Second Trimester
- Danielle
- Feb 13, 2022
- 3 min read
We all respond to pregnancy differently. I think it is very enlightening to know what is happening physiologically so you can find peace as your body transforms and your mental and emotional state fluctuates. You may hear this stage being called the honeymoon period, this may not be the case for you, that’s ok, you are on your own journey.
Let‘s check in with your hormones
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by trophoblast cells that surround the growing embryo, which eventually forms the placenta after implantation. This hormone declines and then levels off in the second trimester.
Progesterone continues to rise as the placenta takes over production. Progesterone stimulates the growth of blood vessels that supply the lining of the womb (endometrium), wakes up the glands to nourish the early embryo, prepares and replenishes the endometrium to welcome the fertilized egg. Progesterone also has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles in the body, slowing down your digestive system. It can also cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. When it relaxes, stomach acid can move up into the esophagus, meaning you may experience bloating and heartburn.
Estrogen continues to rise as the placenta takes over, stimulating the growth of smooth muscles in the uterus to prepare for the baby to grow in its cozy home, and during the second trimester, it plays a major role in the milk duct development that enlarges the breasts
As your uterus grows, adding pressure to your bladder, you may notice your running to the toilet a lot more, the hormones Hcg and progesterone also add to more frequent urination.
Some mothers experience nose bleeds and / or congestion, this is due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone increasing blood flow that affect the mucous membranes and blood vessels in the nose. The progesterone increase may also cause increased vaginal discharge.
I would love to be here as a gentle reminder to some of the ways you can encourage harmony in your body and mind, it’s easy to forget especially when you are growing a little human. The second trimester can challenge other areas of your life, such as your relationship, your finances, your career, your beliefs and values on different topics. You are in transition and the life you knew is about to change, your mind may be working over time to prepare and eliminate anything that will not serve your family.
Also, now that you have your energy back you may be feeling motivated to start looking deeper into certain aspects of your life, be sure to check in with your intention with everything you choose to focus on, after all you still need to put your own health as priority.
Stay hydrated, check the color of your urine
Eat clean, avoiding sugars, processed foods, alcohol and unnecessary drugs
Stay active, keep your energy flowing
Rest, enjoy as much QUALITY sleep as possible
Stay anchored, come back to the heart again and again
Healthy boundaries
Baby Development
This is the trimester when you will start to feel you baby jiggle around and kic and the uterus continues to grow and by the 20th week it will reach to the height of your belly button. Now that all the major organs and systems have formed in the fetus by the end of the second trimester, your fetus will be about 13 to 16 inches long and weigh about 2 to 3 pounds.
Baby now has a creamy white substance (called vernix caseosa, or simply vernix) to protect their skin, their placenta is also fully developed!
What else is the baby doing in there?
Listening with deep love to your voice
Swallowing and sucking
The fetus can respond to certain stimuli.
Undergo its most important period of brain growth from the fifth month on
Growing finger and toe nails
Going through cycles of sleep and wakefulness
Growing hair
Opening and closes their eyes
Forming fingerprints
So, it is safe to say, there is alot going on right now.
How has your journey been so far?
Are there any fears arising or needs that are not being met?
Have you started to communicate with your baby?
Have you started journaling?
Do you feel supported?
You have another life within you, universal energy is flowing more powerful than ever through you. Coming up for air after the first trimester, you may notice a few changes. The world appears to be interacting with you differently. Can you slow down enough to listen and receive?
Can you include more practices in your day where you are simply in a creative flow? Dancing, cooking, singing, writing…. A moment do you synchronize your inner and outer world, to let go of the need to accomplish anything, just you, your baby, your breath in harmonious vibration?
Exercises
When you find time, take a moment to sit in a comfortable position and breathe with your baby, ask them how they are, ask if there is anything they need, you may be surprised with what comes through.
Sending you a huge hug!
Blessings,
Danielle
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