sure to stretch regularly and eat more bananas (potassium) and I haven’t had them as bad.

If you haven’t picked up the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting you might want to get it. It’s a great resource with tons of information about all the stages of pregnancy.

Blood Work and Glucose Test

During the 2nd trimester, you will typically have a glucose test, as well as several other blood tests, done.

At this point you can also decide to additional genetic testing if you want.

2nd Trimester Ultrasound

One of my favorite parts of pregnancy is getting that ultrasound at 18-20 weeks. It’s so fun to see the baby moving around and find out the gender (if you want).

I feel like having that ultrasound makes the pregnancy more real, especially if you haven’t started to feel the baby move yet. Plus it’s always comforting to see the images and know everything is good with the baby.

Rest

Resting during the 2nd trimester is important but also hard. I always feel the best during this time of pregnancy so it’s harder for me to rest.

Having a summer pregnancy with baby 3 made it a lot easier for me to rest since by afternoon it was so hot. But you know even though it’s hot and I want to rest I do have 2 other kids which can make resting a challenge.

With my other pregnancies the second trimester was during the fall and I had a hard time staying inside when it was nice outside.

Break Out the Maternity Clothes

Depending on what pregnancy this is for you and how you carry your baby the second trimester is probably when you’ll want to start wearing maternity clothes.

At the start of the 2nd trimester I can still usually fit into my regular clothes but I’m usually ready for the more comfortable fit of maternity clothes.

Related Post: How to Save Money on Maternity Clothes

Do a Gender Reveal or Baby Shower

If you found out your little ones gender at your ultrasound then now is a great time to do a gender reveal. You can find tons of fun ideas on Pinterest.

We did a silly string gender reveal for baby 3 and it turned out so cute.

If a gender reveal isn’t your thing or your keeping the gender a surprise right now is also a great time to have your baby showers.

Having a baby shower during the later part of the second trimester is a great time so you know what you still need to get and you don’t have to worry about going into labor before the party.

Start a Baby Registry

Just like the second trimester is a great time for a baby shower it’s also a great time to start or add to your baby registry. Even if it’s not your first baby a baby registry is something you should do with each pregnancy.

You can even keep the registry private and use it as your shopping list if you don’t want to share it with people.

Plus you know you want to take advantage of the freebies and coupons you get for setting up a registry.

Travel if You’re Going To!

The second trimester is the best time to take a trip if you want to travel while pregnant. You’re usually filling up to traveling at this point and you don’t typically have to worry about being away from your doctors.

Many people take a babymoon during the 2nd trimester. We have taken family trips during this time since we know it will be a while before we travel again after the baby gets here.

Enjoy It and Don’t Forget to Take Pictures

I know everyone is telling you to enjoy it and you’re just excited to meet your baby. But really enjoy it. The pregnancy only lasts 9 months and it will go fast.

So enjoy those little baby movements and don’t forget to take pictures. I didn’t take many pictures during my first pregnancy and I wish I would have taken more.

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