The second trimester: growth, ultrasounds and the first preps

At the beginning of the second trimester, the fetus already has all its major organs. No wonder you were so tired during those first 13 weeks. So much has already happened! Now it’s time for your baby to grow bigger and continue developing. The unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and the uncertainty of the early weeks will slowly subside, and instead you'll get a burst of energy and a changing body. Here are the biggest milestones of the second trimester.

Growth and physical changes

Yep, that baby is getting bigger, which means your body is changing too. Your belly starts to grow, and the first hint of a baby bump starts to become visible. As fun as it is that the world can now see you’re carrying a little human, all these physical changes can be mentally challenging too. Be kind to yourself, even if you're struggling with your new body.

Your body doesn’t just grow, hormones can also change your skin’s needs. Sometimes it’s a welcome change (hello, pregnancy glow!), but your skin might also go through tougher times. Acne, dry skin, and itchiness are also common during pregnancy, even though it might not be talked about a lot. That’s why it’s extra important to take care of yourself with a good skincare routine. Use a quality day and night cream for your face and cleanse your skin well. For your growing belly, you might want to use a nourishing belly balm or body oil twice a day. While stretch marks are largely genetic, keeping your skin well-moisturized and supple may reduce the chances slightly. Taking the time to massage the cream or oil onto your belly can also be a beautiful moment to connect with your little one amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can find more tips on pregnancy skincare (and which ingredients to avoid) here.

Pregnant during the summer? Be sure to apply extra sunscreen. Due to hormonal changes, you’re more prone to pigmentation spots. On the face, this is often called a pregnancy mask (melasma).

Nerve-wrecking ultrasounds

Around week 13 (optional) and around week 20, there are important medical ultrasounds. These scans check if your baby is developing as expected. Are there 10 fingers and 10 toes? Are the organs functioning properly? Is your baby growing well?This can be a nerve-wrecking time, because what if something abnormal is found? Our advice is to take it as it comes and try to trust that everything will be okay.

If you do get bad news during these ultrasounds, it can be tough. Allow yourself to grieve, but try not to lose yourself in it. Talk about it (if it feels right), and surround yourself with people who can support you through this difficult time.

Maternity care and childcare

Maternity care providers are in high demand! Be sure to register in time, because if you're late, you risk not getting the care you want. Legally, you’re entitled to maternity care, so even if you sign up late, you’ll still receive care. Often this means that you only get the minimum of 3 hours a day though. Register with just one maternity care agency. Signing up with multiple providers holds spots that others might need, which makes it harder for agencies to plan properly. Want to know what maternity care includes? [Read more here].

Planning to use childcare? Now is the time to take care of it. Waiting lists can be long, and it can take a while before a spot opens up for your little one. Sign up with multiple organizations and locations to increase your chances of getting a placement in time for you to go back to work without extra stress.

The first preparations

The second trimester is also when you might start with the first preparations. Maybe by now you know your baby’s sex (or you're keeping it a surprise until birth!), and you're ready to start buying the first items for the nursery. Exciting! Will you go for colorful prints or keep it calm and neutral? Pinterest is full of inspiration! Need tips for organizing the changing table? We've got you covered!

It may still feel far away, but the birth of your baby is approaching quicker than you might think. Many moms-to-be feel a bit nervous about it and understandably so. It’s a major life event, and it’s hard to know exactly what to expect. If preparing well is important to you, now is a great time to start. Explore different birth classes and see what suits you. From hypnobirthing to breathing techniques, there’s something for everyone. If you have supplementary health insurance, many classes are partially or fully reimbursed. Also don’t forget to request your maternity kit at your health insurance to be sure you’ll have everything you need in time.

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