The Second Trimester: What to Expect and The Best To Do List for Weeks 14-27!

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This post shares information and resources about the second trimester of pregnancy. It is jammed packed with everything you need to know about what to expect, to-do lists, symptoms, prenatal care and more!

If you’re somewhere in your second trimester or are approaching this stage of your pregnancy, you’re in the right place.

Have you read my post on the first trimester? If not, you can check it out here.

*This post may contain affiliate links. This just means that if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You can read my full disclosure here.

Second Trimester Questions and Information

It was like one day, I was trying to conceive. You can read more about my journey in this post, and then before I realized it, I was in my second trimester. All of a sudden I found myself feeling and looking very pregnant!

Just because you are past the first trimester doesn’t mean that you don’t have anymore of those pregnancy related questions or concerns. In fact, as my pregnancy progressed, the more questions I had!

The goal of this post is to help you stay informed about what to expect, what to do and how to have the best and healthiest second trimester possible.

The Beginning of your Second Trimester

The second trimester usually ushers in several positives for the expecting parents:

• The risk of miscarriage declines after the first trimester.
• Many women experience a reduction or absence in some unwanted pregnancy symptoms once they are in their second trimester.
• Mama’s who may have waited to tell friends and family they are expecting usually get around to making their announcement during this stage!

Because of these exciting milestones, many expecting moms report feeling more excitement, a sense of relief and anticipation for the future as the second trimester begins.

Doctor’s Visits During the Second Trimester

Routine Doctor Appointments

You will continue to see your doctor or OB/GYN regularly during the second trimester of your pregnancy. In fact, most women begin seeing their physician on at least a monthly basis, or sometimes more if you are diagnosed with having a high risk pregnancy. For example, when I was diagnosed with having placenta previa, I was asked to come in every 2 weeks to be closely monitored.

At each appointment you will typically have a urine test done to check for protein, infections or other important markers that help your physician to monitor and assess your pregnancy.

Your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure and fundal height (space from the top of your pelvic bone to the top of your uterus) to help track the baby’s growth and size.

It is common to check the baby’s heartbeat at each appointment as well.

Your doctor may ask about if you’re feeling the baby move (referred to as flutters). This usually happens sometime middle of the second trimester, and becomes more intense and noticeable as the trimester progresses.

Anatomy Scan

If you have what is considered a normal pregnancy you likely won’t have your next ultrasound until your 20 week anatomy scan. This is a very thorough assessment to check baby’s growth and development.

For many parents, this is when you will find out (for those who did not do genetic testing) or confirm your baby’s gender.

You will get to see all of the baby’s organs, limbs and size, to ensure that they are meeting their growth milestones.

If you have a diagnosis that warrants additional scans, your doctor will advise you how often they are necessary.

Glucose Testing

Around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy your doctor will speak to you about ordering a glucose screening test. This is a test to check for gestational diabetes, and involves you drinking a sweet beverage and drawing your blood at various intervals before and after to see how it is processed by your body.

Gestational diabetes can require additional monitoring and precautions during pregnancy, so it is a good idea to find out whether or not you have it.

I was surprised to find out that anyone, no matter your age, size or fitness level, can be diagnosed with GD during any pregnancy.

Remember, your doctor remains the best source of information if you have any questions or concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask them about anything you notice on the ultrasound or in between appointments.

 

What to Eat During your Second Trimester

If you have been suffering from morning sickness or felt like you couldn’t eat much during the first trimester, you may get some relief as you transition into your second trimester.

Many women feel a lot better and can tolerate more foods once the first trimester comes to an end. Because of this, your appetite may increase.

Luckily, bloating tends to decline, but unfortunately constipation can still be an annoying complication. Remember to eat foods high in fiber and drink a lot of water. Your doctor can prescribe something if you are particularly uncomfortable.

From the second trimester onwards, most doctors will advise you to increase your calorie intake by about 200-300 more calories per day to support your growing baby. It is not abnormal to begin gaining about 1-2 lbs per week during the second trimester.

Don’t go crazy and eat just anything. Consuming healthy whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean meats and pasteurized dairy products will help you to provide nourishing food to your baby. Continue to limit processed and junk foods as much as you can.

To avoid feeling unwell, and to help to keep your baby nourished throughout the day, try spacing out your meals and snacks throughout the day so that you are eating about every few hours.

Some healthy snack ideas include: yogurt, fruits and veggies, crackers and cheese, nuts, or my favourite, smoothies!

The same suggested restrictions should be continued during the second trimester: limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day, avoid alcohol completely, and don’t consume fish high in mercury, cold cuts, unpasteurized dairy products, uncooked meats and eggs, unwashed produce or food that may be contaminated. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions.

Craving and Aversions

You may experience a strong and unique desires for certain foods or drinks, referred to as cravings, or just the opposite.

Some women have a strong distaste or aversion towards certain foods. I couldn’t smell or eat chicken for most of my second trimester.

Some women crave irregular items, such as soil, soap, grass, clay or paper. This is typically linked to an eating disorder referred to as Pica. Speak to your Doctor if you are craving items not usually consumed as food.

How to Deal with Second Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

If you experienced intense negative first trimester symptoms, hopefully you will notice a decline once you enter your second trimester. Many women report less nausea and vomitting.

It is common to experience increased energy and less fatigue, which will help once your nesting kicks in. Nesting is a strong desire to prepare for baby, by cleaning, preparing or organizing the house or their space.

Even though you might have a surge of energy, don’t forget to take it easy and rest often. Your body is very busy and it needs rest to support your baby’s growth and development.

You may begin to experience some of the following second trimester pregnancy symptoms:

 

Skin Changes

It is not uncommon to experience acne, rashes or skin discoloration, including the appearance of the linea negra (a darkened line from your belly button), and darkened areolas during this phase of pregnancy.

Discoloration is often temporary and will change back for most after pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you experience any discomfort.

Nasal Congestion

Increased blood flow in the body and enlargement of your nasal veins may cause nasal congestion and inflammation. If it is bothersome, speak to your doctor about remedies that may help. Remember, it is not advised that you take any prescription medications without your doctors approval.

Dental Issues

Pregnancy can bring on gum and tooth issues, as a result of increased blood flow and inflammation in the body. Unfortunately, some dental care may have to wait until after you give birth, but it is a great idea to have your teeth cleaned and check in with your dentist to make sure there are no serious issues or infections that can be looked after. Did you know the dental infections are related to premature labour?

Dizziness

As your growing baby presses on your blood vessels, you may experience some dizziness and lightheadedness.

This is one of the reasons why doctors advise that you stop sleeping on your back, and instead sleep on your side, from the 20th week onwards. Check out the pillow that helped make side sleeping comfortable for me, here.

 

Leg Cramps

I was shocked at how painful these calf cramps could be, and how suddenly they came on, especially during sleep. Stretching and drinking more water were helpful to reduce them.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge will increase as your pregnancy progresses. Pay attention to colour and consistency. If you notice anything that seems out of the ordinary, speak to your doctor to rule out infections, which are common during pregnancy.

The chance of experiencing a urinary tract infection is also great during your pregnancy. This is one of the reasons your doctor will take frequent urine samples. If you experience pain while urinating or difficultly emptying you bladder, be sure to mention this to your doctor.

Braxton Hicks

Whereas many women will start to experience these false contractions much later in the second trimester, it isn’t impossible to feel them earlier on.

For me, they began around week 20.

They feel like a tightening in your belly, or like the baby is pushing it’s entire body out. It usually lasts from seconds up to a minute, and then releases.

If they begin happening frequently or close together try drinking a big glass of water. If you don’t notice a change or they continue, contact your doctor.

Belly Growth

From the second trimester onwards I had fun tracking my belly growth. It was as if it would grow throughout the day. If it wasn’t noticeable to others that you were pregnant before, they will likely notice soon!

Announcing your Pregnancy

Because you may not be able to hide your belly much longer, if you haven’t announced your pregnancy to family, friends or your employer, it may be a good time to begin planning for this now. You likely won’t be able to hide it beyond the second trimester.

Second Trimester To-Do List

What should you tackle in your second trimester? Below I share some of the most important tasks to get out of the way during this stage of your pregnancy.

1. Plan or Go on a Baby Moon

The second trimester was the perfect time to plan a little pre-baby trip because you’re likely feeling better than you did in the first trimester, and aren’t too big or uncomfortable to enjoy it, as you may be in the third trimester.

We rented a villa, and enjoyed relaxing in the pool and eating out at nice restaurants, since we figured we may not get to do those things for a while.

2. Research Baby Names

You don’t have to make any final decisions, but if you haven’t yet picked out a name for your sweet baby, now may be a good time to start thinking.

3. Create Your Baby Registry

Starting to plan for what you will need for baby should be done sooner rather than later.

Creating a baby registry is a great way to keep an inventory of what you want to purchase or what you may request from others wanting to gift you with something.

For more information on creating a baby registry, including how to and essentials to add to your list, check out this post.

4. Plan for Your Maternity Leave

Review your employer’s policies so that you are aware of the terms, what is required of you and any other particulars, and plan for your leave so that you submit all required documentation on-time.

5. Begin Planning For or Working on Your Nursery (or space for baby)

Whatever space you plan to create for your baby, now is a good time to start planning and preparing it. This is because you are more mobile and still have energy to shop and put things together.

For a complete guide on how to set-up, design and decorate your baby’s nursery, check out this post.

6. Sign Up for Prenatal or Parenting Classes

If you intend on attending prenatal classes, whether online or in-person, research and sign up for them now. You don’t want to wait until last minute and then have to cram information into your head.

There are a wide range of classes that you can take before the baby is born to educate yourself and help you to feel prepared. From birthing to breastfeeding, and more, you have a range of options to choose from.

Some Do’s and Don’ts for Your Second Trimester

DO

• Remain active (once your doctor doesn’t restrict your activity)
• Eat a range of foods
• Eat lots of fiber
• Drink lots of water (at least 80-100 ounces or more)
• Continue to take your prenatal vitamins
• Attend your prenatal appointments
• Rest and relax when possible

DON’Ts

• Avoid risky behaviour that could increase your risk of falling or bumping your belly
• Avoid eating foods on the restricted food list
• Don’t take medication or supplements not approved by your doctor
• Avoid sleeping on your back after week 20

Seeking Additional Knowledge During the Second Trimester

I’m sure you still have questions and want to learn as much as you can. You can do this by checking out reputable blogs and books to help you quench your desire to learn more.

If you prefer to listen, audible is a great source for pregnancy material. I listened to books while setting up my daughter’s nursery and creating my baby registry.  You can check out Audible here if you aren’t already a member.

My favourite second trimester read was The Mother of All Pregnancy Books.

 

Second Trimester Essentials!

Here are my favourite essentials that I used during the second trimester of pregnancy!

1. Pregnancy Pillow

Even before you hit that 20-week side sleeping milestone, sleeping becomes uncomfortable. This pillow was everything!!

I continued to use it even after my daughter was born, for breastfeeding and then creating obstacles for her when we played on the floor. It is probably my favourite pregnancy gift (thanks husband lol).

2. Heartburn Relief

My love of pizza was definitely stunted by the intense heartburn that began for me in the second trimester. To help, I used over the counter remedies, like these tums, which were approved by my doctor.

3. Maternity Belt

When my belly seemed to explode overnight somewhere around week 24, this maternity belt helped to support both my tummy and my back, and reduce discomfort.

It helped with round ligament pain and general discomfort from the weight of my growing belly.

4. Coconut Water

In addition to regular water, I drank coconut water very often during the second half of my pregnancy.

 

Coconut water is a natural detoxifier that has several benefits for expecting Moms.

5. Humidifier

To combat the annoying nasal congestion that surfaces in the second trimester, I found that using a humidifier at night was really helpful. It added moisture to the air to keep my nose from getting uncomfortably dry. It doubles as a vaporizer so you can use essential oils with it.

 

6. Lavender Essential Oil

Speaking of essential oils, lavender was one of my favourites (and approved by my doctor) during the second trimester. A few drops in our diffuser went a long way.

It helped me to relax and fall asleep when I was having difficulty, and was a great night time addition to my humidifier.

7. Coconut Oil

Starting from the beginning of the second trimester, when my little bump started to show, I began using coconut oil on my belly, bum and thighs.

A friend had told me that it helped to keep her skin moist and reduced the chance of stretch marks.

I can’t say that this is 100% factual because I know that genetics play a part in whether or not you develop stretch marks, but considering I didn’t get any, I don’t think it hurt. It also helped my skin to retain its elasticity and look great post-pregnancy.

I loved the fact that it was natural and didn’t contain harsh chemicals that may get into my body.

8. Comfortable Shoes

Around week 20, I started to notice uncomfortable swelling in my feet at the end of the day. As the time passed the need to trade in my usual footwear for more comfortable shoes increased. I lived in these ones during my pregnancy!

If you experience intense swelling in your feet and calves, compression socks are also helpful.

9. Photo Props

If you love documenting your bump and growth, pregnancy photo props are great to help you capture the memories of your baby’s growth and other important pregnancy milestones.

10. Maternity Outfits

You’ve probably gotten away with wearing your normal clothes, maybe with some simple modifications, up until now. I am sure you will find that the further you progress into the second trimester, you may find that you need to add a few maternity pieces to your wardrobe.

These are two of my favourite maternity dresses. This one I wore to my bridal rehearsal lunch ( yes you read correctly, I was in my second trimester when I got married).

 

This second one was great for dinner during my babymoon, even though it wasn’t an actual maternity dress.

Final Thoughts

I hope that this post shed light on what you can expect during the second trimester of pregnancy!

If you are still in your first trimester and haven’t read my post on that stage or pregnancy, you can check it out here.

Be sure to check out other pregnancy and motherhood related posts on the blog too!

I would love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your second trimester experiences! Also, feel free to share any tips or advice below for other expecting moms.

 

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