We have already talked here about the changes that occur in women right after they receive the positive pregnancy result. As soon as they enter the first trimester, it is essential to redouble health care and abandon old habits. Now, we will talk about the second trimester of pregnancy, which covers the 14th to the 26th week of gestation.

Baby development in the second trimester of pregnancy

To begin with, it is important to know how the baby is developing throughout this period. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the little one develops all the essential structures of the body. The kidneys begin to form urine, the liver secretes bile, and the ears are already developed to hear sounds. At this time, the reproductive system is also maturing, so parents canfinding out the sex of the little one.

In addition he starts to make swallowing and sucking movements - he even sucks his thumb! This allows the baby to inhale the amniotic fluid, causing the lungs to mature more and more by the end of gestation.

During this period it is also common for the little one to start moving frequently and for the mother to feel its first movements - the famous little kicks.

Read more: First trimester of pregnancy: symptoms, tests and care

After all, what changes does the mother experience in the second trimester of pregnancy?

As previously mentioned, by the 20th week you can already feel the baby moving, and the growth of the uterus intensifies and the baby bump begins to appear.

The nipples, in turn, become darker, and skin pigmentation also increases in other areas of the body. As a result, some women see the nigra line, a vertical line in the middle of the belly. Melasmas - dark spots that appear mainly on the face - can also appear, so always use sunscreen.

Most common symptoms

The discomforts of the first trimester, on the other hand, tend to disappear as hormone levels begin to stabilize.

However, physical discomforts may arise and, for this reason, a specialized physical therapist may be necessary to help relieve the discomfort at this stage of pregnancy, as well as to help strengthen and prepare the pelvic muscles to support the weight of the belly and also for childbirth.

In addition, although this is the period when the mother-to-be usually enjoys her pregnancy, because not the nausea of the first trimester, nor the heaviness of the belly of the third trimester, some pregnant women may feel it:

• Back pain;
• Cramps;
• Constipation;
• Heartburn;
• Pain in the pelvic region.

Read more: Bye Bye, tension! 6 easy exercises to relax during pregnancy

The main care during the second trimester of pregnancy

The ideal is to avoid sports with risk of falling, preferring those that the pregnant woman was already used to practicing before pregnancy. Some activities are indicated, such as walking, weight training (with professional supervision), pilates, yoga, swimming andaquarobics.

It is also essential to follow a balanced diet - here the saying goes: unwrap less and peel more. Opt for natural foods and avoid processed foods. It is important to control weight gain and, if necessary, consult a nutritionist to ensure the consumption of all nutrients essential for the proper development of the baby. It is also important to drink plenty of water, in addition tomoisturize the skin to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Read more: Drinking Water Makes You Slim: Truth or Myth?

Essential Exams

In the second trimester, the obstetrician repeats some laboratory tests performed at the beginning of pregnancy, such as the complete blood count (CBC), some serologies, and urine tests:

• Morphological ultrasound: In this exam, specialists diagnose genetic malformations, such as Down's Syndrome, and congenital heart diseases. It is also through this exam that the parents find out the sex of the baby;
• Glycemic curve: This test is also called the oral glucose tolerance test and takes place around the 24th week of pregnancy. It is used to identify gestational diabetes;
• CBC: popularly known as a blood test, it evaluates the amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin, leukocytes, and platelets in the pregnant woman, so that it is possible to know whether or not she has anemia, since the condition can occur during this period;
• Serologies: They serve to identify the presence (or absence) of antibodies related to some pathology, especially syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Toxoplasmosis;
• Measure the blood pressure: this evaluation is important to verify if there is a risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy, that is, if the pressure is high. it can occur due to negative habits, such as poor diet and lack of exercise during pregnancy;
• Urine and urine culture: In short, urine evaluation during pregnancy is important to identify possible urinary tract infections as early as possible and thus avoid complications in the pregnancy itself or during delivery. If any changes are seen in the urine type 1 test, the specialist will then order a urine culture;

Read more: Transvaginal Ultrasound: What it is, how it is done and preparation

Tips to Avoid Second Trimester Discomfort

As mentioned earlier, pregnant women tend to feel better during the second trimester of pregnancy when compared to the first. However, some physical discomforts may arise. So here is how to alleviate them!

• Back pain: With the obstetrician's permission, it is important to perform exercises to stretch and strengthen the back muscles. In addition, it is recommended that the pregnant woman not stand too much and avoid crossing her legs when sitting. If indicated by the specialist, a pregnant girdle can help support the belly and, consequently, improve back pain;
• Cramp: Massages and compresses on the cramped area tend to be enough to ease it. However, to prevent cramps, it is essential that the pregnant woman keeps herself hydrated and has a diet rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, for example;
• Constipation: The practice of physical exercise associated with a balanced diet with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and grains helps to improve bowel movements. In addition, keeping the body hydrated with water consumption can relieve discomfort;
• Heartburn: it is indicated that the pregnant woman should not stay on an empty stomach for too long, trying to have small meals every two or three hours;
• Pain in the pelvic region: finally, strengthening the pelvic floor should be the focus to decrease the discomfort in the pelvic region. in addition, resting and avoiding heavy weights also decrease the incidence of pain in the area. however, if it is very intense and persistent, the pregnant woman should see her obstetrician immediately.

Sources:

• Dr. Gabriel Monteiro, gynecologist and obstetrician, and professor of Medicine at Universidade Santo Amaro (UNISA);
• Dr. Jorge Mendes, gynecologist at HSANP hospital.

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