Things To Expect in Your Second Trimester
As you move into your second trimester of pregnancy, some pretty fascinating and interesting changes will happen with your baby and yourself. At Doylestown Women’s Health Center, we want to ensure all of your pregnancy care needs are met and all of your questions are answered by our skilled doctors and OB-GYNs. For any concerns or to schedule your next consultation, never hesitate to contact our women’s health facility. Continue reading to learn more about your second trimester changes!
Your Uterus Is Growing
During your second trimester, your uterus will grow from the size of a pear to about the size of a watermelon. Don’t worry, it will return to normal size after your pregnancy and birth of your new baby boy or girl! During this time, your uterus will begin to fill with about 4-6 pound of liquid to cushion and protect your baby.
Your Heart Is Working Hard
Your heart will now begin to pump about 40-50% more blood than it did pre-pregnancy. It will also beat 10-20 times more per minute. During the second trimester, your body is sending fuel and blood to the umbilical cord and the placenta, and prepping for your little baby’s birth. Throughout this time, you will feel more tired because your body is essentially working in overdrive to protect and care for your baby.
Your Baby Can Hear You!
Your baby’s little ears will be fully developed by 18 weeks, meaning they can hear your voice and listen to music. At Doylestown Women’s Health Center, we encourage all of our patients to talk to their baby, sing songs, or play music. This can help soothe your baby and he or she may even recognize certain songs played while in the womb after birth.
Your Placenta Is Working The Hardest!
As you grow your placenta, it will actually do the work of four organs! The placenta is often called “the tree of life” and it’s true! Your placenta is extremely important; it will work to eliminate waste from the baby, filter bad or toxic things from the baby, and supply the baby with blood and food. It will truly protect and care for your little one as he or she grows in the uterus.
Get Ready For Milk
Around 20 weeks, your breasts will already be filled with baby’s first milk. At this stage, hormones have already triggered milk production and your breasts are preparing for nursing. During the third trimester, you may experience some leaking, but it’s nothing a nursing pad cannot solve!
Little Baby Can See Light
Towards the end of the second trimester, around week 30, your baby’s irises are completely formed. This means your little one can see and may even react to light. During this time, if you are laying in direct light or sunshine, you may notice your baby being more active than usual, baby is actually trying to shield his or her eyes.
Visit Your Local Women’s Health & OB-GYN Today!
During your second trimester of pregnancy, there are many changes occurring with your body and your little growing baby, we’ve only listed a few. For further questions about your second trimester and pregnancy care in general, please contact Doylestown Women’s Health Center to schedule your next appointment and feel free to check out our Stork Club. We look forward to caring for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy!