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Second trimester of pregnancy: how many weeks it starts from, what can be done
The second trimester of pregnancy is the most pleasant period for the expectant mother. Toxicosis is over, the stomach does not interfere with active movement yet. So you can safely do household chores, go to the movies and go for walks.
How many weeks is the second trimester?
This wonderful time starts from the 13th week. At this time, the development of the baby’s body systems is in full swing. By the 16th week, the formation of internal organs and the placenta is completed. Now it will supply the baby with oxygen and nutrients, as well as protect against adverse factors and external infections. By this time, the length of his body reaches 12 cm, and his weight is 80-100 g.
The second trimester of pregnancy is a good time to go swimming.
The child is actively moving, he raises his arms or legs, turns. Often he takes a position with his head up, he can remain so for a while, and then again take the correct presentation. He trains his sucking reflexes diligently by placing his thumb in his mouth.
From the 16th to the 20th week, the mother begins to feel her little one. Initially, these are weak movements, similar to the flapping of the wings of a butterfly – this is how women often describe this phenomenon. Nowadays it is easy to confuse them with bowel function. But soon they will become stronger and more persistent, so it is clear which side of the abdomen the baby is on.
Hair begins to grow on the baby’s face and head. Nails grow on the toes. Lanugo covers his arms, legs and back. This is a special fluff that keeps the original lubricant on the skin. He will stay with him in the first days after giving birth.
This period is calmer compared to the first trimester. The risk of termination of pregnancy is already low, and the emotional instability due to the hormonal surge has passed. The woman is in a good mood, she is still quite efficient, and the first shocks of the baby add happiness and pleasant excitement.
Under the influence of female hormones, the condition of the skin improves, the face becomes smooth and ruddy. But age spots may appear due to the increased work of the subcutaneous glands. A dark strip forms on the abdomen from the navel to the pubis. It usually disappears a few months after giving birth.
A pregnant woman should pay attention to her daily routine. You need to take at least 9 hours to sleep, overwork is now contraindicated. You need to get used to a certain sleeping position – lying on your left side. This is how the vena cava is not blocked by the uterus and the fetal circulation is not impaired. So the expectant mother should sleep until the very birth.
The uterus grows and takes up more space, hence painful sensations in the pelvic and lower back. There should be no pain in the stomach. If they appear, especially when accompanied by bloody or dark discharge, you should immediately contact your gynecologist.
On ultrasound, the time is specified – this is how many weeks have passed since the moment of conception
Cramps in the calves or feet are common. This is a painful muscle contraction that is most often seen in the morning after sleep. This is due to a violation of the metabolism of mineral substances in the body. Massage, walk more, go to the pool – an active lifestyle is important to eliminate leg congestion.
Watch your diet – the diet must contain foods, calcium and magnesium content, vitamin E
Another consequence of a growing uterus is heartburn. The stomach is compressed, which causes digestive disorders. Constipation is also common. You should eat more fiber-rich foods, prunes, dried apricots, beets help to cope well with the problem.
Ultrasound and analyzes in the second trimester
On average, the second planned ultrasound examination occurs within 20 weeks. The doctor assesses the development of the fetus, at this time it is already possible to track pathologies, if any. The amount of amniotic fluid is determined, its compliance with the norms, the condition of the placenta and umbilical cord is checked, whether a sufficient amount of oxygen is supplied to the child.
When the nature of the discharge changes, only a smear will show which infection needs to be fought.
Now you can already find out the gender of the baby, if he is in a suitable position – he does not turn away and does not close with his hands, feet or the umbilical cord.
You will need to pass blood and urine tests, with their help, the level of hemoglobin and the correct functioning of the kidneys are determined. If necessary, the doctor leading the pregnancy may prescribe a smear or ask to donate blood for TORCH infection.
They are considered the norm during pregnancy if they are in moderation, they do not have a dark color and an unpleasant odor. During the second trimester, the discharge becomes more abundant, acquires a whitish tint. The sour smell is not a cause for concern, and it should be.
But if itching appears or the color of the discharge has become dark, has acquired a greenish or yellow color – hurry to the gynecologist. It may be an infection that can be passed on to the fetus. For proper treatment, you need to know its variety, for this a smear is taken
If your health worsens, pain occurs or the temperature rises, you cannot hesitate to visit a doctor. During this period, infections and even colds can harm the child. Treatment should only take place as directed and under the supervision of a specialist.