INTRODUCTION TO SECOND TRIMESTER AND ITS SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES
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!!
SECOND TRIMESTER MONTH BY MONTH- SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES IN BABY'S GROWTH
A number of exciting changes in your baby's development occur during the second trimester:
Fourth Month (Weeks 14-18)
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.
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.
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).
Sixth Month (Weeks 24-28)
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.
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.
Disclaimer: These guidelines are generalised and not customised.
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.
