During the second trimester, all the unseen work you did in the first trimester will start to show itself in substantial changes on the outside of your body. By the end of the third month (which marks the beginning of the second trimester), your baby bump may start to grow as your unborn child packs on the pounds, doubling weight over the next 4-weeks so by the end of the second trimester (6-months) your fetus will weigh approximately 2-pounds.
During this time, the baby is also growing ears, eyes, capillaries for blood flow, fingerprints, and will start to suck and yawn, which is truly adorable on an ultrasound! Mom can also expect some pleasant happenings along with a few more uncomfortable occurrences during her second trimester of pregnancy…
Energy Returns
Say goodbye to nausea and morning sickness, during the start of the second trimester you’ll often experience a resurgence of energy thanks to less demand on your body to grow the placenta and the queasiness that often comes along with it.
Heartburn
Unfortunately, with any good side also comes a down side and particular annoying symptoms from the first trimester may make their way into the second, like heartburn, and the associated acid indigestion, bloating, gas, and constipation that worsens as baby grows and places pressure on your digestive tract.
Congestion
Many moms-to-be complain about suffering congestion in their second trimester. It can often be so severe that it causes snoring at night.
Inflammation
Inflammation is an uncomfortable side effect of the second trimester—particularly painful swelling of the ankles and feet as you carry around extra pregnancy weight. However, inflammation can also spread to the gums, making them very sensitive.
Absentmindedness
Many call it “pregnancy brain” but what they’re referring to is that dizzy, forgetful phase that pregnant women suffer in the second trimester.
Cravings
The second trimester will typically provide relief from the awful nausea and food repulsion that you experienced in the first. But now that your appetite has return; your cravings may begin, increasing your appetite and desire for some pretty wacky food combinations.
Skin Changes
That sought after “pregnancy glow” is often associated with women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Skin changes could include a healthy glow over the skin due to increased oils, places, skin tags, and dark patches, which are all quite normal.
Changes to Sex Drive
Unfortunately, one of the most impactful changes during the second trimester will be to your sex life. As you cope with raging hormones, swollen ankles, constipation, and weight gain; your partner might be turned down regularly when he or she is in the mood. On the other hand, some expectant moms experience a stronger sex drive due to the extra blood flowing through their bodies.
Varicose Veins
Almost half of all pregnant women suffer with varicose veins in their legs or vulva during the second trimester. Aside from being rather embarrassing, these blue, bulging veins can become hard, painful, and tender, and even develop into blood clots (a condition called Thrombophlebitis).
Hemorrhoids
Pregnancy will often put you at risk for developing hemorrhoids, which are basically varicose veins in the rectal area. This is due to the excess pressure and restricted blood flow to the veins of the pelvic and lower region by your growing uterus.
