What to expect in the second trimester

The second trimester is from 13 to 28 weeks. Often the second trimester brings renewed energy levels. Your nausea and fatigue may be easing.

Your baby is growing and you will begin to feel them moving. This can be a special and exciting sensation.

It is recommended that you sleep on your side from now on.

You may need to begin wearing maternity clothes, trousers and jeans. Make sure you wear a well-fitted bra.

During this time:

• you continue to have antenatal appointments
• you can get vaccinated after 16 weeks to protect your baby from whooping cough
• at 18 to 22 weeks - you will have a fetal anatomy scan
• between 24 and 28 weeks - you can be screened for diabetes
• after 24 weeks - you can apply for maternity benefit

Vaccines needed during pregnancy

Physical changes

As your pregnancy progresses, you will notice more changes in your body.

Feeling your baby move

You should begin to notice your baby moving in the second trimester. This may feel like a fluttering sensation or like your baby is poking you.

Get to know your baby's pattern of movements. If you have a partner, encourage them to feel for movements. This can help them to form a relationship with your baby. Think about what your baby may be doing. For example, moving their arms and legs or sucking their thumb.

Your baby's movements during pregnancy

More energy and less sickness

You should experience more energy in the second trimester. Resist the urge to overdo activity or tasks.

You may find your libido or sex drive returns around this time. Some pregnant women find their sex drive is higher than usual. This may be due to hormones or an increase in blood flow to the pelvic area.

By week 20 morning sickness should ease off for most women.

Sex during pregnancy

Back and pelvic girdle pain

Back pain is caused by your baby getting bigger.

During pregnancy your ligaments also stretch and soften to prepare you for childbirth.

This stretching can cause pain as it puts pressure on the joints of your lower back and pelvis.

To relieve back or pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy:

• avoid standing to do tasks that you can do while sitting
• sit tall, do not slump - support your back with a small cushion
• avoid lifting heavy objects
• wear flat shoes with support so your weight is well distributed over your feet
• work at a surface high enough to prevent you stooping
• make sure you get enough rest

Back or pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy

Constipation

Constipation means that your stools (poos) are harder to pass than normal. You may need to strain while having a bowel movement. You may have fewer bowel movements than usual.

Constipation is common in early pregnancy. It can be quite uncomfortable.

How to ease constipation

Heavy, swollen legs and ankles

Swelling can happen due to:

• the extra pressure your growing baby and womb puts on your body
• the extra fluid your body holds in pregnancy

This is normal during pregnancy.

As the day goes on, the lower parts of your body such as your feet or ankles will begin to hold or retain water. This may be worse in hot weather or if you have been standing.

Bleeding gums

Your teeth and gums will need a little extra care now that you are pregnant.

Hormone changes can cause a build-up of plaque which leads to bleeding gums.

Make sure you:

• brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day
• see a dentist at least once during the pregnancy for a check-up - make sure to tell them you are pregnant

Emotional changes

During this trimester your tummy shape will show the first signs that you are going to become a mother. Seeing your baby for the first time on an ultrasound scan is often a memorable experience.

As the baby moves, you may begin to think about the baby as a separate being. This is often when you start to bond with your baby.

You may start imagining what your baby will be like. You may be thinking about yourself as a mother, and changing your behaviours to reflect this.

As your baby gets bigger, your body changes. You may feel emotional or sensitive about this.

You may develop 'pregnancy brain' where many women notice they are more forgetful or disorganised than normal. Many women have vivid dreams about their baby.

Sharing your thoughts and feelings with your partner and your family will help you to deal with any worries you may have.

Ultrasound scans

Warning signs in pregnancy