Easing Into The Second Trimester
The second trimester is often an easier phase of pregnancy. By now, your nausea starts to ease, you have more energy, and you feel more like yourself. Maybe you’ve already shared the exciting news with your friends and family, and if you’ve found out the sex of your baby, it’s all starting to feel very real!
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, but for me, I sometimes had to remind myself I was even pregnant! It felt amazing not to be weighed down by symptoms for brief moments. I genuinely loved my second trimester. Watching my little bump grow each week filled me with excitement.
My Go-to Pregnancy App
You’ve probably already started downloading pregnancy apps on your phone. I discovered the free Ovia Pregnancy app during my second trimester. It became my go-to for tracking my baby’s development and logging how I was feeling, which was super helpful for my doctor’s appointments—pregnancy brain is real! I had the memory of a goldfish, so writing things down was a must.
One of the features I didn’t expect to love as much was the app’s anonymous community. I was surprised by how active and supportive the moms were! I remember going to my first ultrasound alone because my husband couldn’t get out of work. Sitting in the waiting room, I was anxious and decided to share how I felt on the forum. Even though I didn’t know a single person there, just writing it out helped me calm down. I shared my nerves, the loneliness of being there without my husband, and my fear that something might go wrong with the ultrasound. To my surprise, so many moms responded within minutes. They reassured me that it was completely normal to feel that way, and their words of encouragement brought me so much comfort. I didn’t know these women or where they were in their pregnancies, but their support was real. Once the ultrasound went smoothly, I felt compelled to update them! From that day on, I posted regularly and was always met with kindness and solidarity from other moms.
Essential Products
For me, the second trimester was all about focusing on self-care, date nights with my husband, and hanging out with my best friends. Since I knew I had to be careful with spending money, I didn’t buy much, but a few items really helped me through this phase:
1. Skincare
I mentioned this in my First Trimester | Essentials Products post, but I must say it again: the SoKind Pregnancy Skin Care Kit was a game changer. I got it as a gift from my husband, and almost three years later, I’m still obsessed with their products. If you’re craving a mini spa day or just some self-care, this kit is perfect. They even have a hydrating mask… for your belly! Chef’s kiss. My sister-in-law is in her second trimester now, and I didn’t hesitate to recommend it to her. Plus, they’re currently offering a free Dear Baby Skin Care kit with purchases!
2. Maternity Clothing
By the second trimester, your body is changing—your hips are widening, and your belly is growing. I didn’t splurge on maternity clothes but invested in a few comfy and loose essentials. Here’s what worked for me:
- Maternity leggings: I practically lived in these, even after my baby was born. Go for soft, stretchy fabric that’s comfy all day.
- Brands to Try: Knix or Skims.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to choose brands with breathable, stretchy fabrics to accommodate your growing body.
- Maternity underwear: Some women prefer high-waisted briefs like the ones from Knix or Skims for extra belly support. Personally, I wanted something lighter and less restrictive, especially during the summer when I felt constantly hot and bloated.
- Brands to Try: I went with under-bump maternity underwear from Kindred Bravely, and let me tell you, I still wear them to bed—they’re that comfortable (don’t judge!).
- Maternity bras: Your breasts are changing, so investing in soft, supportive bras is key.
- Brands to Try: Kindred Bravely for nursing bras and maternity underwear.
3. Pelvic Support Belt
As your body prepares for childbirth, you may start experiencing discomfort or back pain. This is totally normal, as hormonal changes cause pelvic area ligaments to soften and joints to loosen. I wish I had invested in a pelvic support belt, as I’m sure it would’ve helped ease my lower back pain and belly pressure. It also helps improve posture and provides extra support as the baby bump grows.
4. Pregnancy pillow
Although I initially felt that pregnancy pillows took up too much space on our bed, I also found that they made me feel cozy and reduced the number of times I woke up during the night (not including bathroom breaks!). I usually prefer to fall asleep on my side, but during my pregnancy, I often found myself on my back in the middle of the night. Although it's not a concern during the first trimester, it's generally discouraged to sleep on your back during the second trimester because as your uterus grows, it can put pressure on major blood vessels, including the inferior vena cava, which carries blood from your lower body back to your heart. This compression can reduce proper blood flow to both your heart and your baby, potentially lowering your blood pressure and causing dizziness. The thought of this would often wake me up at night, so having the Snoogle pregnancy pillow to keep me in place reduced the stress of not being on my back while sleeping.
4. Heartburn Relief Products
During my second trimester, I remember struggling with heartburn. Despite my best efforts to eat healthily and frequently, focusing on smaller portions and steering clear of acidic or greasy foods, there came a point when I had to resort to pregnancy-safe antacids. Gaviscon was my go-to. I won't sugarcoat it; the taste and texture are brutal. However, it was the only remedy that provided me with relief. It's crucial, though, to consult your pharmacist to ensure the antacids you choose are safe for your pregnancy.
That’s it for my second-trimester essentials. It’s all about staying comfortable, taking care of yourself, and enjoying those moments with your growing bump. Hopefully, these tips and products will make this phase of pregnancy even smoother for you!
Coco
Please note: I am not affiliated with these brands and do not receive any commission or compensation for sharing links to these products. I recommend them purely based on my personal experience and belief that they may be helpful to you.