Two weeks back we had posted a blog on the first trimester. The first trimester comes with its own share of excitement and nervousness. Everything is new and it is tough on the body as well as a tiny human being is being formed inside you. Once you hit the 14-week mark, you enter the second trimester. As I had mentioned earlier also, the most important person in your pregnancy journey should be your doctor. You can read any number of books or use different applications on your phone, you must remember each pregnancy is different and the best person to give you correct advise is your doctor.
I will not lie and say that most of my first trimester I lived with a constant fear of losing the baby. I had waited for very long and at no cost wanted my pregnancy to end in a miscarriage. When I entered the second trimester, the fear started to go. I was more confident about the pregnancy. My doctor had put many restrictions in the first trimester and these were eased out too. Now when I think back, I am sure, the second trimester was the easiest and the most beautiful one.
Energy Levels Were Back
One of the biggest and most noticeable changes was that my energy levels returned.
I could function for longer hours and didn’t feel sleepy all the time. I was able to go back to my old lifestyle—staying up late, reading, and watching TV.
This trimester also made me more productive. I completed so many things that I wanted to do before the baby arrived.
During this phase:
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I prepared baby shopping lists
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I made hospital bag checklists
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I sorted and washed all the baby clothes I received from friends and family
Many people laughed at me for being so organized so early, but something inside me kept telling me to be prepared.
And honestly… I feel that the “mummy instinct” already knew that my baby wouldn’t wait for the full 40 weeks
Aches
The first trimester gave me a terrible back pain, which improved a lot in the second trimester.
However, new pain entered my life—foot pain.
It became so painful that I started limping while walking. No doctor could clearly figure out the exact reason. The only explanation they gave was that a nerve might be getting pressed due to the increasing pressure in my body.
The good part?
It lasted for a few weeks and then disappeared on its own.
Ate More and Peed Less
One thing I was truly thankful for was that my constant urge to pee reduced.
In the first trimester, I felt like I lived inside the washroom. But in the second trimester, it became much better. I finally had a life outside the loo!
My appetite also improved.
I didn’t experience morning sickness even earlier, but I still couldn’t eat properly during the first trimester. In the second trimester, I could eat more comfortably and I started enjoying food again.
I ate everything I was advised to eat… and of course, I also enjoyed my cravings!
Back to Life
By this time, the restrictions on eating outside were reduced.
So my husband and I finally started enjoying our lunch and dinner dates again.
I was also allowed to join fitness classes, and that was actually fun. Not only could I exercise, but I also got the chance to meet other moms-to-be, which made the journey feel less lonely.
Travel
Travelling in the first trimester was a strict no for me.
But in the second trimester, I was finally able to travel. I went to Mumbai because my husband was there for work.
Somewhere in my heart, I knew that for the next few years, this would probably be the last time I could just pack my bags and travel freely.
I also stayed with my parents for a few weeks because I knew this was the last time I would get their undivided attention before becoming a mother.
Being able to travel without any complications felt truly refreshing.
Movements
This is the main reason why I call the second trimester the most beautiful phase.
This is the time when you start feeling your baby move.
The little kicks and movements begin, and honestly… no words can properly describe that feeling.
For the first time, I could actually feel that there is a life growing inside me.
I would talk to my baby, and sometimes I would get a kick in response—it was magical.
I was always very particular about counting movements. Even if I felt fewer movements on any day, I would immediately panic and rush to the doctor.
Usually, the doctor would check… and the baby would start moving again like nothing ever happened
Lovely Hair
The hair growth during the second trimester was awesome. There was no hair fall and the hair grew to be think and lovely. Something I had always wanted.
All pregnancies are different and thus, different people can face different symptoms. Some other things you might face in this trimester are:
- No morning sickness
- Acne and dull complexion
- Low confidence levels due to increasing belly
- Sleeping issues if you like to sleep on your stomach
- Itchiness on the stomach area
- Stretch marks
- Lesser cramps
In the second trimester your belly starts showing and it’s a tough thing to keep your pregnancy a secret. This is also the time when you will need to start buying maternity clothes. Maternity pants are very comfortable and they can be used post delivery too for a few weeks. Though the second trimester is the easiest of the three, you should always take care of your diet, exercise and doctor appointments. You should pamper yourself with massages and you should do everything that makes you happy. After all, a happy mummy means a happy baby.
