What happens in the second trimester?
Fourth Month
In this stage your baby’s heart beat is getting stronger – body hair starts to develop and is about 6 inches long and weighs around 4 oz (for those who are getting out their conversion calculators as we speak – 1 ounce is around .25 pounds). At this point eight gallons of blood is flowing through the placenta each day. The placenta is the organ that develops with the fetus as a method to exchange oxygen and all the nutrients the baby needs from you!
Fifth Month
This month is actually very special so mark it on your calendars! At this point, you’ll be hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Your baby has started growing fingers, and toes and even very soft nails. He or She can suck on their thumb, respond to noise and is about half the length it will be at birth.
Sixth Month
Eyes start to open at this point and your baby’s skin is wrinkled, and looks very thin. More than a pint of amniotic fluid is present. This fluid surrounds the fetus and acts like a shock absorber in the amniotic sac to prevent injury.
What this means for you?
This is actually the time of your pregnancy that you might like the most. Everything is fairly stable – you have less of a chance at a miscarriage, your morning sickness will fade, you can have surgery if need be and you don’t have to worry about premature labor (it’s still too early.) This might be the most relaxing part of your pregnancy.. so enjoy it!
1. Time to Buy the Cocoa Butter!
At this point, you’ll start seeing stretch marks – tackle these early! Cocoa butter is effective as well as a product called Bio Oil.
2.Your Growing… Everywhere.
From breasts to ass, skin tags to that mole you thought was nonexistent – everything is growing fast thanks to the increase of estrogen and blood supply flowing through your body.
3. Things Start to Look Different..
Don’t be alarmed if you find your nipples are darker, and there are changes to your skin in general. Dark patches may develop in your forehead and cheeks (this goes away after pregnancy) and people might tell you have that “glow”. The not so good news is that the blood vessels in the lower part of your body are going to start to increase which may cause hemorrhoids. This sucks – yes. But you’re not alone. At this point, the tummy pockets in maternity pants are still too big – so you might have to buy clothes a couple sizes bigger or resort to your husband’s closet.
Your Turn!
Was this helpful? Do you have anything to add? Did you experience something different or have any tips for expectant mothers?
For more information about what to expect throughout your pregnancy check out our posts every Tuesday!
