Whether or not you’re anticipating a child, studying up on all of the issues forward of time, otherwise you’re merely curious — I’ve been documenting the whole lot all through my being pregnant!
I shared all the small print about what to anticipate throughout your first trimester of being pregnant, and now that I’m out of my second trimester, I’m dishing all the products.
As an total be aware, I felt MUCH higher the second trimester after my nausea had handed and I received extra right into a groove. I nested in a giant manner, had my child bathe, and even went on a Cabo babymoon with my husband.
From what to anticipate to issues to plan for and deal with — right here’s all you might want to know in regards to the second trimester of being pregnant!
Issues To Do Throughout Your Second Trimester
Create Your Child Registry
Begin working in your child registry — even if you happen to don’t get gifted the whole lot, use your registry as a procuring checklist for EVERYTHING you’ll want for child.
There are SO many merchandise on the market, there may be a lot to be taught, and everybody has a special opinion! It may be tremendous overwhelming!
I started to analysis for hours on finish about all the perfect good child devices and gizmos on the market. And let me inform you, there are A LOT.
Don’t know as to what to incorporate in your child registry? Or perhaps you’re even asking your self what even is a child registry?
Right here’s my information to making a child registry!
Begin Pondering In regards to the Nursery
That is additionally the time to order a few of the huge objects!
It may appear loopy to start out interested by the nursery already, however some furnishings can take months to be delivered. So, I’d extremely advocate researching a few of the huge objects like a crib/bassinet, dresser, and rocking chair early in case they’re back-ordered or received’t be restocked for a couple of months.
Choose a Child Bathe Date and Plan
…or ask buddies/household to plan the bathe for you! I had my yard child bathe at 26 weeks however you may have it at any level!
Contemplate if you happen to’d wish to have it earlier (whenever you’re a bit smaller — you will have time to buy any remaining objects after gifting) or later when you will have extra time to plan the bathe and when your bump is greater (for cute images).
Plan for a Babymoon
We took our babymoon in Cabo after I was 27 weeks, which was the weekend after my babymoon so it felt particular!
I preferred the timing of it — it was like having a honeymoon after your marriage ceremony! That entire week I felt so liked and spoiled. It was technically the primary week of my third trimester, however I’d advocate taking this journey anytime in your second! You’ll be feeling your greatest earlier than week 26.
Contemplate Planning One thing Particular for Your Associate
The infant bathe tends to be all about mother, so I deliberate a boys’ weekend in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico for my husband the weekend earlier than my bathe.
I feel it’s vital for each dad and mom to really feel liked and supported earlier than the infant, so think about what your companion would possibly wish to do, even when it’s a weekend away on their very own!
Contemplate Hiring a Delivery Doula and/or Postpartum Doula
We’re hiring a delivery doula and a postpartum doula. No matter your delivery plan, each technique of help could be a game-changer in getting ready you for delivery and the weeks following. Relying on the place you reside and the demand, you could must make this choice early on in your being pregnant.
We employed our delivery doula at 22 weeks and her calendar was already practically full. We employed our postpartum doula at 26 weeks and her availability was already fairly restricted.
We had been on the fence about hiring somebody for postpartum (PP) as a result of we now have household regionally. However, in the long run, we felt the funding can be invaluable to assist us get right into a groove and return to work with out placing an excessive amount of stress on our household.
I’ll share extra about doulas within the corresponding weeks later on this put up!
Issues to Know for Your Second Trimester of Being pregnant
Your Second Trimester is Week 13-26 of Being pregnant
There are numerous issues try to be conscious of, learn up on, and be ready for!
Being pregnant & Birthing Books/Programs
Within the first trimester and pre-pregnancy, I used to be centered on studying fertility and being pregnant books. Every thing was SO new to me then so I used to be even studying books on making an attempt to conceive (TTC) as soon as I used to be pregnant to make up for issues I didn’t study pre-pregnancy.
Within the second trimester, I moved on to books that had been much less about child’s growth and extra about being pregnant and the way it pertains to my physique and wellness. I then moved on to birthing programs.
Books:
- Brain Health from Birth (I like to recommend this within the First Trimester, however it’s nonetheless value studying if you happen to haven’t but)
- Expecting Better: Breaks down numerous being pregnant knowledge into data-driven evaluation. Ex. Are you able to drink wine/espresso whereas pregnant? Are you able to eat deli meats/sushi?
- Nurture: This guide can be began within the First Trimester however I began it within the second. You’ll be able to learn it all through being pregnant and postpartum because it covers the whole lot from conception to parenting.
Programs:
I actually tried to restrict my delivery anxieties and never join each single birthing class I noticed on-line. If you’re aiming for a non-medicated delivery, you could have already got selected a birthing methodology like hypnobabies.
Truthfully, you may select no matter course speaks to you. It doesn’t should be a mainstream birthing methodology. For those who join with somebody on-line, or if you happen to discover somebody that gives programs regionally, select no matter is the perfect match for you!
On-line Delivery Programs by MLN:
I do know myself properly and am planning for ache aid as quickly as I need it. So, I signed up for a course by Mommy Labor Nurse—a Labor & Supply nurse I’ve been following on IG since I received pregnant.
She gives three programs: Pure, Epidural, and C-Part so I signed up for the epidural course to get as a lot information as I can on what to anticipate.
Delivery Plan
A delivery plan is tremendous vital and might help you’re feeling in charge of one thing that might be utterly out of your management.
My delivery plan was finished with my doula, however you may analysis some templates on-line that can assist you get began. Some issues to think about researching and including to your delivery plan:
- Advocacy: I’m extraordinarily shy on the subject of sticking up for myself, particularly within the medical sense. SO a lot of what’s routine in medical procedures throughout being pregnant and delivery is definitely completely elective. Analysis what procedures are finished all through being pregnant and at delivery (eg. cervical checks, IVs, and so forth.) to resolve what you’re snug with for you AND child. If you’re anxious about advocating for your self, I’d extremely advocate hiring a doula that can assist you with this.
- Submit-Delivery: Twine clamping, placenta encapsulation, and procedures which are routinely finished with the infant (circumcision, vaccines, and so forth.) are all issues to analysis and resolve what you need or don’t need forward of time.
- Induction, Ache Aid, and Emergency C-Sections: I discover consolation in being educated on each attainable end result. I do know that despite the fact that I’m aiming for a vaginal delivery (with ALL the ache aid I need), a C-Part is a completely attainable end result. So, I made a decision to not solely take a course on delivery with an epidural however inform myself about what occurs within the case of an unplanned C-Part.
Useful Tip
There are SO many sources on-line for being pregnant, delivery, postpartum, and parenting on-line. I’ve NEVER adopted so many IG accounts and it actually will be overwhelming. However, I do discover it tremendous useful to get bite-sized items of knowledge the place I be taught one thing new daily.
None of those accounts are the end-all-be-all of knowledge. AND, it’s vital to acknowledge that not everybody on IG is an skilled and even licensed to be giving sure info. Some issues with delivery and parenting are intuitive, and I don’t thoughts getting ideas from ladies who’ve merely finished it earlier than.
I don’t advocate making any medical selections which may threat your or your child’s well being primarily based on what you see on IG. At all times discuss to your physician.
Listed here are a few of the accounts I’ve adopted:
Being pregnant & Delivery:
Postpartum & Parenting:
Child Lead Weaning/Toddler Consuming:
Second Trimester of Being pregnant by Week
I suffered from excessive first-trimester nausea and exhaustion. Truthfully, I used to be depressing. However, actually on the day I entered my second trimester, I felt higher.
So many mothers have described the second trimester because the honeymoon interval and I positively may relate.
I felt wonderful all through my second trimester.
I began to correctly “present,” so I lastly felt like I used to be out of this bizarre section of not recognizing my physique but in addition not trying fairly pregnant. I received my urge for food again and was enthusiastic about consuming colourful meals once more (lol — there are solely so many crackers and items of toast a lady can eat, proper?). I additionally received my power again so was capable of be productive with work and round the home.
As I laid out in the beginning of this put up — plan your whole journeys, actions, and social issues for this trimester! Belief me!
Weeks 13-17 of Being pregnant
13-Week Appointment
My first appointment in my second trimester was my nuchal translucency (NT) scan. That is normally carried out between weeks 11-13 of your being pregnant so you could do that in your first trimester.
This check measures the dimensions of the clear tissue, referred to as the nuchal translucency, behind your child’s neck.
An excessive amount of clear area can point out Down syndrome or would possibly present one other chromosome abnormality like Patau syndrome or Edwards syndrome.
NIPT (Noninvasive Prenatal Testing)
I personally opted to have my NIPT finished at 12 weeks (although you may normally do that between weeks 10-21 of being pregnant). It’s a easy blood draw that assessments for chromosomal abnormalities (like Down Syndrome) and may also detect the intercourse of your child.
From my expertise, if you’re below 35 years previous, insurance coverage might or might not cowl this check. For genetic testing in the course of the first trimester, my medical supplier quoted me a flat $299 out of pocket. If you’re 35 or older, you’ll more than likely be inspired to take the check and it’ll more than likely be lined by insurance coverage.
If that is one thing you wish to do, discuss to your OBGYN about your choices at your first appointment.
16-Week Appointment
If you’re having appointments each 4 weeks, you’ll seemingly have your first “second trimester” OBGYN appointment at 16 weeks.
You should definitely convey up any questions, feedback, or issues along with your OBGYN.
What I Skilled at My 16-Week Appointment
- Checking Heartbeat
- Up till this appointment, each go to I had included with my OB concerned an ultrasound. From this level ahead, your whole visits will solely be to test for the heartbeat with a doppler. This stunned me as I used to be so used to seeing my rising child!
- Flu Shot
- That is utterly elective however, relying on the time of yr (in my case mid-winter), you could wish to think about it at any level in your being pregnant if you find yourself at larger threat.
- Second-Trimester Bloodwork
- I had a single tube drawn. This blood check is normally finished between 16-18 weeks and it’s finished for genetic screening. This was the one blood work I had finished (aside from my gestational diabetes screening), which was a LOT much less in comparison with the primary trimester.
17-Weeks: Reflux
Bear in mind how I stated this was the honeymoon section? Effectively, even honeymoons can have their hiccups. I felt largely nice, however I began experiencing reflux proper round 17 weeks and it remained with me most days and evenings for the rest of my being pregnant.
It’s quite common and, in some circumstances, might require a prescription. I discovered aid by chewing a couple of Natural Tums and skilled prompt aid.
I began utilizing a pregnancy pillow at this stage in my being pregnant as properly. It helped to raise me barely so my reflux wasn’t as unhealthy at night time and helped me to stay on my facet whereas sleeping.
Organic Pregnancy Pillow
I used to be on the fence about shopping for this, however no regrets right here! Something sleep-related, I’ll splurge on as a result of we spend a lot of our lives in mattress. It’s additionally one of many solely non-toxic pillows I may discover!
Weeks 18-22 of Being pregnant
Anatomy Scan
You’ll have a mid-pregnancy ultrasound (typically referred to as the anatomy scan) between 18-20 weeks.
I had mine at 19 weeks.
This ultrasound offers details about your child’s well being and well-being, together with measurement and development, the place of the placenta, the infant’s coronary heart price, the quantity of amniotic fluid, and doubtlessly the intercourse of the infant, and so forth.
We discovered our child was within the 98% percentile for measurement at this appointment (aka a large child), so a follow-up anatomy scan was scheduled for Week 30 in my third trimester to evaluate their development.
20-Week Appointment
This appointment and most appointments following week 20 are fast and straightforward.
You’ll merely have the infant’s coronary heart price measured with a doppler and your “fundal” measurements finished—a measurement of your stomach from the highest of your stomach right down to your pubic bone.
22-Week Appointment
I made a be aware that this was the week I began to correctly look and “really feel” correctly pregnant. I shopped for my first maternity garments and actually loved this stage in my being pregnant.
The linea negra (hormonal line in your tummy) additionally began to look on my stomach round this week.
Learn Extra: Cute Maternity Outfit Concepts for the Fashionable Mama
Delivery Doula
I promised I’d share extra information a few delivery doula, so right here’s why we selected to rent one!
A doula is a skilled skilled who offers steady bodily, emotional, and informational help to a mom earlier than, throughout, and shortly after childbirth to assist her obtain the healthiest, most satisfying expertise attainable.
Whereas doulas are sometimes employed by ladies who wish to have an unmedicated delivery, you may profit from a doula it doesn’t matter what delivery you will have deliberate. I all the time knew I’d need an epidural, however I do know that I battle with advocating for myself—particularly in a medical setting.
A doula might help for therefore many causes, however I used to be most all for having a doula to assist guarantee our delivery preferences had been met within the hospital and I wasn’t pressured to do something I don’t wish to do.
Rent a Doula
I’d advocate in search of a DONA-certified doula. You’ll be able to go to the DONA website to seek for one in your space. As a lot as expertise and certifications are vital, I’d extremely advocate talking to a number of doulas to see who you vibe greatest with.
That non-public connection is tremendous vital so that you just really feel tremendous snug.
Price & Size of Service
This actually relies on the place you reside and what kind of expertise your doula has. Since we’re in Southern California, you may think about we’re in one of many highest-cost areas within the nation.
Our doula value $2,000 and included limitless textual content/e-mail/name help all through my being pregnant (in addition to postpartum) and in-person help throughout labor as quickly as I would like it. Whether or not we want help whereas I’m laboring at house or she meets us on the hospital, she’ll be there to help us for all the labor by way of delivery (even when it’s 48 hours!).
It’s positively a giant expense, however one thing we budgeted for from the very starting.
You can even pay for delivery doula help utilizing your Well being Financial savings Account (HSA) or your Versatile Spending Account (FSA). YES! Below IRS rules, you may pay 100% of a doula’s charge out of your HSA or FSA account!
Weeks 23-26 of Being pregnant
23 Weeks
Although I generally felt fluttering in earlier weeks, this was after I actually began to really feel the infant shifting and grooving.
I additionally had some random cramping which is regular as your uterus expands.
24-Week Appointment
Once more, this appointment was straightforward.
You’ll merely have the infant’s coronary heart price measured with a doppler and your “fundal” measurements finished—a measurement of your stomach from the highest of your stomach right down to your pubic bone.
Gestational Diabetes Screening
All ladies are screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 26 weeks of being pregnant.
Since our child was measuring huge, my OBGYN wished me to do a 2-hour glucose check (as a substitute of the conventional 1-hour check) to display for gestational diabetes.
What does this imply?
You quick for 11-hours, have blood drawn (pre-sugary beverage), drink a sugary beverage, wait one hour, have blood drawn once more, wait one other hour, and have blood drawn but once more.
After that, I drove straight to get a breakfast burrito.
The conventional Glucosa drink they offer you is fairly gross and stuffed with synthetic yuckies. The Fresh Test is an FDA-approved pure choice you need to use as a substitute of the everyday Glucosa drink.
I’d advocate getting approval out of your supplier/OBGYN forward of your check. Sadly, the UC system (the place I’ve my supplier) could be very strict with lab procedures and I couldn’t use it — however I hope that others can! It’s a manner higher choice, in my view.
For those who additionally should drink the Glucosa choice supplied within the labs, go for the clear one to keep away from much less synthetic colours.
Child Bathe
We had my child bathe after I was 26 weeks pregnant. I actually suppose having it anytime in your second trimester is right!
Whereas there isn’t any “proper” time to have a child bathe, it’s widespread to have a child bathe anyplace from one month to a few months earlier than the infant’s due date. After the 20-week mark is an effective guess…however not too late, or the infant could also be attending the bathe!
For me, 26 weeks felt excellent. I used to be trying pregnant however not feeling TOO pregnant. I additionally wished to have mine early sufficient in order that I had time to buy something that I didn’t obtain off my registry on the bathe.
Remember that many to-be dad and mom wish to have not less than a couple of weeks of cushion to unpack items, write thanks notes, wash new garments and end organising the nursery.
My Gender-Impartial Yard Child Bathe in San Diego
For those who’re in search of child bathe concepts — from child bathe decorations to child bathe video games — I’m sharing all the small print of my gender-neutral yard child bathe in San Diego!
Learn Extra
Babymoon
Most individuals discover the second trimester to be the perfect time to journey as a result of the morning illness is (usually) behind you and also you’re nonetheless snug sufficient to get round.
And that’s what we selected to do!
I’m due in mid-June and we took our babymoon in mid-March, at 27 weeks pregnant. Being primarily based in San Diego, I significantly preferred the thought of a brief, 2-hour, direct flight right down to Cabo, Mexico.
We had been capable of reap the benefits of Esperanza’s “Hola Bebé” babymoon bundle, and it exceeded our expectations—as you propose your babymoon, positively look to see if the resort or resort has any packages or gives accessible like this!
I’ve received a bunch of suggestions for babymoon locations within the US and worldwide babymoon locations.
Our Babymoon at Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Assortment in Cabo
My husband and I celebrated our infant and our previous couple of months of being simply “us” with a babymoon in Cabo at Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Assortment! We had been capable of reap the benefits of their “Hola Bebé” babymoon bundle, and it exceeded our expectations.
Learn Extra
Postpartum Doula
Why We Employed a Postpartum Doula
Along with a delivery doula, we employed our postpartum doula at 26 weeks.
Additionally known as an evening nurse, night time nanny, or new child care specialist, a postpartum doula helps new dad and mom in the course of the first weeks with their new child.
The doula normally arrives for an evening shift (ex. 9 PM – 6 AM) that normally entails a spread of duties like feeding the infant or bringing the infant to a dad or mum for breastfeeding, altering diapers, and getting the infant again to sleep.
They’ll additionally normally clear bottles and pump components, and plenty of will do child laundry. They’ll do much more when it comes to housekeeping, together with household laundry and dishes, and even assist with meal prep.
The principle motive we employed a postpartum doula, moreover clear dishes and laundry, is to get extra sleep in these first weeks.
I’m positive one of many primary belongings you’ve heard a few new child is how little sleep you get. Getting good sleep can decrease the chance of postpartum melancholy and anxiousness, enhance your well being, and higher your breastmilk provide, amongst different issues.
Price & Size of Service
You could solely need/want a doula a couple of occasions per week. It’s your decision assist from the day you get house from the hospital or a couple of weeks later. It’s actually as much as you! We’re hiring our postpartum doula for 8 weeks.
Right here’s how we’re structuring her schedule:
She is going to begin on week 3 after delivery. We wish a few weeks alone as a household to get our groove however figured the sleep deprivation can be properly underway by then and we’ll be very prepared for the assist.
For two weeks, she’s going to come 2x per week then, for six weeks, she’s going to come 3x per week.
One of many advantages of an evening doula helps with getting the infant on a sleep schedule and chopping out night time feedings when it’s applicable. With an evening doula, you may deal with feeding the infant and getting assist with the remainder of the issues in the home whilst you get extra sleep.
Some households solely need assist for a couple of weeks whereas some might go for assist for as much as 12 weeks or longer. Their charges usually vary between $25 and $45 per hour, however some can cost as excessive as $80 per hour.
I’ll be sharing the third installment — aka the third trimester of being pregnant within the coming months…after I’ve given delivery.
Keep tuned!
Are you at the moment pregnant or do you will have something to report from the second trimester of being pregnant? I’d love to listen to about it within the feedback beneath!
