The most common signs and symptoms you experience in the second trimester include the growing belly, vaginal discharge, swelling, fluid retention, bleeding gums, aches and pains, breast changes and milk leak just to mention a few. Your belly size and shape may differ depending on your weight or your height. To deal with thick waistline, you’ll need to wear stretchy or loose outfits especially after 20 weeks.
Let’s discuss the individual changes in depth. Discharges- during pregnancy, vaginal discharges are normal. However, when the pregnancy alters the pH of the vagina, you could experience overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria or fungal infections known as thrush. The infections are more common during pregnancy or after birth, and may require medical address. Colostrum’s leak- Apart from tender breasts, your breasts produce colostrum’s starting from the 14th -16th week of pregnancy.
The liquid from the breast should be clear or creamy yellow resembling syrup in consistency. You might notice some blood in this syrup, which arises from rapid growth of blood vessels in the growing ductal system, as the body prepares for breastfeeding. In case of a leak, you may consider wearing breast pads inside your bra. Pain- the other symptoms include aches and pains, arising from mild cramping or baby’s movements. Mild pain is common and is not associated with bleeding or other complications. Braxton hick’s contractions - You experience these contractions as your uterus tones the muscles, which helps stimulate blood circulation for your baby.
You could also sense a metallic taste from your mouth due to toxins accumulation from your lymphatic system. This should however improve with time. Skin changes- you may notice various skin, nails and hair changes ranging from stretch marks, pigmentation, red spider veins, hormonal rashes, and skin tags, oily and dry skin. This is completely normal and is therefore nothing to worry about. Health changes - other symptoms such as smells, sinus, nosebleeds and colds may affect your health. During pregnancy, your nose has increased blood supply, which causes it to produce more mucus leading to nose bleeds. All this is normal including the sneezing, sinus problems, cold or flu. Swelling and fluid retention- this condition is basically known as edema and may start anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
These swellings may occur on your feet, legs and hands. This may worsen during hot days or after walking for a long time. Varicose veins are closely linked to causing the swelling. You should consider having a blood pressure test if swelling does not subside after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes: Get your blood sugar level tested to determine if you could be having this type of diabetes. This kind of diabetes mostly occurs when your body is unable to meet the body’s insulin demands especially with the growing fetus. You should realize that having diabetes when you are pregnant could risk you and your baby. As such, it is important to know how to deal with it through diet and losing weight if your weight could be a contributing factor to you becoming diabetic. Also, please note that you are highly likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have gestational diabetes. As such, you should start making the necessary lifestyle changes if you don’t want to end up being diabetic. Gestational hypertension Gestational hypertension occurs for most women when they are about 20 weeks pregnant. When you have gestational hypertension as well as high protein in urine then you are suffering from something known as preeclampsia and is characterized with headaches, visual changes, kidney problems and many more. If you suffer from gestational hypertension, you are likely to be at a very high risk of a stillbirth, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth.
A history of diabetes, being overweight and many others could be the reason behind your gestational hypertension. As such, you need to lose some weight if you want to have a smooth pregnancy and delivery. Other common symptoms you might experience during the second trimester include sleeping problems, rapid weight gain, weird dreams, itchy boobs and bump, leg cramps, increased libido and energy, back aches, heartburn and many others. However, these shouldn’t trouble you as they are completely normal.
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