The second trimester of my pregnancy was a breeze! I enjoyed this trimester the most. Most of the symptoms I felt during the first trimester went away or got better. Additionally, being pregnant fully sank in and I could see it! I could feel my baby’s movements too. Read about my first trimester recap here and continue reading to learn more about my second trimester!
Preparing For Our Baby
This trimester was about preparation. We started our registry towards the end of the first trimester and continued to build onto it throughout our pregnancy. Having our registry put together early helped us budget, track items we had or needed, look out for discounted prices, and focus on other things.
We planned to move after my graduation, so we were looking for a new home. Having a baby impacted what we were looking for in a home such as the neighborhood, room sizes and more. Although we don’t plan to settle where we’ve moved, it’s been an amazing start for all of us!
The Sex of Our Baby
Shiina and I decided that we wanted to be surprised with the sex of our baby. We had our technician write down the sex on a note, tucked away safely in an envelope. During dinner, we opened the envelope to discover that we were having a girl!
We planned for a small party to reveal the sex to our families, but with everything going on in the world, we wanted to play it safe. Instead, we surprised our families with a game. We placed pink and blue Lindt chocolates in a box. There was more pink than blue. We directed our family members to grab a chocolate at the same time, without revealing what was in their hand. They were so excited to reveal their hand to find out what we were having! After everyone received a chocolate, they opened their hands.
Symptoms
I started to notice a belly bump at the end of my first trimester. It was small but quickly grew throughout the second trimester. It was amazing to see my baby grow! I was also more comfortable with my body than before pregnancy. For example, I used to be uncomfortable with my stretch marks. As my bump grew, so did my stretch marks. I didn’t care how I looked anymore. I loved my body and what it was capable of.
I felt my baby’s kicks at around eighteen to nineteen weeks! Her kicks were consistent so I knew when to expect them. She moved during the evening and night, which were times I didn’t move as much. I loved playing music for my baby and reading to her. However, she moved the most when I drank orange juice!
I experienced sciatica, which led me to attend physical therapy. I had a hard time walking up stairs or putting clothes on. Not to mention, trying to get sleep was tough. Some nights I’d wake up with leg cramps, especially on my calves. Physical therapy helped me regain my strength by performing small exercises and stretches.
Daily Life
My energy returned, which felt amazing! I was able to get more things done and I wasn’t so tired all the time. Although things weren’t the same, I was happy to have my energy back!
My daily life looked different from the first trimester. I graduated so there was a big shift in what I did daily. I decided not to work anywhere after graduation as I was experiencing physical pains and would’ve had to give birth in just a few months. I didn’t plan to stay long term either. I spent this time focusing on myself and my baby. This was great for my mental and physical health.
In the mornings, I prepared a fruit smoothie and stretched or exercised. I’d start my day quietly and peacefully. I’d do light chores afterwards, then move on with whatever I had planned for the day.
Each night, I meditated and stretched while listening to Bridget Teylor’s meditations for at least twenty to thirty minutes. Afterwards, I read two to three books to my baby. I used this time to focus on my baby and I. This really allowed me to create a deeper bond with my baby. The meditations, stretches and affirmations helped me prepare for labor and delivery as well.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Recap
Overall, my second trimester was great! It felt slower than the other trimesters, but it was the most enjoyable one for me. As the symptoms of the first trimester got better, I started to feel better all around too. I loved seeing my baby grow and feeling her movements! I couldn’t wait to hold her, but I had one more semester to go! Look out for a third trimester pregnancy recap post in the next few days!
