Things to Expect In the Second TrimesterLate pregnancy can really prove to be an enjoyable experience. During the second trimester, women can easily adapt to their changing body. There is a lot of hope, joy and merriment related to this period of pregnancy. However, apart from the positive aspects, there are certain discomforts that arise as the delivery date nears. During the end of second trimester, the baby grows quickly in the womb. During this time, a woman is likely to put on a noticeable amount of weight. This fat gets stored in her body to help her after the delivery of the baby. During this trimester, the baby usually grows close to ten inches in length and the movements of the baby become more noticeable. The baby will start twisting, turning and kicking. These movements can be felt from the exterior of the belly. Although these movements can cause pain, they are strong indications that the baby is healthy. Although nausea and fatigue are normally not present during the second trimester, there are other normal symptoms. These symptoms include inflation in the abdominal area, pain near the thighs and abdomen, backaches, breathlessness, stretch marks, changes in the texture of skin, itching and tingling sensations in the palms and fingers. Because the second trimester is a crucial period, it is vital to visit your doctor for prenatal care. In addition to examining you, the doctors can use sonography to determine the baby's growth, development and sex. This is also the stage when you will be screened to detect any possible defects that might be present in the baby. Read more of our articles on the second trimester Second Trimester - Enjoy Being Pregnant Read about the other trimesters |