The
Stages Of Pregnancy - The 2nd Trimester
by Janet Hart
Appetite Increase Due to your body's increase need for more nutrients and energy to sustain your growing baby, you may find that your appetite may be increased during this trimester. It is completely normal and will probably continue until your birth.
The mother may be able to feel the movement of the fetus for the first time. This is a phenomenon called quickening, and is typically felt by the end of the 5th month. This fluttering will give way to actual movement and kicking, which is normally felt by the end of the seventh month. Increase belly size, stretch marks and skin changes The uterus has grown to the height of the belly button, making the pregnancy visible. You may notice that skin pigmentation may change on the face or abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones. Due to the stretching of the skin some woman may develop stretch marks. They usually appear in the second half of pregnancy and occur in approximately half of all pregnancies. Don't worry too much about these since most stretch marks fade away after delivery and are barely noticeable. Abdominal and low back pain As your uterus and abdomen expands, you might feel pains in your abdomen, groin area, or thighs. You also can feel backaches due to your increasing weight, or aching near your pelvic bone from the pressure of the baby's head, your increased weight, and the loosening joints in these areas. The lower abdomen may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus. Lying down, resting, or applying heat can help resolve some of these aches and pains. If pains do not get better after rest, it is best to call your chiropractor or other health care provider. Return to normal urination frequency The need to frequently urinate may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder. Nosebleeds and gum bleeds Increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can affect the mucous membranes in the nose and gums. The scan lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, spongier gums, and gums that bleed more easily. Vaginal Discharge You may notice a white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. It is normal. However a colored or bloody discharge may signal possible complications and should be examined immediately. Tingling and Itching Due to the swelling of tissues in the narrow passages of your wrists, tingling and numbness in the fingers is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Also, due to the stretching of your skin, it is common to experience some itching over the stretched tissue, particularly over the abdomen. Not to worry though, these symptoms should disappear after you deliver your baby. Continuation of other symptoms Heart burn, indigestion, and constipation may continue.
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