Physical Changes & Nutrient Requirements

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INTRODUCTION TO SECOND TRIMESTER AND ITS SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES

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The second trimester (14th to the 28th week) is sometimes called the "golden trimester" of pregnancy.  This label is appropriate because it comes with many exciting milestones like feeling the baby's kicks along with welcome changes like relief from morning sickness & fatigue that plagued during the first trimester, precipitating better energy levels and so on. Your baby will probably begin to seem more animated to you during these weeks. Creating a baby registry, buying maternity clothes and thinking about baby names are just a few of the fun tasks on your second-trimester to-do-list!!

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To Consult: The Best Pregnancy Doctor in Chandigarh

SECOND TRIMESTER MONTH BY MONTH- SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES IN BABY'S GROWTH

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A number of exciting changes in your baby's development occur during the second trimester:

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‍Fourth Month (Weeks 14-18)

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• Your baby, weighing about 6 ounces, is growing fast and is about 8 to 10 inches long by the end of this month.
• The umbilical cord will continue to grow and thicken in order to carry enough blood and nourishment.
• During the fourth month, you will gain 1 to 2 kilograms and start to "show."
• You’ll start to feel a slight sensation of movement in your lower abdomen like "bubbles" or fluttering.

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The first baby movement or kick is called "quickening" and make sure you write down the date as it is an important milestone as well as remembrance. This date may also help the doctor determine when your baby is due.

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Must Read: How to handle the First Trimester of Pregnancy!

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Fifth Month (Weeks 19-23)

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• By the end of this month, your baby will weigh about 500 grams and be about 12 inches long.
• An anticipated weight gain of 1 to 2 kilograms with deeper and more frequent breathing.
• The area around your nipples may look darker and wider as your breasts prepare to make milk (lactate).

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Sixth Month (Weeks 24-28)

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• By this month, the foetus is a fully formed miniature baby except that the skin is wrinkled and red and there is practically no fat under the skin.
• The baby still needs to grow, since it is only about 14 inches long and weighs about 1000 grams.
• The baby may cry and suck on its thumb and baby’s movements are more regularly felt.
• An additional weight gain of 1 to 2 kilograms is expected and some women do experience backache. Wearing low-heeled shoes ensures a better sense of balance and comfort during this period.

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To Know More: About What to Do in Your Last Trimester?

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SECOND TRIMESTER

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Your Body

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New and more noticeable changes to your body will happen to make room for your growing baby. You may have:

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• Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin or thigh pain.
• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs or buttocks.
• Darkening of the skin around your nipples.
• A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline.
• Numb or tingling hands called carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Itching in the abdomen, palms and soles of the feet.
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers and face.

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Living Healthy

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Being pregnant may also require some lifestyle changes.

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• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Find ways to control stress.
• Avoid smoking, drinking or use of drugs.
• Do not take very hot baths or use hot tubs/saunas.

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Must Read: Live Q&A on The Three Trimesters

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‍Women should gain a healthy amount of weight while pregnant. A steady weight gain without any sudden loss or gain is warranted in pregnancy.  Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Smart choices about pregnancy nutrition can help promote baby's overall growth and development. Eating a diet that includes grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy and water is the best way to balance the nutrients. Fitting in some form of exercise every day is also a positive step towards a healthy pregnancy.

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Disclaimer: These guidelines are generalised and not customised.

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Hence, it is preferable to follow the advice of your Obstetrician especially with the exercising regime – a type of exercise and frequency to be adopted.

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Click Here: To Book an Appointment

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Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.‍

1. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
3. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
4. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
5. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
6. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
7. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

1. Best Maternity Packages in Bangalore
2. Top Maternity Packages in Chennai
3. Best Maternity Packages with Cost in Mumbai
4. Best Maternity/ Delivery Packages with Charges in Pune
5. Top Maternity Packages with Cost in Chandigarh
6. Top Maternity/ Delivery packages with Charges in Gurgaon
7. Best Pregnancy Packages in Noida

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