SECOND TRIMESTER [13-28 WEEKS]

SECOND TRIMESTER [13-28 WEEKS]

13-16 WEEKS

CHANGES IN BABY –

Fetal growth is particularly striking from now. Your baby has doubled its length since the 7^th week and by the 14^th week; baby is about 3-4 inches long. By the 15^th week eye brows and hair on top of the head begin to grow.

CHANGES IN MOTHER –

• As you emerge from the nasties of the first trimester, you're probably getting your energy back.
• You might notice your hair getting thicker and shinier, one of the (few) attractive side-effects of pregnancy.
• You might start feeling baby move!
• Nosebleeds due to increased blood volume and sensitive nasal passages.
• Heartburn, gas and/or indigestion, Swollen gums, Back aches, due to pregnancy hormones
• Constipation, as your uterus starts pressing on your intestines.
• Forgetfulness (a.k.a. pregnancy brain). No one knows for sure what causes this!
• Faster hair and nail growth 
• Dry, itchy, sensitive eyes.

17- 20 WEEKS

CHANGES IN BABY –

Now baby is about the size of your hand spread open wide. You are showing more now and have an obvious swelling in your lower abdomen.

18^th week marks the following changes: baby's bones they begin to harden, or ossify.

With the beginning of the 19^th week the vernix caseosa, a white waxy substance that protects the delicate skin of the child starts developing under which the skin will begin to thicken in the next month along with the growth of hairs & nails under this protective cover.

CHANGES IN MOTHER –

• Vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus and more bodily fluids.
• Weird dreams. This might be hormonal, but it might also be the result of your nerves and anticipation.
• Baby's kicks -- they're getting stronger!
• Swollen feet and/or hands.
• Back aches. Baby's putting a lot of pressure on your insides.
• Trouble sleeping. Your mind is working overtime and you're getting more and more uncomfortable.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• High energy
• Shortness of breath. As your uterus expands, it pushes against your lungs.

21- 24 weeks

CHANGES IN BABY –

Your baby’s body is getting plumper but the skin is still wrinkled. Its face and body looks more like that of an infant at the time of birth.

Mild ingestion excretion of amniotic fluid serving sugar absorption starts by 21^st week

22^nd week marks development of taste buds & sense of touch. Reproductive system too starts developing. In boys testes begin to descend from abdomen & in girls the uterus & ovaries are in place & vagina is developed.

Lungs start developing in d 24^th week.

CHANGES IN MOTHER –

• Sometimes milk secretions as milk ducts will be fully developed by the end of this trimester.
• Stretch marks. You skin gets pulled thinner as baby grows.
• Increased libido.
• More vaginal discharge, a result of increased blood flow down there.
• Steady weight gain –
• Minor swelling in your hands and feet.
• Back aches, due to extra pressure from baby and carrying around the extra weight.
• Trouble catching your breath, as baby continues to crowd your lungs.
• Linea nigra. That's the dark line that runs up the center of your belly. It will fade after baby's born.

25-28 WEEKS

CHANGES IN BABY –

Now your baby begins to see the world around it. Your baby now knows how to open and close its eyes inside the womb. The baby is becoming plumper and rounder, because there is an increase in fat. The amount of brain tissue also increases.

In 27th week though the lungs, liver, and immune system still need to fully mature, but if born now, baby would have a very good chance of surviving.

CHANGES IN MOTHER –

• Constipation.
• Hemorrhoids -- baby is putting a ton of pressure on your digestive tract.
• Gas and bloating. Your hormones are slowing down digestion, creating excess gas.
• Heartburn. Since baby is pushing on your digestive system it can push stomach acid up your esophagus.
• Slightly higher blood pressure. That's normal at this phase of pregnancy.
• Aches and pains -- the third trimester can be really uncomfortable due to hormone fluctuations and the toll on your body.

The Dos

• Start sleeping on your side: Avoid sleeping on your back and sleep on your side instead (especially on your left side, which may improve blood flow to your placenta and reduce swelling).
• Start moisturizing your belly: Slathering on the lotion may not prevent stretch marks, but it will reduce itchiness!
• Eat healthy: In your second trimester, you need an additional 300 calories a day for yourself and your growing baby.
• Sneak in a pregnancy power nap: When fatigue makes it hard to get through the day, revive yourself with a 15-minute snooze.
• Pack healthy snacks: When hunger attacks, it helps to have snacks that pack a nutritional punch ready in your desk, purse, or car. And if you're suffering from morning sickness, munching on a simple snack like crackers throughout the day or before you get out of bed can ease nausea.

The Don’ts

• Avoid unsafe activities: Now that your belly's bigger, you'll need to avoid sports or activities that carry a high risk of falling or that may cause trauma to your abdomen.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption, especially during the first and second trimester, can adversely affect fetal development and cause long term birth defects.
• Smoking - Along with avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Smoking has been attributed to causing low birth weight, a factor in developing conditions such as placenta previa and placenta abruption, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, preterm labor, and various other complications during pregnancy.

Food and the second trimester

• Highlight dishes that are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which you need to help baby grow strong bones and teeth.
• Foods like milk; almonds; Sesame seeds; Yoghurt drink may help.
• Find dishes containing omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain development.
• Foods like walnuts; cabbage; cauliflower can be a choice.
• Foods that allow you to have the safe form of vitamin A (beta-carotene).
• Mango; Orange; carrots; broccoli do serve the purpose.

Ayurveda and second trimester (not to be used without a physician’s prior consultation)

• 'Kalyanak Ghrita' is used in the 4th & 5th months. It is supposed to be effective in the development of mental faculties of the growing foetus
• Ashvagandha avleh : During 5th & 6th month of the pregnancy due to the growth & development of the feotus the mother becomes weak.  Here the use of ashvagandha avleh is of great help.