How many weeks does the 2nd trimester start? Second trimester of pregnancy: size and weight of the fetus, condition of the pregnant woman, necessary tests

The second trimester of pregnancy is the most pleasant period for the expectant mother. Toxicosis is over, the stomach still does not interfere with active movement. So you can safely do household chores, go to the cinema and go for walks.

The second trimester is how many weeks?

This wonderful time begins from the 13th week. At this time, the development of the baby’s body systems is in full swing. By the 16th week, formation is completed internal organs and placenta. Now it will supply the baby with oxygen and nutrients, and also protect against adverse factors and external infections. By this time, its body length reaches 12 cm, and its weight is 80-100 g.

Second trimester of pregnancy - good time for swimming

The child is actively moving, he raises his arms or legs, and spins. Often he assumes a head-up position, may remain so for some time, and then return to the correct presentation. He diligently trains his sucking reflexes by placing thumb hands to mouth.

From the 16th to the 20th week, the mother begins to feel her little one. Initially, these are weak movements, similar to the flapping of the wings of a butterfly - this is how women often describe this phenomenon. Nowadays they are easily confused with the work of the intestines. But soon they will become stronger and more persistent, so it is clear which side of the abdomen the baby is on

Hair begins to grow on the baby's face and head. Nails grow on the fingers. Lanugo covers his arms, legs and back. This is a special fluff that holds the original lubricant on the skin. He will stay with him in the first days after giving birth.

Condition of the expectant mother

This period is calmer compared to the first trimester. The risk of miscarriage is already low, and the emotional instability due to the hormonal surge has passed. The woman is in good mood, she is still quite functional, and the baby’s first kicks add happiness and pleasant excitement.

Under the influence of female hormones, the condition of the skin improves, the face becomes smooth and ruddy. But they may appear dark spots due to increased work of the subcutaneous glands. Forms on the stomach dark stripe from the navel to the pubis. It usually disappears a few months after giving birth

A pregnant woman should pay attention to her daily routine. You need to spend at least 9 hours sleeping; overwork is now contraindicated. You need to get used to a certain sleeping position - lying on your left side. This is how the vena cava is not blocked by the uterus and the blood circulation of the fetus is not disrupted. This is how the expectant mother should sleep until she gives birth.

Possible discomfort

The uterus grows and takes up more space, which causes pain in the pelvis and lower back. There should be no pain in the stomach. If they appear, especially accompanied by bloody or dark discharge, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.

The ultrasound determines the period - this is how many weeks have passed since conception

Cramps in the calves or feet are often noted. This is a painful muscle contraction that is most often observed in the morning after sleep. This is due to a violation of the metabolism of minerals in the body. Get a massage, walk more, visit the pool - active image life is important for eliminating congestion in the legs.

Watch your diet - your diet must contain foods containing calcium and magnesium, vitamin E

Another consequence of a growing uterus is heartburn. The stomach is compressed, causing digestive disorders. Constipation is also common. You should eat more foods rich in fiber; prunes, dried apricots, and beets help cope well with the problem.

Ultrasound and tests in the second trimester

On average, the second scheduled ultrasound examination occurs at 20 weeks. The doctor evaluates the development of the fetus, at this time it is already possible to track pathologies, if any. The quantity is determined amniotic fluid, its compliance with standards, the condition of the placenta and umbilical cord is checked, whether a sufficient amount of oxygen is supplied to the child.

What vitamins should I take?

The second trimester of pregnancy is traditionally called the “golden period of pregnancy.” After all, usually by this time the toxicosis recedes, and the belly is not yet so large as to cause discomfort in the expectant mother. This period marks the development of the baby’s basic systems and organs. For this process to go well, the pregnant woman must follow all the recommendations of the gynecologist and take certain micronutrients. In the second trimester, it is minerals that come to the fore, the deficiency of which can jeopardize the pregnancy itself.

Entering the second stage of pregnancy, future mom You should pay attention to the following vitamins and minerals:

Iron;
Calcium.

These micronutrients can be obtained from the diet, having chosen it correctly, or taken additionally in the form of tablets, if according to the results biochemical analysis their deficiency is visible in the blood.

Iodine is usually prescribed to women at the stage of planning pregnancy, since this element is important in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Then, when pregnancy occurs, it is responsible for the metabolism and proper development of the child. This is why it is so important not to stop taking iodine supplements in the second trimester. Iodine should be taken throughout pregnancy and lactation. Its deficiency will provoke the growth of goiter and disorders of the immune system. It has been proven that 250 mg of iodine every day contributes to the birth of children with a high IQ.

The most common complication of the second trimester of pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia. It causes a decrease protective function body, increased uterine tone, weakness, drowsiness, impaired placental blood flow and even fetal hypoxia. Laboratory anemia is diagnosed using a general blood test, so before visiting a gynecologist it is necessary to regularly conduct this study. If the hemoglobin level drops below 110 g/l, the doctor recommends following a special diet and prescribes iron supplements in tablets or syrup. This element is best absorbed in the afternoon along with folic acid or vitamin C.

In the 2nd trimester, the pregnant woman’s need for calcium increases, since the child needs it for the formation of the skeleton, as well as the nervous, genitourinary and endocrine systems. Daily norm of this element is 1500 mg. Calcium deficiency leads to fetal growth retardation, cramps and muscle pain in a pregnant woman. It is also believed that calcium deficiency during pregnancy affects the development of rickets in the newborn. This is due to the fact that it is in prenatal period The bone apparatus and baby teeth are formed. However, an overdose of calcium can create additional stress on a pregnant woman’s kidneys, so it is important to calculate the exact amount of calcium in your diet with your gynecologist. This micronutrient is best absorbed together with vitamin D and in the evening.

Tone

Increased uterine tone - every second woman hears this diagnosis throughout almost the entire duration of pregnancy. Is it dangerous and what should be done with such a diagnosis?

Tone can appear in any of the three trimesters of pregnancy and is characterized by tension and involuntary contraction of the muscles of the uterine walls. At this time, the woman feels pain similar to pain during her period (the lower abdomen begins to ache and pull). In rare cases, a pregnant woman does not feel any discomfort. With this option, it will be possible to detect increased tone during an ultrasound examination.

Symptoms and causes increased tone

When uterine tone occurs, the pregnant woman experiences pain, as with the onset of menstruation, often this is accompanied by peculiar contractions, and it seems that the stomach begins to “turn to stone.” It is especially dangerous if such contractions are accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina.

The greatest danger is the occurrence of hypertension in the first trimester. Usually during this period, this condition is associated with a disruption in the production of the hormone progesterone and requires observation and treatment, otherwise there is a risk of losing the child.

In the 2nd trimester, tone may appear more often (from about 20 weeks), but this happens without pain. This condition is called training contractions. If the tone is accompanied by prolonged pain with a long duration, this can provoke hypoxia in the child.

Any of the following reasons can provoke tension in the uterus: Rh conflict (if the pregnant woman is Rh negative and the fetus is Rh positive), toxicosis, thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism), sex, viral diseases (influenza, ARVI), physical exercise increased complexity, stressful situations, sedentary lifestyle.

Treatment methods for tone

If the above symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. If the doctor does not detect any serious changes, an appointment will be made. special drugs– antispasmodics, magnesium and vitamin B6 (no-spa, Magnelis B6). Hormonal drugs - utrozhestan or duphaston are prescribed for disturbances in the production of the hormone progesterone. In more serious cases, hospitalization will be prescribed.

Taking any medications without a doctor's prescription during pregnancy can cause Negative consequences– both for the pregnant woman and for her unborn child, so entrust the treatment to a specialist.

When tone occurs, it is important to balance work and rest, not to be nervous, do light exercise and try to spend more time in the fresh air. Be sure to eliminate nicotine and alcohol. And most importantly, fully comply with all recommendations prescribed by your doctor.

Possible problems

What problems can a pregnant woman expect from the fourteenth to the twenty-sixth week of pregnancy?

There are several of them:

Breast enlargement and/or nipple irritability;
False Braxton Hicks contractions in the lower abdomen and groin;
A growing belly and active weight gain, as a result;
Heartburn due to increased acidity in the gastrointestinal tract;
Changes in skin pigmentation are possible;
Stretch marks on the skin, sometimes accompanied by itching;
Snoring is possible as a result of swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx;
Softness of the gums, sometimes accompanied by bleeding;
Dizziness as a result of changes in blood pressure;
Leg cramps;
Dyspnea;
Vaginal discharge;
Urinary tract infections.

The body of the expectant mother is being rebuilt and changing - all these ailments are physiologically determined. However, it is not a fact that the whole range of problems will necessarily accompany the second trimester of pregnancy. These are possible (hypothetical) difficulties. For many pregnant girls, little on this list bothers them in the 2nd trimester. Don't forget that your positive attitude is very important!

What not to do in the 2nd trimester?

It is not recommended for expectant mothers from 14 to 26 weeks of pregnancy:

Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption;
Experience stress, irritation, overwork;
Wear tight, restrictive clothing;
Lift objects weighing more than three kilograms;
Take a steam bath with high temperature more than 15 minutes;
Take medications without a doctor's prescription.

Sex in the 2nd trimester

During a normal pregnancy, sex in the second trimester is not contraindicated. However, young spouses should avoid “extreme” positions when making love. The partner must be attentive and careful, not forgetting about the “interesting” position of the partner.

Many expectant fathers, observing their spouse's growing belly, do not initiate sex for fear of harming the fetus. However, this is more myth than reality. If your desires are mutual, if the chosen position is comfortable for the expectant mother, mutual joy from sex will only strengthen your relationship without any harm to the unborn child.

Colds and other ailments

A pregnant girl can take any medications only after agreeing with her doctors. For example, during a routine inspection in antenatal clinic at your gynecologist. Many medications are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as they can adversely affect the health of the fetus and lactation, respectively.

Therefore, in order not to take additional medications, it is important for the expectant mother to try not to get sick. For example, avoid colds or acute respiratory viral infections. In this regard, it is important to strengthen your immune system in advance - at the stage of preparation for pregnancy (the development of immunity is facilitated by: taking multivitamins, hardening, regular walks and physical exercise).

During flu epidemics (February-March), try not to visit public places with high concentrations of people to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid hypothermia or overheating, regularly ventilate the room in which you are located.

Stay positive and don't get overwhelmed. Remember that very soon you will give life to a new person. Let the thought of this miracle help you smile more often and rejoice during the happiest time in every woman’s life!

The second trimester is "golden" time of pregnancy. Right now it is receding, the tummy is not yet very heavy and large, so the expectant mother feels great in the second trimester. In the second trimester, the risk is already significantly lower, so the mother can pay less attention to possible signs and symptoms. What happens during the second trimester?

This period, like the other two, lasts three months: from 14 to 27 weeks. In the second trimester, women feel especially good. Future baby continues to actively develop and. At the end of the period, the baby reaches a height of 23 cm and weighs almost 900 grams. Internal organ systems are actively forming, and the number of nerve cells is growing. Mom will soon feel the baby's first movements. It is in the second trimester of pregnancy that it is determined.

If in the second trimester of pregnancy you have a fever, strange colors (yellow, white, brown, greenish) or have any - be sure to consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate in the 2nd trimester!

The expectant mother in the 2nd trimester should dress lightly and freely. Try not to let your clothes put pressure on your stomach. Tight pants can lead to swelling. Visit your gynecologist regularly and take all prescribed tests in a timely manner. Be sure to listen to your body. Rest more, walk in the fresh air more often, eat well. Do not forget to drink during pregnancy if it occurs in winter or spring.

Video about the second trimester of pregnancy

We invite you to watch a video that describes in detail the second trimester of pregnancy.

The second trimester of pregnancy is a unique velvet season for any woman. Your belly is already noticeable (although very often only to you), but every day the uterus rises higher and higher, which significantly changes the course of a pregnant woman’s life.

However, the good news is that the toxicosis has already weakened, and you can fully enjoy this wonderful time of waiting for future motherhood and completely devote yourself to pleasant and joyful activities.

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The time from which to which week is considered the second trimester, and the main changes in the body

The main periods of the second trimester of pregnancy are considered to be the period from 13 to 26 weeks. Until about 21 weeks, the fetus is no larger than an apple, but soon it will begin to rapidly develop and gain weight.

The expectant mother also observes drastic changes in her body. First of all, the waist and hips increase in volume, it becomes impossible to put on some things. And that's completely normal. The pelvic bones begin direct preparation for the process of the future birth of the baby.

2nd trimester of pregnancy - baby development from 13 to 27 weeks

Second trimester of pregnancy - part 1

Pregnancy. 2nd trimester.

2nd trimester // TONUS/ Ultrasound/ BIG INCREASES

2nd trimester of pregnancy. My experience+tips+tummy

Until the second trimester begins, women actively argue about when the baby should move for the first time. This indicator is very individual and depends on many factors. Eg, fat girls feel the movements of the fetus later than representatives of the fair sex with a thinner figure. Those who are expecting their second or third child may also hear his first movements a little earlier. The standard indicator is considered to be from 18 to 20 weeks.

The middle and end of the 2nd trimester are optimal for starting to wear a birth bandage.

It is especially important for preventing the appearance of stretch marks and eliminating the problem of pregnancy failure. The fetus itself in the second trimester of pregnancy is similar in behavior to a small fish. It can move freely in the uterine cavity, giving a magical sensation to the pregnant woman.

The main diseases that can accompany a woman in the second trimester of pregnancy

Of course, the general condition of the expectant mother during this period is at its best, but we should not forget about some points that may darken this picture. Among the most common problems are:

specific secretions;
continued nausea and general swelling;
pain in the abdomen and lower back;
colds and fever.

Now it’s worth considering each of these cases of the second trimester of pregnancy in terms of time and degree of danger for the baby.

Toxicosis or gestosis?

Nausea, which is an unpleasant companion to the first trimester for more than 80% of women, very often does not end after 16 weeks. It should be noted right away that there is no need to panic, since each organism is individual, and its reaction to the birth of a new life is also different. However, you should always be attentive to your body and pay attention to even the slightest changes.

What distinguishes simple toxicosis from gestosis? Normal nausea caused by unpleasant odors or waking up in the morning can be eliminated by removing obvious triggers from sight. In the morning, it is also recommended to eat light cookies or crackers with tea without getting out of bed. This will help improve the functioning of organs and systems that are still getting used to new stress. Preeclampsia is accompanied not only by vomiting. Usually added to it:

sudden weight gain;
swelling;
high blood pressure;
bad feeling.

You need to be extremely careful and consult a doctor at the first signs of gestosis. Thus, even at an early stage, it is possible to get by with exclusively light drug therapy, which will be aimed at removing excess fluid and stabilizing the general condition.

If you do not come to a specialist in a timely manner, this can lead to premature birth or the death of the fetus itself.

Discharge in the second trimester of pregnancy and during pregnancy

Carrying a baby is happiness

Discharge is a natural process of cleansing a woman’s genital tract. However, if during the first months they did not differ from usual, then the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy is accompanied by a sharp increase in the amount of discharge and a slight change in its structure. Normal indicator is their whitish-milky hue with a slight sour odor.

You should be wary and plan a visit to the gynecologist if you experience:

abundant colorless discharge, which can signal either an allergic reaction to a certain irritant, for example, panty liners (can be eliminated by simply removing the irritant), or it may be leakage of amniotic fluid, which is extremely dangerous. You can independently determine the presence of leakage using a test that is sold at the pharmacy.
white curdled discharge, accompanied by itching and unpleasant sensations, which usually indicate the development of thrush. This disease requires immediate treatment, since there is a high risk of infection of the baby during labor.
spotting is an alarm signal, since it can become a clear sign of premature termination of pregnancy or the onset of labor.
greenish or yellowish discharge, which is characteristic infectious diseases genital tract. This situation also requires an immediate solution, because the infection can be transmitted to the fetus, and this is fraught with harmful consequences (infection, pathologies, or even the death of the baby).

Pain in the second trimester of pregnancy, observed in many areas

Pain in the second trimester of pregnancy is often associated with an increase in the size of the uterus and its upward displacement. This could be pain in the lower back or pelvic area, but you need to remember that there should not be any pain in the abdominal area. If they appear, and also in combination with lumbar discharge, as well as with the presence of bloody discharge, this may be evidence of a possible pregnancy failure. Immediate contact with a medical facility is required.

Unpleasant sensations in the second trimester of pregnancy are also largely associated with the occurrence of heartburn. It is caused by the pressure of the uterus on the stomach. However, it can be reduced or completely avoided if you try to properly structure your diet and avoid eating heavy and fatty foods. Including enough fiber in your daily diet will help prevent hemorrhoids.

Colds and general fever

Row colds in the second trimester it no longer causes any particular concern, but also requires immediate treatment and medical supervision, because many medications remain prohibited for pregnant women. And the course of acute respiratory infections can provoke inhibition of development nervous system a fetus that is actively developing. Hypoxia can also occur. If the infection occurs at 14-15 weeks, then the risk of miscarriage is high, and bed rest for the pregnant woman will also be a prerequisite.

An unpleasant companion to a cold is an increase in overall body temperature. It is definitely worth remembering that reducing it using generally accepted means, such as aspirin, is strictly prohibited. It is possible to use paracetamol, and then only in cases of a sharp increase in temperature. If the mark remains at 37.5 - 38.0, then it is better to refrain from taking medications.

It must be borne in mind that a persistently elevated low-grade fever is sometimes characteristic of a woman’s second trimester of pregnancy during gestosis and other problems, so you should definitely tell your doctor about this. It is worth remembering that any deviations from the normal state of the body require mandatory consultation with a specialist.

Ultrasound and tests that need to be taken in the second trimester of pregnancy and during general consultations

The 2nd trimester of pregnancy ends with an ultrasound examination, which is aimed at assessing the general condition of the fetus and the norm of its development. The specialist looks at the position of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, the location of the umbilical cord, and also measures the approximate height and weight of the child. You can also determine the gender of the unborn baby if it is conveniently located during the ultrasound. Also, future parents can be pleased with the presence multiple pregnancy, if it has not been set previously. The main features of the second trimester of pregnancy allow us to talk about the state of the placenta as an indicator normal course pregnancy.

To the standard list of analyzes ( general analysis urine and blood), the second trimester of pregnancy will also include an analysis for the presence of TORCH infections and a gynecological smear.

When the second trimester of pregnancy begins, doctors may also suggest a so-called triple analysis, allowing to identify defects in fetal development and chromosomal abnormalities. The main advice to pregnant women in the second trimester undergoing such a test is to remember that it does not make diagnoses, but rather determines who is at risk. Therefore, a positive result does not mean that the child may be born sick or with developmental pathologies.

Nutrition in the 2nd trimester of a happy pregnancy

Features of the second trimester of pregnancy regarding nutrition do not differ from the first or third. The key is still proper and balanced food, which will provide the entire list essential vitamins and minerals. There should be a lot of vegetables and fruits; they guarantee the supply of a complex of vitamins and the prevention of constipation.

A pregnant woman's table must include lean fish, various types of meat, beef liver and fermented milk products. The “no” label will include everything spicy, smoked and fatty, as well as alcohol and various ketchups. It is worth limiting the volumes of flour products and sweets.

May your pregnancy be happy and joyful, and may your baby be born healthy!

At the 14th week, the baby’s height approaches 10 cm, the baby trains to inhale and exhale, swallowing amniotic fluid.

14 weeks

By the end of the 15th week, the child can already suck his thumb, which means that his sucking reflex is fully formed. The first hairs on the head appear this week.

By the 16th week, the fetus has fully developed tactile (response to mechanical stimuli), gustatory and vestibular systems. The baby improves the coordination of his arms and legs by moving them in his mother's tummy. Height reaches 12 cm.

16 weeks

The 17th week is reserved for polishing and working out already formed organs and systems. The baby grows very quickly, weighs about 150 g. The child perfectly hears the sounds of heartbeat, blood circulation, and peristalsis occurring in the mother’s body.

By the 18th week, the baby is able to hear sounds coming from outside: music, dad’s voice, the noise of household appliances.

At the 19th week, the child recovers to 300 g and grows to 20 cm. The formation of the fingers is almost complete, and an individual grid of lines appears on them.

The height increases by another 5 cm (25 cm), and now the baby weighs 340 g. The child practices grasping objects, endlessly clenching and unclenching his fists, fiddling with the umbilical cord and, as if shyly, covering his face.

The end of the 22nd week sums up the formation of the baby’s brain as an integral system. Now movements, like mood, crumbs directly depend on commands coming from the hypothalamus. Through the umbilical cord, the child receives hormones that the mother’s body produces depending on the emotions experienced, so the child experiences exactly the same feelings as his mother. Depending on this, he responds to what is happening with active somersaults and pushes. Weight is 400 g.

By the 23rd week, the nails are fully formed and the genitals are clearly visible.

Over the course of 24-25 weeks, the baby’s weight increases significantly and reaches 800 g, the weight is approaching 33 cm. He has already learned to express his feelings and emotions through pushes, and a sleep-wake pattern has developed.

24 weeks

What happens to mom in the 2nd trimester

The body got used to the new state, hormonal storms were left behind, but with full awareness of its “deep” pregnancy came slight memory loss. This is natural, because the body is forced to use all reserves in order to ensure the survival of the baby, and some everyday little things, like turning off the light, calling the supplier or buying milk, are trifles in comparison with what happens in the tummy. This condition goes away after childbirth, you just need to come to terms with it.

At this time, a brown stripe may appear on the rounded tummy, barely noticeable at first, but clearly visible towards the end of pregnancy. Sometimes age spots also appear on the face, especially on the cheeks, which is a consequence of the body's production of melanin. 2-3 months after the birth of the child, the hormonal background changes again, so that both the spots and the brown line simply evaporate.

It is in the 2nd trimester that you can “hear” your baby for the first time. This long-awaited event occurs at 18-20 weeks for first-time mothers and at 16-18 for women who have previously given birth. The sensations are similar to the fluttering of a butterfly, the splashing of a fish - these trembling moments simply cannot be missed or confused with something.

Due to the fact that the child's need for oxygen and nutrients increases, the mother’s body is forced to increase the volume of circulating blood, which can cause high blood pressure and increased sweating. The activity of the endocrine glands also increases, so the amount of secretions increases significantly. Breasts swell and nipples become hard, which means you need to wear special underwear.

Maternity underwear should be loose, versatile and made from natural materials or microfiber. In order for the expectant mother to feel comfortable all day long, it is advisable to purchase a bralette made of cotton. You need to buy seamless panties for pregnant women - this will prevent compression in the tummy and hips. From the 20th week, it is recommended to wear a bandage designed to relieve excess stress on the spine and make it easier to carry out daily activities.

Comfortable underwear for pregnant women

At 22-23 weeks, you can first feel weak uterine contractions, but if they pass quickly and are not too painful, then these are training contractions caused by the fact that the body is already preparing for significant date- meeting the baby.

The child grows, he needs more and more space, and therefore the mother’s tummy increases more and more, the skin stretches and becomes very sensitive to the slightest irritants. In those places where the elastic capacity of the skin has been exhausted, stretch marks form. To combat dry skin and prevent the appearance of stretch marks, you can use special creams daily (always marked “for pregnant women”), nourishing baby cream or olive oil.

Problems of the 2nd trimester

The problems of the 2nd trimester are associated with a growing belly and the fact that the pregnant mother’s body is forced to adapt to such extreme conditions. In this regard, the following troubles arise:

constipation, because the enlarging uterus puts pressure on the intestines;
shortness of breath is due to the fact that the uterus, as the fetus grows, puts pressure on the abdominal organs, which in turn “squeeze” the diaphragm upward, disrupting the free movement of the lungs;
heartburn - the uterus displaces the stomach, and as a result, some of the contents may enter the esophagus;
frequent urination, because the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, the tone of which is already reduced under the influence of progesterone. Sometimes this can cause urinary stagnation, which significantly increases the possibility of infection in the bladder. That is why it is necessary to regularly monitor the presence of protein and the number of leukocytes in the urine.
insomnia, because it is not easy to find a comfortable body position with a large tummy;
anemia due to the fact that blood volume has increased significantly;
excessive weight gain;
cramps and swelling;
candidiasis, the main manifestations of which are copious curdled discharge with unpleasant smell. A pregnant woman's immunity is weakened, which creates excellent conditions for the growth and reproduction of fungi that cause the disease.

The period between the 18th and 22nd weeks is considered a particularly dangerous period for a possible late miscarriage, since at this time the child’s own systems are launched. If the errors are critical, then the schedule of development and maturation of functions in the fetus is disrupted, which leads to hypoxia or malnutrition of the fetus, dystrophic changes, and in severe cases, termination of pregnancy occurs.

2nd trimester tests

In the 2nd trimester, the pregnant woman visits the doctor once a month, and indicators of weight gain, blood pressure, fetal heartbeat and tummy size are monitored. A general blood and urine test is performed monthly.

At week 16, it is recommended to donate blood from a vein to determine the levels of AFT (Alpha Fetoprotein), HCG (Chorionic Gonadotropin) and NE (unconjugated estriol). This is the so-called first screening, carried out to exclude pathologies of fetal development and genetic diseases.

The 2nd trimester may be remembered as the most wonderful time if:

follow a diet and consume sufficient, but not excessive, amounts of food;
Do light exercises every day - this will gently and gradually prepare the body for childbirth;
eat beef and liver, buckwheat porridge and apples to maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood. And if anemia is detected, take medications recommended by your doctor;
do not overeat, exclude fatty foods, eat food often and in small portions - this will prevent the occurrence of heartburn, and to relieve discomfort, you can occasionally take heartburn medications;
walk several times a day to enrich the blood with oxygen;
monitor your daily bowel movements and avoid constipation by consuming vegetables and fruits, especially leaning on beets, prunes and dried apricots;
enjoy sexual relations, because right now, when there is no such a big belly yet, the expectant mother has become especially feminine and sensual;
It is imperative to treat candidiasis in pregnant women, since the mucous membrane eaten by yeast fungi becomes thinner, which can provoke multiple ruptures in the process natural birth;
take prenatal vitamins and calcium;
visit the dentist on time to treat caries, because carious cavities are breeding grounds for infection;
enjoy every day and start choosing “your” doctor for childbirth.

How to choose the right doctor

Pregnancy is associated with uncertainty and anxiety. To prevent panic from overshadowing the joyful anticipation, it is advisable to decide in advance on the choice of a doctor. You can look for reviews of relevant specialists on the city forum, you can consult a gynecologist who is managing the pregnancy, but it is best to find out the opinion of mothers you know who gave birth in the maternity hospital you need.

When choosing a doctor, it is advisable to take into account the following criteria:

he must have the appropriate qualifications;
must adhere to those methods of obstetric care that appeal to you;
He is a practitioner and has encountered many situations during the birth process.

Having decided on a couple of candidates, it is advisable to meet with them and discuss your preferences and concerns in a personal conversation. During the consultation, the doctor will be able to assess the condition of the pregnant woman, express his opinion regarding obstetric care and his vision of possible cooperation. After such a conversation, the expectant mother will be able to intuitively and realistically decide on the choice of a specialist to whom she will entrust the most precious thing - her and her child’s health.

The 2nd trimester of pregnancy can be called the prime of pregnancy, because it is at this time that the expectant mother is full of strength and energy, and waiting does not yet bring significant inconvenience and anxiety.