Oh my dearest second trimester; shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? No seriously, compared to my first trimester, this one can be romanticized. The difference has been night and day. Which is common for most pregnant women, from how I understand it. My first trimester was just a constant state of discomfort. I was convinced this would be my one and only child if it persisted like that for the full nine months. Today, I’m going to break down what my symptoms have been from week 14 to today, the start of my 27th week of pregnancy and also the last week of trimester two.
· Lower back pain. This one hasn’t been easy but I’ve found it helps me to alternate between sitting, standing, and lying down. Something that has hugely helped me: a heating and massaging pad like this one to use at night as I’m lying in bed and winding down. I also found turning the lumbar support up or using a pillow in the car for extended road time helped.
· Sore feet. This one accompanies the lower back pain most of the time. I’ve just found that standing or walking around for periods of time that wouldn’t have bothered me before, are killing me now. Again, take breaks and sit down. I’ve realized that catering to my feet help—for example, I’m super flat-footed so wearing my Converse helps me. If you have a high arch, buy some shoes with good arch support. My best friend with super high arches that runs around a hospital all day recommends these.
· Frequent urination and of course getting up between 3-5 times a night for a trip to the bathroom. I recommend putting a nightlight in the bathroom so you’re not tripping over stuff in an attempt to avoid the big light.
· Appetite. It started out slow in the beginning (which was a welcomed slow down since it was so up in my first trimester), but has picked up again here towards the end. And it’s no wonder—my tracking app says my baby has doubled her size from four weeks ago!
· Kicks. These are fun to experience, especially when dad is there to see/feel them with you.
· Itchy belly. Honestly, this one doesn’t even happen that often. And when it does, it’s nothing to call home about. You’ll just need some good moisturizer. I recommend applying right after you dry off from a shower.
· IT’S HOT. The fact that we’re having a record hot summer right now probably isn’t helping, but I’m normally cold-natured and embracing the heat. Recently, I am the first to complain that the AC needs to be turned down.
· Nesting! I definitely count this as a symptom because it caused a change in my behavior. My husband probably thought I was crazy, but something in me just decided it was time to go through all of our possessions and toss what wasn’t needed or being used anymore. And it was honestly refreshing.
· Leaking. Like from my boobs. As of right now, it’s miniscule—drops at a time. But my fellow TMI writer, Ashton, says it will continue and increase.
· Emotional highs and lows. It’s hormones, what can ya do.
Pregnancy looks different for everyone though. I’m hoping my streak of mostly mild symptoms continues, but for most it’s back to being uncomfortable in the third trimester again. Some of this I am already seeing, as it’s harder shaving, putting on shoes, bending over, etc. However, as long as this baby girl continues to grow I plan to take these symptoms in stride!
Comments