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September 05, 2008
PREGNANCY
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The beginning of your second trimester is a time for celebration. You’ve almost reached the midpoint in your pregnancy.

This month’s guide covers:

By this stage, you’re probably less queasy and more energetic. Your slightly bulging belly tells everyone you see, “My baby is on the way!” One day soon you’ll notice a fluttering sensation. It’s a moment you won’t soon forget. Your baby is moving inside you, making herself known to the outside world for the first time.

 

 

Your Pregnancy

If you’re not yet wearing maternity clothes, this may be the month. Your waistline will expand more quickly beginning this month.

 

Physical Changes

  • Your pregnancy will begin to show. You may gain three-quarters to one pound each week.

  • Your nipples, the area around them, and the line on your abdomen (linea nigra) will darken.

  • Your placenta will release hormones that help soften some of your joints and muscles, preparing your body for labor and delivery.

  • You may be less tired and hungrier. Cravings might begin. Ice cream and pickles, anyone?

  • Because of hormonal and other pregnancy-related body changes, your chances of getting a urinary tract infection increase. Drinking six to eight glasses of water each day may help.

  • Your uterus is located just below your navel by the end of this month. It’s grown from last month, when it was just above your pubic bone.

Emotional Changes

  • Many of the discomforts of early pregnancy are behind you. You may experience a new sense of calm.

One day soon you'll notice a fluttering sensation. Your baby is moving.

Baby's Development

As your tummy expands, so too does your little one. She’s nearly 10 inches long and three-quarters of a pound by the end of this month. That’s quite a growth spurt from last month (2-1/4 inches and 1/4 pound).

  • Hair begins to grow on her head. Downy hair, called lanugo, begins to cover her body. Eyebrows and eyelashes start to grow.

  • Her skin starts to fill out with fat.

  • Her kidneys make urine.

  • She enjoys moving about in the amniotic sac. You may feel the baby’s movements by the end of this month.

Four-Month Checkup

Your health care professional will check the following:

  • Fetal heart tones. Listen to a sample fetal heartbeat.

  • Height of the fundus

  • Blood pressure

  • Weight

  • Urine

  • Blood tests (as needed)

I was getting a little tired of plain water, so I started freezing juice into ice cube trays and used it to chill my '6 to 8 glasses a day. It's almost funny how much I enjoy that treat.

  • During your prenatal checkup, talk about any concerns you may have.

  • Get exercise daily. It can help increase your energy and soothe aches.

  • Learn and practice Kegel exercises (pelvic floor tightening) and pelvic rock exercises. You can “find” your pelvic floor muscles the next time you use the restroom (bet you won’t have to wait too long!) by stopping the flow of urine. Those are the same muscles you want to flex. Doing Kegels strengthens the muscles in preparation for labor and birth and helps with healing after delivery, including helping prevent incontinence. Plus, they can be done almost anytime or anywhere. What’s not to love?

  • Lie down and put your feet up for at least 30 minutes a day. (Another favorite amongst virtually every pregnant woman!)

  • Choose comfortable clothes to fit your changing size.

  • Wear seat belts low over your hips.

  • Talk about your new responsibilities with your partner.

  • Consider wearing only low or flat-heeled shoes. High heels may cause back pain as your belly grows.

  • Wear a comfortable, well-fitting bra to support your growing breasts.

  • Avoid tight clothing that may hinder blood circulation.

  • Ask your health care professional if you should wear support hose to improve blood circulation.

  • As in the first months, continue to avoid cigarettes, alcohol, etc. Limit caffeinated beverages.

  • Be sure to eat balanced meals and drink your daily quota of water.
Next
Your Fifth Month: A Kick Is a Joyous Event

A portion of the information contained within this page has been taken from patient education material from www.medicalcenter.osu.edu. © The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. All rights reserved.