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Well-Being

Easing into the Second Trimester

The second trimester is widely considered to be the easiest period of pregnancy. we explore what to expect during this middle phase of the gestation journey...
By Julia Lamberti

Pregnancy's "honeymoon period"

Hasting from week 14 to 27, the second trimester is often referred to as "the honeymoon period" of pregnancy. This is because this phase offers welcome relief from the hormonal upheaval many women experience in the first weeks after conception. In fact, a number of expectant mothers report an easing of morning sickness and fatigue, less breast tenderness and an increase in appetite during this time.

A woman will also start to develop a growing "baby bump" and begin to feel baby move during this period. The foetus actually develops at an astounding rate in these three months, growing from around the size of a nectarine to that of a cauliflower! Furthermore, this part of pregnancy offers parents the opportunity to discover baby's gender, via an ultrasound, between 16 and 20 weeks.

What to expect as you expand

Although typically a gentler period of pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can still cause a number of physical symptoms during the second trimester. For instance, some pregnant ladies may present with stuffiness, nosebleeds, and snoring, due to increased blood flow to the nasal mucous membrane. A saline nasal spray can help alleviate this nasal congestion discomfort. Expectant mothers also often complain of sensitive and bleeding gums. Flossing gently and using products from the Colgate, Dentalmate and Sensodyne ranges can help manage dental sensitivities.

Because of a 50% increase in blood and bodily fluids, women may also suffer from mild swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, hands and face, known as oedema. Leg cramps, due to fluid retention, weight gain and a potential shortage of calcium or magnesium, are also quite common during this phase of pregnancy. Moreover, certain women report suffering dizzy spells because blood flow to baby increases, leading to a change in circulation. Aching in the lower abdomen is another common complaint in trimester two. Known as round ligament pain, this discomfort is due to the ligaments that support the belly stretching.

Some vascular issues, such as varicose veins and/or haemorrhoids (a type of varicose vein), may also arise at this stage. This is attributable to increased blood volume, the weight of the growing baby pressing on the large blood vessels in the pelvis and hormonal changes affecting blood vessels. Luckily, these conditions tend to disappear after baby is born, but a topical ointment can help soothe uncomfortable haemorrhoid symptoms. Women also start to gain weight during this trimester, due to an easing of "morning sickness", increased appetite and the weight of the growing foetus. In addition, breasts get larger during this period, because of increased oestrogen and the development of milk ducts.

Skin changes may also occur in this trimester, including: brown pigmentation called melasma on the face, a dark line down the abdomen called linea nigra and stretch marks. A product such as BioNike Defence B-Lucent can help protect facial skin from sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Whereas a product like Bio-Oil® or Happy Event nourishes the skin to help reduce the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks. Women in their second trimester can also suffer from heart burn and constipation, due to the hormone progesterone relaxing muscles in the lower oesophagus and intestines. A gentle stool softener is recommended for constipation whilst pregnant. Additionally, pregnancy heartburn can be relieved with many over-the-counter antacids. Your Dis‑Chem pharmacist or local doctor will be able to assist you to identify a suitable and safe option for your unique needs.

Other common second trimester symptoms include:

  • Braxton Hicks contractions, which occur when the womb contracts and relaxes intermittently during pregnancy.
  • Sticky, clear or white vaginal discharge.
  • Urinary tract infections.
  • Back aches and pains, due to pressure from weight gain in pregnancy.
  • Increased hair growth on the head and other regions of the body, such as the face and arms.

Self-care is essential

Practising proper self-care will ensure a happier and healthier pregnancy as a whole. Firstly, women should regularly enjoy moderate physical activities, such as walking, yoga, swimming and water aerobics. Always speak to your doctor before starting any routine. Exercise can help prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy, prepare the body for the demands of birth and promote better sleep and a feeling of well-being. Getting sufficient rest during pregnancy is also crucial and activities which put undue strain on mother and baby should be avoided.

Following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is another significant aspect of pregnancy self-care. Lila Bruk, Registered Dietitian at Lila Bruk & Associates in Johannesburg, specifically recommends eating the following pregnancy "superfoods":

  • Spinach - rich in folic acid, which is essential for the development of baby's nervous system.
  • Yellowtail fish - rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is important for the development of baby's brain and vision.
  • Cashews - rich in zinc, which is crucial for the development of the structure and functioning of baby's brain.
  • Yogurt - rich in calcium, to help avoid calcium depletion in the mother and build a baby's healthy skeletal system.
  • Extra lean beef mince - rich in iron, to prevent premature delivery and an iron deficiency during pregnancy.
  • Eggs - rich in choline, important for preventing neural tube defects related to malformations of the spinal cord.
  • Pilchards - rich in vitamin D, needed for calcium absorption and bone health in mother and baby.
  • Carrots - rich in beta-carotene, which is important for the baby's developing nervous system.
  • Sunflower seeds - rich in magnesium, to help prevent pre-eclampsia, poor foetal growth and premature contractions.
  • Oat bran - rich in fibre, to prevent constipation and keep mother's digestive system functioning correctly.

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, expectant mothers should also invest in a quality prenatal supplement, such as Lifestyle Nutrition Pregnancy Pack, Chela Preg™ Trimester 2, PregOmega® Plus, Stellar Mama, Pregnavit M™, Preggy Mama or Pregvit MR® (all available at your nearest Dis‑Chem). This is to ensure that a mother's body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs to grow and carry a healthy baby.

Awareness of body changes and a little extra TLC will allow women in their second trimester to fully embrace and enjoy this exciting part of their pregnancy. Most importantly, this cognisance and care will ensure that both mom and baby maintain optimum health during this critical time.

Sources: www.mayoclinic.org / www.healthline.com / www.in.pampers.com / www.sleepfoundation.org / www.webmd.com / www.whattoexpect.com / www.storknet.com / www.americanpregnancy.org / www.babycenter.com / www.urmc.rochester.edu / www.kidsinthehouse.com

"Red Flags"
To Watch Out For

Be aware that a number of adverse symptoms can occur in the middle of a pregnancy and require urgent medical attention. These include:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Severe dizziness
  • A high fever
  • Signs of gestational diabetes, such as: extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue and snoring.
  • Symptoms of preeclampsia such as: sudden weight gain, severe swelling in the face and hands and changes in vision.
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