Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Pregnancy / Signs And Symptoms / Most common second trimester discomforts & how to handle them
Team AckoFeb 8, 2024
Share Post
The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the ‘’Honeymoon phase.’’ Reason? Well, from all the three trimesters of pregnancy, the second one is considered to be the most easy-going one!
Contents
During the second trimester, the morning sickness and fatigue that agonized you during the last three months should be fading away and you may feel a bit energetic and more like your old self again. You may have more energy and fewer mood swings as your hormones now balance out.
This is also a good period to tackle many tasks necessary to get ready for your baby, who by the way is growing rapidly inside you. This means your belly grows more and you will notice other changes too. Many women have physical discomforts during their second trimester. Most of these are minor and nothing to worry about. Here is what you can expect, followed by tips to help you handle mild symptoms at home:
The extra weight you have gained in the last few months is starting to put pressure on your back making it sore and painful. Your hips and pelvis may begin to ache as pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments that hold your bones together. Your bones move to prepare for childbirth.
Do not stand in one place for long periods
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs
Wear low-heeled shoes that have good support
Avoid picking up or carrying anything heavy
To ease the pressure, sit up straight and use a chair that provides good back support
In the second and third trimesters, backaches that come and go at regular times might be a sign of preterm labor. Call your doctor if you have this kind of back pain.
Grandma’s Tip: Now is the ideal time to empty your partner’s pocket by some shoe-shopping! Your feet has already or would be swelling up just like your belly is, and now is the right time to get some large-size slip ons. Oh, get some matching with the maternity outfits you bought last week!
Physical activities like walking, pregnancy yoga can help move things along. Additionally, eat a high fiber diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Drink a small amount of water throughout the day. Talk to your doctor before taking laxatives or stool softeners.
Pregnancy hormones also affect the ligaments and bones in your mouth, so your teeth may loosen, gums may bleed or swell. Do not panic, as they return to normal after pregnancy. However, these symptoms can be signs of periodontal disease too and this condition has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight of the baby. The second trimester is the best time to visit the dentist. Use a softer and sensitive toothbrush. Floss gently. Do not compromise on your dental hygiene.
4. Headaches:
This is one of the most common pregnancy complaints. Try to get plenty of rest and practice relaxation techniques, such as sleep and deep breathing.
These are caused by your body making more of a hormone called progesterone.
Avoid greasy, spicy and acidic foods
Do not eat too much at one meal
Eat sitting up
Do not lie down soon after eating
Drink cumin seeds or carom seeds tea to relieve from heartburn
These include cramps, varicose veins, and swelling.
Do not stand or sit in one place for too long
Do not sit with your legs crossed
Rest your feet on a small stool whenever you sit
Do not curl or point your toes
When you get a leg cramp, pull your toes gently towards you to stretch the calf muscle
The tenderness of your breasts should be wearing off. Your breasts are still growing though as they prepare to feed your baby. Wearing a good support bra can make you feel more comfortable.
It is quite normal to see a thin, milky white vaginal discharge. This helps to prevent any infections from traveling up from the vagina to the womb. Wear a panty liner if you feel more comfortable. If the discharge is green or yellow, bloody, foul-smelling or if there is a lot of clear discharge, call your doctor immediately.
Your uterus will rise away from the pelvic cavity during the second trimester. The enlarged uterus puts a lot of pressure on the bladder, giving you a feeling of using the washroom frequently. It is possible to pass urine if you cough, sneeze or laugh too hard. You may want to use a sanitary napkin. Do Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the urethra, vagina, and rectum. You can seek your doctor’s or midwife’s help to learn the Kegel exercises.
Hormonal changes cause the mucous membranes lining your nose to swell, which can lead to a stuffy nose. It will interfere with your much-needed sleep. This can be dealt with using natural ways, like:
Saline drops
Try steam inhalation, before going to bed to enjoy good night sleep
Drink herbal teas to help clear blocked nose
All these discomforts will vanish the second you hold your little bundle of joy in your arms.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.
Recent
Articles
Netherlands Work Visa: All You Need to Know for Indian Applicants
TeamAcko Nov 13, 2024
Delhi Set to Roll Out WhatsApp-based System for Seamless Challan Payments
TeamAcko Nov 8, 2024
Seychelles Visa for Indians: A Guide
TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024
The UK Youth Mobility Visa: A Summary
TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024
Australian Golden Visa Scheme: All that You Wanted to Know
TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024
All Articles
Want to post any comments?
Create ABHA Health card for your baby's safety in less than a minute⚡
Create ABHA Health card for your baby's safety in less than a minute⚡
Get ABHA