Detailed guide to the second trimester of pregnancy

Week 15 to 28

During this period, you will begin to discover the growth of your abdomen, to perceive the movements of the baby, and you could experience contractions (which are usually normal, physiological and isolated), especially if you do physical activity, lift heavy things or are exposed to work or social stressIn any case, if you have any questions, contact your obstetrician for information and personalized guidance.

It is common for the vaginal discharge increase in this trimester for hormonal reasons. nausea and vomiting They tend to decrease or disappear, while the tendency to increase constipation due to a slowdown in intestinal activity caused by hormones. To avoid this discomfort, you can increase your intake of fiber y water in your daily diet, as well as doing moderate physical exercise.

Some important care

During the second trimester it is essential to pay attention to changes in the body and adopt habits healthy that benefit both mother and baby:

Liquid consumption: It is normal to feel more thirsty than normal, so you should consume between two and three liters of water a day. Avoid holding urine to minimize the risk of Urinary infections, since this retention can even cause contractions.
Physiological anemia: Many pregnant women experience physiological anemia during this trimester. The doctor will evaluate the appropriate treatment, which often includes iron supplements and dietary adjustments. Pregnancy tests are important to detect this condition.
Vaccination: To strengthen the immune system For both mother and baby, the anti-tetanus vaccine or the double adult vaccine (diphtheria and tetanus) is administered in two doses, one month apart.

Medical consultations during this period are usually carried out monthlyBetween weeks 28 and 30, an ultrasound is performed to assess the baby's growth and verify the location of the placenta.

You may experience symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia o physical fatigueHowever, you can continue with your usual activities, including work, social activities and moderate physical exercises, such as localized gymnastics o aerobics. Do not take medications without a prescription.

Common symptoms during this trimester

During the second trimester, some changes and discomforts may appear in your body:

Involuntary loss of urine: This is due to compression of the bladder by the uterus, and usually occurs when coughing or laughing due to increased pressure. intra-abdominal pressure.
Swelling in the extremities: Your legs may swell, and you may experience numbness in the arms at night. Walking, keeping the legs elevated for a few minutes a day, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting will help relieve these symptoms.
Varicose veins: These may appear due to the pressure that the uterus exerts on the veins, although their appearance also depends on hereditary factors. Taking gentle walks and wearing compression stockings can prevent them.
Leg cramps: These painful episodes may be related to a lack of mineralsTo relieve them, stretch the affected leg and massage the area.

The baby will make itself felt

Most women feel their baby for the first time between the hours of 16 and 22 weeksIn the early stages, the baby's movements can be perceived as a bubble o tickling, and not like the traditional "kicks." These gentle movements will gain strength and become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses.

consume food confectionery, such as chocolates or soft drinks, before an ultrasound can help stimulate the baby's movements and make it easier to actively view the baby during monitoring. Another notable movement is the baby hiccups, which is a rhythmic and common reflex from the first trimester.

Skin care

One of the problems associated with pregnancy is the appearance of stretch marks, although this is also linked to hereditary factors. Apply creams or emulsions with high content of Vitamin A in prone areas, such as the abdomen, breasts and legs, can help you prevent their appearance.

In addition, from the fifth or sixth month, it is advisable to prepare the nipples for the breastfeeding process. Massage them with specific creams, such as those from calendula, to prevent the appearance of painful cracks. Consult your doctor about exercises to prepare this area of the body.

baby features

At the beginning of the fourth month, your baby measures approximately 13 centimeters and weighs about 60 grams. Its body is fully developed, although its head remains proportionally great. From this moment on, you will be able to know the baby gender by ultrasound.

In this trimester, the baby's face begins to take shape and can perform expressions such as frowning and turning the head. Their eyes begin to open and close towards the end of the sixth month.

The world of the baby inside the womb is not dark ni silentThe outer ear develops between the fourth and fifth month, allowing it to hear sounds such as your heart rate and your voice. For this reason, babies at birth are often calmed by listening to their mothers.

Between the fifth and sixth month, the baby's movements become more coordinated, being able to swim, play with the umbilical cord or suck their fingers. This early motor development is essential for establishing fine motor skills after birth.

The second trimester of pregnancy is an exciting and crucial stage, in which you experience significant changes and begin to deeply connect with your baby. Adopting healthy habits and maintaining constant medical follow-up will ensure the well-being of both of you on this beautiful path to motherhood.

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