5 Tips for a Healthy Second Trimester

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. The childbearing process is generally understood as being broken into three separate sections called trimesters. Each designated timeframe contains different pregnancy expectations that a woman must go-through with some of the most unique occurring during the second trimester. The anticipation to meet your child for the first time is quite high, but you’ve got a little while to go until then. In the meantime, here are five tips for a healthy second trimester so you can prepare and adapt to the changes going on in your body.

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

First and foremost, living a healthy lifestyle is ultimately the most important thing to maintain during the second trimester – and the entirety of the pregnancy. This means eating healthy with the most nutritious diet possible. Leveraging your pregnancy cravings within the means of your health-focused diet should be an additional primary concern. Soon-to-be mothers must stay active and are encouraged to exercise. While all pregnant women should avoid high-impact activities to promote the safety of their baby, some recommended exercises include swimming and yoga – both great for the body and aren’t overexerting.

2. Invest in Maternity Clothes

A pregnancy just isn’t a pregnancy without getting some well-fitting maternity clothes. Throughout your second trimester, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible to support a healthy baby. Prepare and anticipate the changes your body will go through, and purchase clothes that provide the perfect mixture of comfort, style and beauty.

3. Sign Up for Childbirth Classes

If you’re a first-time mother-to-be, signing up for childbirth classes during your second trimester is a great way to learn about your pregnancy. These classes are essentially a crash course on childbirth and will educate you on just about any subject. Availability and topic variety will depend on when, where and whom you choose to sign up with. In general, most opportunities will cover pain management techniques during childbirth, what to expect during labor, post-labor nursing and recovery.  

4. Find Pregnancy Support

As exciting as a pregnancy can be, it throws a whole lot of unavoidable emotions directly your way. High anxiety and depression are both common traits of pregnancy-related emotions. It’s important for you to seek support to protect your physical and mental well being from fluctuating hormones. These two factors have an inverse relationship – and as one declines the other can too. The easiest way to find clarity is with your doctor or even friends and family. Talking about your problems and addressing any persistent traits of depression or anxiety with compassionate support can help you get through this time.

5. Get Professional Prenatal Care

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s that no one ever has to go through a pregnancy alone. You can find all of the obstetrical support you need with your local women’s health care center. Your doctor can administer personalized prenatal care to adhere to the specific needs of your pregnancy. The height of a pregnancy can be difficult, but having a trusted professional to fall back on with useful second trimester tips can make the childbearing process that much easier and much less-stressful.