What To Expect During Your Second Trimester
October 30, 2009
Fourth to sixth month of pregnancy is considered as the Second Trimester. This is the period when the baby in the womb makes some movements.
Consult the doctor:
In this period, the visit to the health care provider or the doctor may increase, depending on your health and that of the baby. During this period, if you have any questions or clarifications about the changes in your body, or the symptoms that you may be experiencing, however insignificant it may be, get the necessary clarifications from the doctor.
Tests normally carried out:
Normally, the doctors suggest blood pressure and urine tests. Urine test is done to ascertain the protein levels, and for possible diabetes. In some cases, some women may have gestational diabetes, which would pass until she delivers the child. Undertake pelvic examination, if required.
In addition to the above tests, size of the abdomen is also measured. The measurement is in centimeters. Usually, the centimeters in the abdomen measures, will be equal to your number of weeks in the pregnancy. The measurement of the abdomen stretches from the top of the uterus up to the pelvic bone.
The doctor will use an instrument called ‘Doppler’ and hear the heart beat of the child in the womb. This will determine the general health condition of the child. Normally, when you in the 20th week of pregnancy, you may experience a feeling of fluttering or tickling in the abdomen.
This is the movement of the child in the womb. This would be a great experience for you, because this speaks of the general health condition of your child. When you feel this movement, inform the doctor.
In case it is required, the doctor may also advise for a blood test to ascertain for the possible downs syndrome, ultrasound scan to check baby’s growth.
Physical changes:
During the Second Trimester, some physical changes that normally takes place, include larger breasts, larger belly, change of skin color, formation of a lining on the nose and swelling in airway passage resulting in snoring etc. Other changes are leg cramps, shortness of breath, thin and white vaginal discharge. During this period, there are some chances of kidney bladder infection.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!