Months 4 through 6 of pregnancy are often relatively low-maintenance. The challenges of the first trimester are in the rearview mirror, nausea decreases, and energy returns. Most exciting of all? You’ll start to feel Baby’s first movements.
Symptoms
Second trimester symptoms are generally tame, and most of the bothersome ones are overshadowed by exciting signs of new life. A few pesky symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath: The uterus continues to grow and might put some pressure on your lungs that you notice while taking the stairs or going for a run. This feeling is totally normal, but talk to your healthcare provider if you feel like even basic activities leave you breathless or if the difficulty breathing has a very quick onset.
- Stretch marks: Your ever-changing shape might cause you to develop some purple or white lines on your skin. They’ll fade and become less noticeable or most folks after the postpartum phase. Stretch marks can feel itchy or dry, and a soothing lotion or balm can help!
- Vivid dreams: Blame it on pregnancy hormones or interrupted sleep, but vivid dreams can be very common during pregnancy.
- Dizziness: The second trimester can make your blood pressure drop as your blood volume increases and blood vessels relax. This can leave you lightheaded or dizzy, so make sure you stay hydrated and feel free to sit or lie on your side to feel better and stay safe.
- Round ligament pain: A brief and sharp pain, often felt in the groin or hips, round ligament pain is a pregnancy staple for most folks. Although you may be unable to avoid it completely, moving slowly (don’t jump up out of your seat!) and wearing supportive belts or clothing can help.
Healthcare provider appointments
Second trimester OB provider visits, which should take place about every four weeks, are important for tracking your blood pressure, baby’s growth and discussing symptoms.
Your provider will take measurements of your stomach from the top of the uterus to the base of your pelvis, which gives a good idea of Baby’s changing size. Perhaps the most exciting part of second trimester visits is the opportunity to hear their heartbeat.
Even though birth is still a few months away, your healthcare provider will also take this time to talk to you about childbirth classes and give you information about signs of premature labor. Don’t hesitate to tell your healthcare provider about any physical or emotional concerns, as they can guide you to further sources of support when necessary.
Tests
Between weeks 15 and 24, most people have several milestone pregnancy exams! These may include:
- Anatomy Ultrasound and Cervical Length: A favorite of most parents, the anatomy ultrasound takes a thorough look at every inch of your growing baby. From head to toe, and your baby’s sex if you want to know it, will be shown to you in detail. A cervical length is often done at the same time. This precise ultrasound measurement of the opening of your uterus can identify those at risk for preterm labor and birth.
- Multiple marker screening: Alpha-fetoprotein, which is secreted by the fetus, can be a sign of Down syndrome or spina bifida if present at very high levels. This can be detected with a simple blood draw, and most women undergo the screening. An abnormal result, which occurs in about 4% of women, could be a false positive, so your healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound to confirm a genetic defect.
- Amniocentesis: This is an invasive diagnostic test to confirm chromosomal differences, usually after a screening blood test or ultrasound has been flagged as high risk. It is an optional test for parents who want more certainty than screening tests can provide. A needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small amount of fluid for testing. It is a brief in-office procedure guided by ultrasound. It carries a small risk of miscarriage.
- Glucose challenge test: After drinking a prepared beverage, parents-to-be have their blood drawn to see how their body responds to a specific amount of glucose. High results require additional testing and may lead to a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. High-risk people will have this test even earlier in pregnancy.
Read more
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Second trimester pregnancy: What to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 5/15/2014. Web.
- “Body changes and discomforts.” Womenshealth.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 9/27/2010. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prenatal testing: Is it right for you?.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 8/22/2015. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prenatal testing: Quick guide to common tests.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 8/8/2015. Web.
- “Preterm labor.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, n.d. Web.
